ChemicalName
stringlengths
3
104
Definition
stringlengths
12
791
antimicrobial peptides
Small peptides that play an important role in early innate and induced defenses against invading microbes. Most have positive overall charges and are referred to as cationic antimicrobial peptides.
antimitotic agents
Agents that arrest cells in MITOSIS, most notably TUBULIN MODULATORS.
antimony
A metallic element that has the atomic symbol Sb, atomic number 51, and atomic weight 121.75. It is used as a metal alloy and as medicinal and poisonous salts. It is toxic and an irritant to the skin and the mucous membranes.
antimony potassium tartrate
A schistosomicide possibly useful against other parasites. It has irritant emetic properties and may cause lethal cardiac toxicity among other adverse effects.
antimony sodium gluconate
Antimony complex where the metal may exist in either the pentavalent or trivalent states. The pentavalent gluconate is used in leishmaniasis. The trivalent gluconate is most frequently used in schistosomiasis.
anti-mullerian hormone
A glycoprotein that causes regression of MULLERIAN DUCTS. It is produced by SERTOLI CELLS of the TESTES. In the absence of this hormone, the Mullerian ducts develop into structures of the female reproductive tract. In males, defects of this hormone result in persistent Mullerian duct, a form of MALE PSEUDOHERMAPHRODITISM.
antimutagenic agents
Agents that reduce the frequency or rate of spontaneous or induced mutations independently of the mechanism involved.
antimycin a
An antibiotic substance produced by Streptomyces species. It inhibits mitochondrial respiration and may deplete cellular levels of ATP. Antimycin A1 has been used as a fungicide, insecticide, and miticide. (From Merck Index, 12th ed)
antinematodal agents
Substances used in the treatment or control of nematode infestations. They are used also in veterinary practice.
antineoplastic agents
Substances that inhibit or prevent the proliferation of NEOPLASMS.
antineoplastic agents, alkylating
A class of drugs that differs from other alkylating agents used clinically in that they are monofunctional and thus unable to cross-link cellular macromolecules. Among their common properties are a requirement for metabolic activation to intermediates with antitumor efficacy and the presence in their chemical structures of N-methyl groups, that after metabolism, can covalently modify cellular DNA. The precise mechanisms by which each of these drugs acts to kill tumor cells are not completely understood. (From AMA, Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p2026)
antineoplastic agents, hormonal
Antineoplastic agents that are used to treat hormone-sensitive tumors. Hormone-sensitive tumors may be hormone-dependent, hormone-responsive, or both. A hormone-dependent tumor regresses on removal of the hormonal stimulus, by surgery or pharmacological block. Hormone-responsive tumors may regress when pharmacologic amounts of hormones are administered regardless of whether previous signs of hormone sensitivity were observed. The major hormone-responsive cancers include carcinomas of the breast, prostate, and endometrium; lymphomas; and certain leukemias. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual 1994, p2079)
antineoplastic agents, immunological
Antineoplastic agents containing immunological agents (e.g. MAbs). These pharmacologic preparations inhibit or prevent the proliferation of NEOPLASMS.
antineoplastic agents, phytogenic
Agents obtained from higher plants that have demonstrable cytostatic or antineoplastic activity.
anti-obesity agents
Agents that increase energy expenditure and weight loss by neural and metabolic regulation.
antioxidants
Naturally occurring or synthetic substances that inhibit or retard oxidation reactions. They counteract the damaging effects of oxidation in animal tissues.
antipain
An oligopeptide produced by various bacteria which acts as a protease inhibitor.
antiparasitic agents
Drugs used to treat or prevent parasitic infections.
antiparkinson agents
Agents used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The most commonly used drugs act on the dopaminergic system in the striatum and basal ganglia or are centrally acting muscarinic antagonists.
antiperspirants
Agents that are put on the SKIN to reduce SWEATING or prevent excess sweating (HYPERHIDROSIS).
antiplatyhelmintic agents
Agents used to treat cestode, trematode, or other flatworm infestations in man or animals.
antiprotozoal agents
Substances that are destructive to protozoans.
antipruritics
Agents, usually topical, that relieve itching (pruritus).
antipsychotic agents
Agents that control agitated psychotic behavior, alleviate acute psychotic states, reduce psychotic symptoms, and exert a quieting effect. They are used in SCHIZOPHRENIA; senile dementia; transient psychosis following surgery; or MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION; etc. These drugs are often referred to as neuroleptics alluding to the tendency to produce neurological side effects, but not all antipsychotics are likely to produce such effects. Many of these drugs may also be effective against nausea, emesis, and pruritus.
