Dictionary

Pharmacology

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

gabapentinAn anticonvulsant drug used for some kinds of seizures and for nerve pain.

ganciclovirAn antiviral drug, usually given by IV, that treats and prevents cytomegalovirus infection.

gentamicinAn aminoglycoside antibiotic, usually given IV or IM, used for serious infections caused by certain bacteria.

glipizideA sulfonylurea taken by mouth that makes the pancreas release more insulin, used for type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1Glucagon-like peptide-1, a gut hormone released after eating; also short for the drugs that copy it.

glucagonA hormone made by the pancreas that raises blood sugar; also given as a drug for severe low blood sugar.

glutamateThe main chemical messenger in the brain that excites nerve cells, making them more likely to fire.

glyburideA sulfonylurea taken by mouth that makes the pancreas release more insulin, used for type 2 diabetes.

glycerinA clear, sweet, syrupy liquid used in suppositories as a laxative and in many skin and drug products.

glycopyrrolateAn anticholinergic drug that dries up saliva and airway secretions and keeps the heart rate from falling too low.

griseofulvinAn oral antifungal drug for fungal infections of the scalp, skin, hair and nails.

gttAn abbreviation for drop or drops, from the Latin gutta and guttae.

guaifenesinAn expectorant: a cough medicine that thins and loosens mucus so it is easier to cough up.

µgA symbol for microgram that should not be used in medication orders; write "mcg" instead.