List of drugs: B

List of drugs: B encompasses a comprehensive inventory of pharmaceutical drugs, substances, and compounds whose names start with the letter "B". This list includes both generic and brand-name medications used in various medical contexts, ranging from the treatment of chronic conditions to acute care scenarios. Each entry is linked to detailed articles that provide more in-depth information regarding the drug's uses, mechanism of action, side effects, and pharmacokinetics.

Baclofen

Baclofen is a centrally acting muscle relaxant commonly used in the management of spasticity associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. It functions by activating GABA_B receptors, leading to decreased excitability of nerve cells.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs with varying uses, including the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, agitation, and seizures. Common examples include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and alprazolam (Xanax). They work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA at the GABA_A receptor.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers or beta-adrenergic blocking agents are medications used to manage hypertension (high blood pressure), angina, heart failure, and in some cases, to prevent migraines. They work by blocking the effects of epinephrine on beta receptors, thereby reducing heart rate and cardiac output. Examples include propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol.

Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs that prevent the loss of bone density, used to treat osteoporosis and similar diseases. They inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Drugs in this class include alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), and zoledronic acid (Reclast).

Biologics

Biologics are a category of drugs derived from living organisms or contain components of living organisms. They are used in the treatment of various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and some forms of cancer. Examples include adalimumab (Humira), infliximab (Remicade), and etanercept (Enbrel).

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opioid used to treat opioid addiction in higher doses, acute and chronic pain in lower doses. It is a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor and an antagonist at the kappa-opioid receptor.

Bupropion

Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that is also used to aid in smoking cessation. It is unique among antidepressants as it primarily affects the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine through reuptake inhibition.