antipyretics
Drugs that are used to reduce body temperature in fever.
antipyrine
An analgesic and antipyretic that has been given by mouth and as ear drops. Antipyrine is often used in testing the effects of other drugs or diseases on drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p29)
anti-retroviral agents
Agents used to treat RETROVIRIDAE INFECTIONS.
antirheumatic agents
Drugs that are used to treat RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS.
antisickling agents
Agents used to prevent or reverse the pathological events leading to sickling of erythrocytes in sickle cell conditions.
antispermatogenic agents
Agents, either mechanical or chemical, which destroy spermatozoa in the male genitalia and block spermatogenesis.
antistatic agents
Chemical compounds applied to materials to reduce their retention of an electrostatic charge.
antithrombin iii
A plasma alpha 2 glycoprotein that accounts for the major antithrombin activity of normal plasma and also inhibits several other enzymes. It is a member of the serpin superfamily.
antithrombin proteins
An endogenous family of proteins belonging to the serpin superfamily that neutralizes the action of thrombin. Six naturally occurring antithrombins have been identified and are designated by Roman numerals I to VI. Of these, Antithrombin I (see FIBRIN) and ANTITHROMBIN III appear to be of major importance.
antithrombins
Endogenous factors and drugs that directly inhibit the action of THROMBIN, usually by blocking its enzymatic activity. They are distinguished from INDIRECT THROMBIN INHIBITORS, such as HEPARIN, which act by enhancing the inhibitory effects of antithrombins.
antithyroid agents
Agents that are used to treat hyperthyroidism by reducing the excessive production of thyroid hormones.
antitoxins
Antisera from immunized animals that is purified and used as a passive immunizing agent against specific BACTERIAL TOXINS.
antitreponemal agents
Agents used to treat infections with bacteria of the genus TREPONEMA. This includes SYPHILIS & YAWS.
antitrichomonal agents
Agents used to treat trichomonas infections.
antitubercular agents
Drugs used in the treatment of tuberculosis. They are divided into two main classes: first-line agents, those with the greatest efficacy and acceptable degrees of toxicity used successfully in the great majority of cases; and second-line drugs used in drug-resistant cases or those in which some other patient-related condition has compromised the effectiveness of primary therapy.
antitussive agents
Agents that suppress cough. They act centrally on the medullary cough center. EXPECTORANTS, also used in the treatment of cough, act locally.
anti-ulcer agents
Various agents with different action mechanisms used to treat or ameliorate PEPTIC ULCER or irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. This has included ANTIBIOTICS to treat HELICOBACTER INFECTIONS; HISTAMINE H2 ANTAGONISTS to reduce GASTRIC ACID secretion; and ANTACIDS for symptomatic relief.
antivenins
Antisera used to counteract poisoning by animal VENOMS, especially SNAKE VENOMS.
antiviral agents
Agents used in the prophylaxis or therapy of VIRUS DISEASES. Some of the ways they may act include preventing viral replication by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase; binding to specific cell-surface receptors and inhibiting viral penetration or uncoating; inhibiting viral protein synthesis; or blocking late stages of virus assembly.
ant venoms
Venoms from the superfamily Formicoidea, Ants. They may contain protein factors and toxins, histamine, enzymes, and alkaloids and are often allergenic or immunogenic.
apamin
A highly neurotoxic polypeptide from the venom of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). It consists of 18 amino acids with two disulfide bridges and causes hyperexcitability resulting in convulsions and respiratory paralysis.
apatites
A group of phosphate minerals that includes ten mineral species and has the general formula X5(YO4)3Z, where X is usually calcium or lead, Y is phosphorus or arsenic, and Z is chlorine, fluorine, or OH-. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)
apazone
An anti-inflammatory agent used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It also has uricosuric properties and has been used to treat gout.
apelin
A 77 amino acid secreted endogenous ligand for the angiotensin II receptor-like 1 protein (APELIN RECEPTOR) that is proteolytically cleaved into four smaller peptides: Apelin-36, Apelin-31, Apelin-28, and Apelin-13. It inhibits entry of HIV into cells that express both APJ and CD4 ANTIGEN and is highly expressed in breast milk, where it may modulate the neonatal immune response.
