APPENDIX 3
SELECTED DRUGS AND THEIR
MECHANISMS OF ACTION
Generic Name
(Brand Name)
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Alendronate (Fosamax)
Amoxicillin/clavulanate
(Amoxil/Augmentin)
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Candesartan (Atacand)
Celecoxib (Celebrex)
Drugs: From Discovery to Approval, Second Edition, By Rick Ng
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Class of Drug Mechanism of Action
Antiviral agent Inhibits the replication of
viral DNA
Treatment for Binds to hydroxyapatite in
osteoporosis bone and inhibits
osteoclast-mediated bone
resorption
Antibiotic Inhibits bacterial cell wall
synthesis
α-Adrenergic Competitive blocker of α-
receptor blocker adrenergic receptors in
heart and blood vessels
Antilipidemic agent Inhibits the enzyme HMG-
CoA reductase and
reduces the biosynthesis
of cholesterol
Angiotensin II Acts as an angiotensin II
receptor antagonist receptor antagonist
Anti-inflammatory, Inhibits the synthesis of
COX-2 inhibitor prostaglandins via the
selective inhibition of the
enzyme cyclooxygenase-2
411
412 SELECTED DRUGS AND THEIR MECHANISMS OF ACTION

Generic Name
(Brand Name) Class of Drug Mechanism of Action
Chloroquin (Aralen) Antimalarial Inhibits protein synthesis
by inhibiting DNA and
RNA polymerase
Cimetidine (Tagamet) H2 receptor Blocks H2 receptor and
antagonist reduces secretion of
gastric acid and pepsin
output
Cisplatin (Platinol) Platinum-containing Binds to DNA and
anticancer agent prevents separation of
the helical strands
Clomipramine Tricyclic Affects neuronal
(Anafranil) antidepressant transmissions
Codeine (Codral Forte) Narcotic analgesic Binds to opiate receptors
and blocks pain pathway
Diazepam (Valium) Antianxiety agent, Acts as central nervous
hypnotic system depressant
Digoxin (Lanoxin, Cardiac glycoside Inhibits Na/K/ATPase,
Lanoxicaps) increases intracellular
calcium, and increases
ventricular contractibility
Diphenhydramine H1 receptor blocker Blocks the actions of
(Benadryl) histamine on H1 receptor
Doxazosin (Cardura) α-Adrenergic blocker, Blocks α1-adrenergic
antihypertensive receptor, resulting in
agent decreased blood pressure
Fluoxethine (Prozac) Selective serotonin Inhibits reuptake of 5-
reuptake inhibitor hydroxytryptamine
(serotonin) into central
nervous system neurons
Ibuprofen (Motrin) Nonsteroidal Inhibits cyclooxygenase,
anti-inflammatory inhibition of
inflammatory mediators
Interferon alpha Antineoplastic Inhibits replication of
(Roferon-A) viruses or tumor cells
Lamivudine (Epivir, Antiviral Inhibits HIV reverse
Epivir-HBV) transcriptase and DNA
polymerase
Loratadine (Claritin) H1 receptor blocker Antagonizes histamine
effects
Methylphenidate Therapeutic agent for Blocks reuptake of
(Ritalin) attention deficit norepinephrine
hyperactivity
disorder
Omeprazole (Prilosec) Gastric proton pump Inhibits H+K+-ATPase
inhibitor
Paclitaxel (Taxol) Antineoplastic Inhibits tumor cell division
 SELECTED DRUGS AND THEIR MECHANISMS OF ACTION 413

Generic Name
(Brand Name) Class of Drug Mechanism of Action
Ramipril (Altace) Angiotensin Inhibits ACE, decreases
converting enzyme peripheral arterial
(ACE) inhibitor resistance
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) Antiestrogen agent Inhibits DNA synthesis by
binding to estrogen
receptors on tumor cells
Zidovudine, Antiretroviral agent Inhibits HIV replication by
azidothymidine, AZT blocking reverse
(Retrovir, Combivir) transcriptase
Source: Ehrenpreis S, Ehrenpreis ED. Clinician’s Handbook of Prescription Drugs, McGraw Hill,
New York, 2001. (Used with permission from The McGraw Hill Companies.)