Medicine groups explained
Written by group, never by brand. What the group does, why it gets prescribed, what to watch for, and — the part that matters most — how stopping works, because several of these are dangerous to stop abruptly.
The name printed largest on a box is the brand. The group is what determines how a medicine behaves — what it interacts with, what to watch for, and whether it can be stopped at all. Abroad, the brand changes and the group does not, which is why the group is the thing to know.
Several groups here are dangerous to stop suddenly. Each entry has a section saying so plainly.
Heart and circulation
ACE inhibitors and ARBs
Relax blood vessels by acting on one of the body’s blood pressure regulating systems.…
Beta blockers
Slow the heart and reduce its workload, while also lowering blood pressure.…
Calcium channel blockers
Relax blood vessels, and some types also slow the heart.…
Diuretics
Make the kidneys remove more water and salt, reducing swelling and lowering blood pressure.…
Statins
Reduce the cholesterol the body makes, lowering blood lipid levels.…
Antiplatelets
Make platelets less likely to stick together, reducing clot formation inside arteries.…
Anticoagulants
Make blood less likely to clot, preventing clots from forming or growing.…
Diabetes
Pain and inflammation
Digestive
Infection
Breathing and allergy
Inhaled bronchodilators
Open the airways to make breathing easier — the reliever type usually works quickly.…
Inhaled corticosteroids
Reduce inflammation in the airways, making them less reactive over time.…
Antihistamines
Block histamine, the substance behind itching, sneezing, a runny nose and hives in allergic …