aphidicolin
An antiviral antibiotic produced by Cephalosporium aphidicola and other fungi. It inhibits the growth of eukaryotic cells and certain animal viruses by selectively inhibiting the cellular replication of DNA polymerase II or the viral-induced DNA polymerases. The drug may be useful for controlling excessive cell proliferation in patients with cancer, psoriasis or other dermatitis with little or no adverse effect upon non-multiplying cells.
aphrodisiacs
Chemical agents or ODORANTS that stimulate sexual desires. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)
apigenin
5,7,4'-trihydroxy-flavone, one of the FLAVONES.
apomorphine
A derivative of morphine that is a dopamine D2 agonist. It is a powerful emetic and has been used for that effect in acute poisoning. It has also been used in the diagnosis and treatment of parkinsonism, but its adverse effects limit its use.
aporphines
Dibenzoquinolines derived in plants from (S)-reticuline (BENZYLISOQUINOLINES).
appetite depressants
Agents that are used to suppress appetite.
appetite stimulants
Agents that are used to stimulate appetite. These drugs are frequently used to treat anorexia associated with cancer and AIDS.
aprepitant
A morpholine neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist that is used in the management of nausea and vomiting caused by DRUG THERAPY, and for the prevention of POSTOPERATIVE NAUSEA AND VOMITING.
aprindine
A class Ib anti-arrhythmia agent used to manage ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.
aptamers, nucleotide
Nucleotide sequences, generated by iterative rounds of SELEX APTAMER TECHNIQUE, that bind to a target molecule specifically and with high affinity.
aptamers, peptide
Peptide sequences, generated by iterative rounds of SELEX APTAMER TECHNIQUE, that bind to a target molecule specifically and with high affinity.
apurinic acid
Hydrolysate of DNA in which purine bases have been removed.
arabinofuranosylcytosine triphosphate
A triphosphate nucleotide analog which is the biologically active form of CYTARABINE. It inhibits nuclear DNA synthesis.
arabinofuranosyluracil
A pyrimidine nucleoside formed in the body by the deamination of CYTARABINE.
arabinonucleosides
Nucleosides containing arabinose as their sugar moiety.
arabinonucleotides
Nucleotides containing arabinose as their sugar moiety.
arachidonic acid
An unsaturated, essential fatty acid. It is found in animal and human fat as well as in the liver, brain, and glandular organs, and is a constituent of animal phosphatides. It is formed by the synthesis from dietary linoleic acid and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes.
arbaprostil
A synthetic prostaglandin E analog that protects the gastric mucosa, prevents ulceration, and promotes healing of peptic ulcers. The protective effect is independent of acid inhibition. It is also a potent inhibitor of pancreatic function and can inhibit the growth of experimental tumors.
arecoline
An alkaloid obtained from the betel nut (Areca catechu), fruit of a palm tree. It is an agonist at both muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. It is used in the form of various salts as a ganglionic stimulant, a parasympathomimetic, and a vermifuge, especially in veterinary practice. It has been used as a euphoriant in the Pacific Islands.
arginine
An essential amino acid that is physiologically active in the L-form.
arginine vasopressin
The predominant form of mammalian antidiuretic hormone. It is a nonapeptide containing an ARGININE at residue 8 and two disulfide-linked cysteines at residues of 1 and 6. Arg-vasopressin is used to treat DIABETES INSIPIDUS or to improve vasomotor tone and BLOOD PRESSURE.
argininosuccinic acid
This amino acid is formed during the urea cycle from citrulline, aspartate and ATP. This reaction is catalyzed by argininosuccinic acid synthetase.
argon
A noble gas with the atomic symbol Ar, atomic number 18, and atomic weight 39.948. It is used in fluorescent tubes and wherever an inert atmosphere is desired and nitrogen cannot be used.
aripiprazole
A piperazine and quinolone derivative that is used primarily as an antipsychotic agent. It is a partial agonist of SEROTONIN RECEPTOR, 5-HT1A and DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTORS, where it also functions as a post-synaptic antagonist, and an antagonist of SEROTONIN RECEPTOR, 5-HT2A. It is used for the treatment of SCHIZOPHRENIA and BIPOLAR DISORDER, and as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of depression.
aristolochic acids
Nitro-phenanthrenes occurring in ARISTOLOCHIACEAE and other plants. They derive from stephanine (APORPHINES) by oxidative ring cleavage. The nitro group is a reactive alkylator (ALKYLATING AGENTS) that binds to biological macromolecules. Ingestion by humans is associated with nephropathy (NEPHRITIS). There is no relationship to the similar named aristolochene (SESQUITERPENES).
