| 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) |
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| 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) |
| contraceptive agents, male | Chemical substances or agents with contraceptive activity in males. Use for male contraceptive agents in general or for which there is no specific heading. (12 Dec 1998) |
| haematologic agents | Drugs that act on blood and blood-forming organs and those that affect the haemostatic system. (12 Dec 1998) |
| haematologic, gastrointestinal, and renal agents | A collective grouping for agents that act on the haematopoietic, gastrointestinal, and renal systems. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cryoprotective agents | Substances capable of protecting against injury due to freezing, as glycerol protects frozen red blood cells. (12 Dec 1998) |
| hepatitis agents, gb | Proposed members of the family flaviviridae. Gbv-b causes hepatitis in tamarins and possibly humans, and is the putative aetiological agent of a non-(a-e) hepatitis, gb hepatitis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| protective agents | Synthetic or natural substances which are given to prevent a disease or disorder or are used in the process of treating a disease or injury due to a poisonous agent. (12 Dec 1998) |
| histamine agents | Drugs used for their actions on histaminergic systems. Included are drugs that act at histamine receptors, affect the life cycle of histamine, or affect the state of histaminergic cells. (12 Dec 1998) |
| sensory system agents | Drugs that act on neuronal sensory receptors resulting in an increase, decrease, or modification of afferent nerve activity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| serotonin agents | Drugs used for their effects on serotonergic systems. Among these are drugs that affect serotonin receptors, the life cycle of serotonin, and the survival of serotonergic neurons. (12 Dec 1998) |
| hypoglycaemic agents | Agents which lower the blood glucose level. (12 Dec 1998) |