Stabilizers
Stabilizers (Medicine)
Stabilizers (pronunciation: /ˈsteɪ.bəl.aɪ.zər/) are a class of medications or medical devices used to maintain, or "stabilize," certain physiological parameters within normal ranges. They are often used in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
Etymology
The term "stabilizer" comes from the Latin word stabilis, meaning "firm" or "steady," and the suffix -izer, which denotes an agent or device that performs a particular function. In this case, the function is to maintain stability in the body's physiological processes.
Types of Stabilizers
There are several types of stabilizers used in medicine, including:
- Insulin stabilizers: These are used to maintain stable blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes.
- Blood pressure stabilizers: These include medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, which help to maintain stable blood pressure levels.
- Respiratory stabilizers: These include medications like bronchodilators and corticosteroids, which help to maintain stable respiratory function in patients with conditions like asthma and COPD.
Related Terms
- Homeostasis: This is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions. Stabilizers help to support this process.
- Therapeutic window: This is the range of drug doses which can treat disease effectively while staying within the safety limits. Stabilizers often have a wide therapeutic window, as they are typically used for long-term management of chronic conditions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stabilizers
- Wikipedia's article - Stabilizers
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