armin
A reversible organophosphorus cholinesterase inhibitor. It also affects the presynaptic membrane and inhibits membrane postsynaptic cholinergic receptors. The compound had former use as a miotic.
aroclors
Industrial chemicals which have become widespread environmental pollutants. Each aroclor is a mixture of chlorinated biphenyls (1200 series) or chlorinated terphenyls (5400 series) or a combination of both (4400 series).
aromatase inhibitors
Compounds that inhibit AROMATASE in order to reduce production of estrogenic steroid hormones.
aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitors
Compounds and drugs that block or inhibit the enzymatic action of AROMATIC AMINO ACID DECARBOXYLASES. Pharmaceutical agents in this category are used in conjunction with LEVODOPA in order to slow its metabolism.
arrestin
A 48-Kd protein of the outer segment of the retinal rods and a component of the phototransduction cascade. Arrestin quenches G-protein activation by binding to phosphorylated photolyzed rhodopsin. Arrestin causes experimental autoimmune uveitis when injected into laboratory animals.
arsanilic acid
An arsenical which has been used as a feed additive for enteric conditions in pigs and poultry. It causes blindness and is ototoxic and nephrotoxic in animals.
arsenamide
Proposed chemotherapeutic agent against filaria and trichomonas.
arsenates
Inorganic or organic salts and esters of arsenic acid.
arsenazo iii
Metallochrome indicator that changes color when complexed to the calcium ion under physiological conditions. It is used to measure local calcium ion concentrations in vivo.
arsenic
A shiny gray element with atomic symbol As, atomic number 33, and atomic weight 75. It occurs throughout the universe, mostly in the form of metallic arsenides. Most forms are toxic. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985), arsenic and certain arsenic compounds have been listed as known carcinogens. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)
arsenicals
Inorganic or organic compounds that contain arsenic.
arsenic trioxide
An inorganic compound with the chemical formula As2O3 that is used for the treatment of ACUTE PROMYELOCYTIC LEUKEMIA in patients who have relapsed from, or are resistant to, conventional drug therapy.
arsenites
Inorganic salts or organic esters of arsenious acid.
arsphenamine
An organoarsenic compound that was commonly used for treating SYPHILIS and other diseases.
artemether
An artemisinin derivative that is used in the treatment of MALARIA.
artemether, lumefantrine drug combination
Drug combination of artemether and lumefantrine that is used to treat PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA.
artemisinins
A group of SESQUITERPENES and their analogs that contain a peroxide group (PEROXIDES) within an oxepin ring (OXEPINS).
artesunate
A water-soluble, semi-synthetic derivative of the sesquiterpene lactone artemisinin with anti-malarial, anti-schistosomiasis, antiviral, and potential anti-neoplastic activities
arthropod venoms
Venoms from animals of the phylum ARTHROPODA. Those most investigated are from SCORPIONS and SPIDERS of the class Arachnidae and from ant, bee, and wasp families of the INSECTA order HYMENOPTERA. The venoms contain protein toxins, enzymes, and other bioactive substances and may be lethal to man.
arylsulfonates
Organic sulfonic acid esters or salts which contain an aromatic hydrocarbon radical.
arylsulfonic acids
Organic sulfonic acid derivatives which contain an aromatic hydrocarbon radical.
asbestos
Asbestos. Fibrous incombustible mineral composed of magnesium and calcium silicates with or without other elements. It is relatively inert chemically and used in thermal insulation and fireproofing. Inhalation of dust causes asbestosis and later lung and gastrointestinal neoplasms.
asbestos, amosite
Asbestos, grunerite. A monoclinic amphibole form of asbestos having long fibers and a high iron content. It is used in insulation. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed)
asbestos, amphibole
A class of asbestos that includes silicates of magnesium, iron, calcium, and sodium. The fibers are generally brittle and cannot be spun, but are more resistant to chemicals and heat than ASBESTOS, SERPENTINE. (From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th ed)
asbestos, crocidolite
A lavender, acid-resistant asbestos.
asbestos, serpentine
A type of asbestos that occurs in nature as the dihydrate of magnesium silicate. It exists in two forms: antigorite, a plated variety, and chrysotile, a fibrous variety. The latter makes up 95% of all asbestos products. (From Merck Index, 11th ed, p.893)
ascorbic acid
A six carbon compound related to glucose. It is found naturally in citrus fruits and many vegetables. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient in human diets, and necessary to maintain connective tissue and bone. Its biologically active form, vitamin C, functions as a reducing agent and coenzyme in several metabolic pathways. Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant.