Descriptionary

botox botulinum toxin; derived from a deadly poi­son, a substance most commonly injected into the forehead to relax contracted muscles and conse­quently reduce wrinkles. It is also used to combat headache and back pain and to help control involun­tary muscle spasms.

broad-spectrum capable of fighting a wide array of microorganisms.

bronchodilator any drug, often in the form of an inhalant, that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and opens airways during an asthma attack or allergic reaction.

camphor a substance used in liniments and in treat­ments for flatulence.

capsicum red pepper, used as a topical analgesic and an expectorant.

castor oil a laxative.

cathartic a laxative.

catholicon a panacea, or cure-all.

chloroform formerly used as an anesthetic, now in treatments for flatulence and as a liniment.

codeine a painkiller and cough suppressant derived from morphine.

cortisone a steroid hormone used in various dis­eases, such as Addison's disease.

cortisone injection an injection of cortisone to treat inflammation, especially in joints.

cytotoxin a drug that inhibits cell division and is effective in slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.

decongestant any agent used to relieve nasal con­gestion.

depressant any drug that depresses the central ner­vous system and produces a sedative effect.

diazepam popular tranquilizer and muscle relaxant, known more widely by its trade name, Valium.

digitalis derived from foxglove, a heart stimulant used to treat heart failure.

disinfectant any cleaning agent used to destroy bac­teria or other microorganisms.

diuretic any drug that increases the output of urine, used to reduce edema.

DPT a vaccination against diphtheria, whooping cough, and tetanus, commonly administered during childhood.

dressing a bandage or other protective wrapping, applied with or without medication to a wound.

echinacea extract of the purple coneflower, used to boost immunity and help lessen the severity of colds.

elixir a mixture containing alcohol or glycerine, used to mask the taste of a bitter or foul-tasting medicine.

emetic any agent used to induce vomiting.

ephedrine a bronchodilator used in the treatment of asthma and allergies.

epinephrine a naturally occurring hormone released by the adrenal glands during stress to increase heart rate and blood pressure; its synthesized version (Adrenalin) is used as a heart stimulant and broncho- dilator and is commonly carried by those with severe allergies to prevent anaphylaxis.

erythromycin an antibiotic used to fight staph and strep infections.

expectorant a cough medicine.

general anesthetic a surgical anesthetic that renders a patient unconscious.

germicide any agent that kills microorganisms.

ginkgo an extract from the leaves of the gingko tree, noted for improving mental performance by increas­ing blood flow to the brain.

ginseng a natural plant product to boost energy levels.

hypnotic any sedative or sleep-inducer.

ibuprofen a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent.

immunosuppressant any drug that suppresses the immune system, used to prevent the body rejecting transplanted tissues and organs.

insulin a pancreatic hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, the manufactured version of which is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

interferon a natural cell protein that helps to pre­vent a virus from replicating.

iodine an antiseptic used to dress wounds.

ipecac a plant extract given in the form of syrup to induce vomiting.

kava a natural root extract believed to relieve ten­sion.

laxative any substance used to purge the bowels.

L-dopa drug used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

lidocaine a local anesthetic that is also used to stop heart arrhythmia.

liniment any rubbing compound used to soothe aching muscles and relieve stiffness.

lymphocyte a white blood cell involved in the body's natural immune system.

local anesthetic any topical substance used to numb or stop sensation in a specific area.

methadone a narcotic used as a substitute for mor­phine or heroin to help those dependent on these drugs to cure their addictions.

MMR a vaccine used to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella, administered during childhood.

morphine a powerful painkiller and sedative extracted from opium.

narcotic a painkilling and sedating drug, such as morphine, that is usually addictive.

natural killer cell a natural cell or lymphocyte in the body that defends against viruses and tumors.

neomycin a broad-spectrum antibiotic, commonly used on the skin and in the eyes.