Abortive medication
Abortive Medication
Abortive medication (pronunciation: /əˈbɔːrtɪv ˌmɛdɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/) is a type of pharmaceutical drug used to stop the progression of certain medical conditions, such as migraines, cluster headaches, and seizures, after they have started.
Etymology
The term "abortive" comes from the Latin word "abortivus", meaning "causing miscarriage". In the context of medication, it refers to the drug's ability to stop or "abort" the progression of a medical condition. The term "medication" comes from the Latin word "medicatio", meaning "healing".
Types of Abortive Medication
There are several types of abortive medications, including:
- Triptans: These are specifically used for migraines and cluster headaches. They work by constricting blood vessels in the brain and blocking pain pathways.
- Ergotamines: These are also used for migraines and cluster headaches. They work in a similar way to triptans but are less commonly used due to their side effects.
- Anticonvulsants: These are used to stop seizures. They work by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- Analgesics: These are used to relieve pain. They work by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
Related Terms
- Prophylactic medication: This is a type of medication used to prevent medical conditions from occurring in the first place. It is the opposite of abortive medication.
- Symptomatic treatment: This is a type of treatment that aims to alleviate the symptoms of a medical condition rather than stopping its progression. It is often used in conjunction with abortive medication.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Abortive medication
- Wikipedia's article - Abortive medication
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