List of drugs: I

List of Drugs: I

The pharmaceutical world is vast, with a myriad of drugs designed for the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of diseases. This article focuses on drugs starting with the letter "I," highlighting their uses, mechanisms of action, and relevant pharmacological details. Drugs are categorized under various classes based on their therapeutic use, chemical structure, and mechanism of action. The list provided here is not exhaustive but includes some of the key medications that have been pivotal in modern medicine.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, compounds that mediate inflammation and pain.

Ibuprofen Lysine

Ibuprofen Lysine is a lysine salt of ibuprofen, designed for faster absorption. It is primarily used in the same indications as ibuprofen, including pain relief and inflammation reduction.

Icatibant

Icatibant is a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist used in the treatment of hereditary angioedema. It works by blocking the action of bradykinin, which is thought to play a key role in the swelling and pain associated with this condition.

Icosapent Ethyl

Icosapent Ethyl is an ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), used as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia. It is believed to work by decreasing liver production of triglycerides.

Idarucizumab

Idarucizumab is a monoclonal antibody designed for the reversal of the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran, used in cases of emergency surgery or life-threatening bleeding.

Ifosfamide

Ifosfamide is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of various cancers, including testicular cancer, lymphomas, and sarcomas. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are then destroyed by the body.

Iloperidone

Iloperidone is an atypical antipsychotic used for the treatment of schizophrenia. It works by altering the effects of chemicals in the brain, particularly serotonin and dopamine.

Imatinib Mesylate

Imatinib Mesylate, also known simply as imatinib, is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, most notably chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). It works by blocking the action of the abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply.

Imipenem/Cilastatin

Imipenem/Cilastatin is a combination antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Imipenem is a broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic, while cilastatin inhibits the renal enzyme dehydropeptidase, which degrades imipenem, thereby increasing its concentration in the body.

Imiquimod

Imiquimod is an immune response modifier used topically to treat certain skin conditions, including actinic keratosis, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and external genital warts. It works by stimulating the immune system to fight the virus causing the warts.

Ipratropium Bromide

Ipratropium Bromide is a bronchodilator used in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. It works by relaxing the muscles around the airways so that they open up and you can breathe more easily.

Irinotecan

Irinotecan is a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. It is a topoisomerase inhibitor, which works by interfering with the replication of DNA in cancer cells.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin, commonly known for its brand name Accutane, is a medication used to treat severe acne. It is a retinoid, meaning it is derived from vitamin A, and works by decreasing sebaceous gland activity and preventing the hardening of the skin.

Itraconazole

Itraconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat a variety of fungal infections. It works by inhibiting the fungal enzyme that produces ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane.

Ivabradine

Ivabradine is used in the treatment of certain types of heart failure and angina. It works by reducing the heart rate, thereby decreasing the heart's need for oxygen, especially in situations where an increase in heart rate can be detrimental to the patient.

Ivermectin

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug used in the treatment of various parasitic infections, including onchocerciasis and strongyloidiasis. It works by binding to and opening glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nerve and muscle cells of parasites, causing paralysis and death of the parasites.