Dictionary

Pharmacology

Drugs, drug classes and the words used to give medications safely.

famciclovirAn oral antiviral drug for herpes virus infections, including shingles, cold sores and genital herpes.

famotidineAn H2 blocker, given by mouth or IV, that lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.

fat emulsionA milky-white IV fluid of fats, usually from soybean, olive or fish oil, given as part of nutrition by vein.

FDAThe US Food and Drug Administration: the federal agency that regulates drugs, medical devices, vaccines and food safety.

fentanylA very strong, fast-acting opioid pain drug given by IV, skin patch or through the lining of the mouth.

ferrous sulfateAn iron salt taken by mouth to treat or prevent low iron in the body.

fexofenadineA second-generation antihistamine taken for seasonal allergies and hives, with little drowsiness.

filgrastimA man-made growth factor, injected, that tells the bone marrow to make more neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.

finasterideA drug that blocks the change of testosterone into a stronger hormone, shrinking the prostate and slowing hair loss.

fluconazoleAn antifungal drug, by mouth or IV, used mainly for yeast (Candida) infections.

flucytosineAn oral antifungal drug used with other antifungals to treat serious yeast and fungal infections.

fludrocortisoneA steroid tablet that makes the kidneys keep sodium and water, used to replace a missing adrenal hormone.

flumazenilAn IV drug that blocks benzodiazepines and reverses the sedation they cause.

fluorideA mineral that makes tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.

fluorouracilA cancer drug that blocks DNA building in fast-growing cells, given by IV or used as a skin cream.

fluoxetineAn SSRI antidepressant: a drug that raises the level of serotonin available in the brain.

fluphenazineA first-generation antipsychotic drug for schizophrenia, given by mouth or as a long-acting injection.

fluticasoneA corticosteroid used as an inhaler for asthma, a nasal spray for allergies, or a cream for skin inflammation.

folic acidA B vitamin (vitamin B9) that the body needs to make DNA and red blood cells.

fosphenytoinAn IV or IM anticonvulsant drug that the body turns into phenytoin, used to stop and prevent seizures.

furosemideA loop diuretic: a drug that makes the kidneys remove more salt and water from the body.