| renal agents | Drugs used for their effects on the kidneys' regulation of body fluid composition and volume. The most commonly used are the diuretics. Also included are drugs used for their antidiuretic and uricosuric actions, for their effects on the kidneys' clearance of other drugs, and for diagnosis of renal function. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| reproductive control agents | Substances used either in the prevention or facilitation of pregnancy. (12 Dec 1998) |
| central nervous system agents | A class of drugs producing both physiological and psychological effects through a variety of mechanisms. They can be divided into "specific" agents, e.g., affecting an identifiable molecular mechanism unique to target cells bearing receptors for that agent, and "non-specific" agents, those producing effects on different target cells and acting by diverse molecular mechanisms. Those with non-specific mechanisms are generally further classed according to whether they produce behavioural depression or stimulation. Those with specific mechanisms are classed by locus of action or specific therapeutic use. (12 Dec 1998) |
| glycine agents | Substances used for their pharmacological actions on glycinergic systems. Glycinergic agents include agonists, antagonists, degradation or uptake inhibitors, depleters, precursors, and modulators of receptor function. (12 Dec 1998) |
| respiratory system agents | Drugs used for their effects on the respiratory system. (12 Dec 1998) |
| menstruation-inducing agents | Chemical compounds that induce menstruation either through direct action on the reproductive organs or through indirect action by relieving another condition of which amenorrhoea is a secondary result. (12 Dec 1998) |
| chelating agents | Organic chemicals that form two or more coordination bonds with a central metal ion. Heterocyclic rings are formed with the central metal atom as part of the ring. Some biological systems form metal chelates, e.g., the iron-binding porphyrin group of haemoglobin and the magnesium-binding chlorophyll of plants. They are used chemically to remove ions from solutions, medicinally against microorganisms, to treat metal poisoning, and in chemotherapy protocols. (12 Dec 1998) |
| chemical warfare agents | Chemicals that are used to cause the disturbance, disease, or death of humans during war. (12 Dec 1998) |
| peripheral nervous system agents | Drugs that act principally at one or more sites within the peripheral neuroeffector systems, the autonomic system, and motor nerve-skeletal system. (12 Dec 1998) |
| riot control agents, chemical | Chemical substances which are employed during a riot in order to control or disperse the rioting parties. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cholinergic agents | Any drug used for its actions on cholinergic systems. Included here are agonists and antagonists, drugs that affect the life cycle of acetylcholine, and drugs that affect the survival of cholinergic neurons. The term cholinergic agents is sometimes still used in the narrower sense of muscarinic agonist, although most modern texts discourage that usage. (12 Dec 1998) |
| photosensitizing agents | Drugs that are pharmacologically inactive but when exposed to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight are converted to their active metabolite to produce a beneficial reaction affecting the diseased tissue. These compounds can be administered topically or systemically and have been used therapeutically to treat psoriasis and various types of neoplasms. (12 Dec 1998) |
| wetting agents | A surfactant that renders a surface wettable by water or enhances the spreading of water over the surface; used in foods and cosmetics; important in contrast media; also with contact lenses, dentures, and some prostheses. Synonym: humectants; hydrating agents. (12 Dec 1998) |
| contraceptive agents | Chemical substances diminishing the likelihood of or preventing conception. The agents do not include occlusive barriers to prevent the passage of spermatozoa into the uterus (contraceptive devices). (12 Dec 1998) |
| contraceptive agents, female | Chemical substances or agents with contraceptive activity in females. Use for female contraceptive agents in general or for which there is no specific heading. (12 Dec 1998) |