| 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) |
| 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) |