Category: B

Regulations promulgated by the federal government in 1985 aimed at preventing the withholding of medically indicated treatment from a seriously ill infant (“Baby Doe”) with a life-threatening condition, except under certain specific circumstances where treatment would be futile. These regulations were ruled invalid, but the federal Child Abuse Amendments of 1984 (also passed in response…

An intermediate-acting barbiturate, used for the treatment of insomnia and for sedation. It produces sleep within 30 minutes when given by mouth and its sedative effect lasts for about six hours. Prolonged administration may lead to *dependence and its use with alcohol should be avoided; over dosage has serious effects.  

A local anesthetic used to produce surface anesthesia, mainly in eye, ear, nose, and throat surgery.  

A drug that destroys cancer cells by acting on the bone marrow. It is administered by mouth, mainly in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. It may cause blood disorders producing bleeding. A drug used almost exclusively to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia; it is given by mouth. Excessive suppression of myelocytes may lead to irreversible…

A malignant tumor of the lymphatic system, most commonly affecting children, largely confined to tropical Africa in a zone 15° north and south of the equator. It can arise at various sites, most commonly the facial structures, such as the jaw, and in the abdomen. Complications affecting the nervous system occur in up to 50%…

A division of the US Food and Drug Administration responsible for the regulation of drugs available to patients. The Kefauver-Harris Amendment of 1962 requires that efficacy of new drugs must be proved before they can be prescribed by physicians. In 1976 the law was extended to require that safety and efficacy of medical devices be…

A division of the US Food and Drug Administration that is responsible for the control of vaccines, toxins, antitoxins, blood plasma, serums, and other biological materials used in the prevention or control of disease.  

A drug whose main action is to dilate blood vessels, particularly those in skeletal muscles. Taken by mouth, it is used to increase the blood flow to muscle, especially in vascular disease due to spasm of the arteries. It may cause palpitations and stimulate gastric secretion.  

An antihistamine with marked sedative properties. Given by mouth, it is used to treat mild anxiety states and tension, as well as for allergic conditions and vertigo. Side-effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dryness of the throat, and gastrointestinal upsets. Occasionally teratogenic effects may occur.  

Small glands in the mucous membrane lining the mouth. They secrete material that mixes with saliva.