Drugs of the urinary, integumentary, and musculoskeletal systems
Urinary system
The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. Its main jobs are to remove waste products and toxins from the blood by producing urine, and to help keep fluid and electrolyte levels in balance.
Common urinary system conditions include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones
- Renal failure
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Urinary incontinence
UTIs are especially common and are typically treated with antibiotics.
Table showing common drug classes and examples of the urinary system
| Drug class | Generic name | Brand name(s) | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha blockers | Tamsulosin, doxazosin, prazosin | Flomax, Cardura, Minipress | BPH |
| Anticholinergics | Oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin | Oxytrol, Ditropan XL, Detrol LA, Vesicare | Urinary incontinence |
| Antibiotics | Nitrofurantoin, cephalexin | Macrobid, Keflex | UTIs |
| 5 alpha reductase inhibitors | Finasteride | Proscar | BPH |
| Pain relievers | Phenazopyridine | Pyridium | Pain relief in UTIs |
| Beta 3 adrenergic agonist | Mirabegron | Myrbetriq | Overactive bladder |
Integumentary system
The integumentary system includes the skin, hair, and nails. The skin is the body’s largest organ and has three main layers:
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Hypodermis
The skin acts as a protective barrier. It also helps with temperature regulation, excretion of some waste products, and sensing the environment through touch, pressure, temperature, and pain.
Common integumentary system conditions include eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, and acne.
Table showing common drug classes and examples of the integumentary system
| Drug class | Generic name | Brand name(s) | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroids | Clobetasol, hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, desonide | Clodan, Embeline, Cortizone-10, Kenalog, Desonate | Eczema, dermatitis (skin inflammation) |
| Retinoids | Adapalene, tretinoin, isotretinoin | Differin, Retin-A, Atralin, Claravis | Acne |
| Topical antimicrobials | Clotrimazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, bacitracin, clindamycin | Lotrimin, Nizoral, Lamisil AT, Neosporin, Cleocin T | Fungal infections, bacterial infections |
| Biologics | Adalimumab, dupilumab, ustekinumab, brodalumab, etanercept | Humira, Dupixent, Stelara, Siliq, Enbrel | Psoriasis |
Musculoskeletal system
The musculoskeletal system gives the body structure and allows movement. It includes bones, ligaments, and muscles.
Common musculoskeletal conditions include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other anti-inflammatory agents are used to treat many musculoskeletal disorders. Other commonly used drug classes include muscle relaxants and bisphosphonates.
| Drug class | Generic name | Brand name(s) | Primary use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle relaxants | Baclofen, onabotulinum toxin A | Lioresal, Gablofen, Botox | Relieve muscle spasm |
| Bisphosphonates | Alendronate, ibandronate, zoledronic acid | Fosamax, Boniva, Zometa | Treatment of osteoporosis |