House, M.D./Drugs, Medications, Surgeries, Toxins and Treatments

Definitions in the House, M.D. Medical Dictionary relating to natural and artificial remedies, chemicals which may affect the body if ingested or injected and types of surgery which doctors may perform for exploratory or corrective purposes.

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1,4-Butanediol

A colorless, viscous alcohol used for a variety of industrial purposes, including copy machine toner. Its use as a recreational narcotic has also spread in recent years, although it is highly dangerous. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

5-aminosalicylic acid

(Also 5-ASA.) An anti-inflammatory drug prescribed for digestive tract and intestinal disorders. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

5-ASA

See 5-aminosalicylic acid.

6-mercaptopurine

A drug used to suppress the immune system, commonly prescribed for leukemia, arthritis and inflammatory bowel. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

8C12

An experimental cure for cancer which exists only in House's dreams. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

A

ACE inhibitor

A type of drug which blocks angiotensin I converting enzyme to prevent angiotensin I from converting to angitoensin II, prescribed for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. (Appears in 1x17 - Role Model.)

acetaminophen

A common and relatively harmless (except in large doses) drug for the relief of headaches, fever and other aches and pains from the cold, the flu and allergies. (Appears in 1x20 - Love Hurts.)

acyclovir

A commonly prescribed but relatively weak antiviral medication used to treat Herpes Simplex Viruses. (Appears in 1x04 - Maternity.)

adenosine

A chemical used for various energy transference activities in the body. It can be used to identify the cause of or stop certain instances of supraventricular tachycardia.(Appears in 1x10 - Histories.)

adrenaline

See epinephrine.

albendazole

A drug used in the treatment of various worm infestations. (Appears in 1x01 - Pilot.)

amphetamine

A stimulant drug prescribed as an appetite suppressant and to treat narcolepsy and attention-deficit disorder. It is also taken as a recreational drug, where it is known by the slang "speed." (Appears in 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

ampicillin

A commonly prescribed antibiotic. If mixed with other drugs or administered to a patient with an allergy to it, it may result in reactions as minor as a rash and as severe as anaphylaxis. (Appears in 1x06 - The Socratic Method.)

angiogenesis inhibitor

A drug which prevents the growth of new blood vessels, which therefore may be useful in combating cancer, which requires blood vessels to spread. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

antihistamine

A type of drug used to control the chemical mediators released during allergic reactions. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

antiretroviral

Any drug used to treat a retrovirus, especially the HIV virus. (Appears in 1x17 - Role Model.)

apadravya

A piercing which passes vertically through the sensitive tip of the penis. (Appears in 1x16 - Heavy.)

artificial heart valve

A device implanted in the hearts of patients whose hearts do not function normally in sending the blood from one of the four valves of the heart to the other. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox.)

Ativan

A brand name for the muscle relaxant lorazepam, used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia and seizures. (Appears throughout series.)

atropine

A drug extracted from the deadly nightshade shrub and used to treat a variety of disorders and symptoms, including bradycardia and organophosphate poisoning. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison and 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

azithromycin

A very commonly prescribed antibiotic used to treat respiratory, soft-tissue and genitourinary infections. (Appears in 1x04 - Maternity.)

aztreonam

An antibiotic highly effective against so-called "gram-negative" bacteria. (Appears in 1x04 - Maternity.)

B

banana bag

Medical slang for a bag of IV fluids containing multi-vitamins, which turn the fluid yellow. It may also contain thiamine, folic acid and magnesium sulfate. (Appears in 1x10 - Histories.)

barbiturate

A class of drugs derived from barbituric acid which act as depressants on the central nervous system. Many barbiturates are used medically, although some people take them as recreational drugs, as well. (Appears in 1x19 - Kids and 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

beta-blockers

A type of drug prescribed for many cardiovascular conditions which lowers the heart rate. (Appears in 1x07 - Fidelity.)

betadine

A common antiseptic also widely used to prepare the skin for surgery. (Appears in 1x13 - Cursed.)

bolus

To administer a drug at a high dosage to raise blood-level concentration to a safe or beneficial level. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

Botox

A brand name of botulism toxin, a compound produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The toxin is a deadly neurotoxin when ingested, but in localized injections, it may cause swelling and tightening to reduce wrinkles, crossed eyes, blinking, migraine headaches and other localized disorders. (Appears in 1x14 - Control.)

Bromocryptene

A drug used to reduce excesses of various neurotransmitters. (Appears in 1x10 - Histories.)

bronchoscopic suctioning

The use of a small device on a long tube with a camera attached to remove excretions from the lower airways. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR.)

C

cadmium

A soft metal often used in batteries, although it is a toxin when it enters the human body. Symptoms of cadmium poisoning - which may include respiratory tract and kidney failure, liver damage, cancer and bone degeneration - may be the result of the body confusing cadmium for zinc, magnesium or calcium. (Appears in 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

caesarean section

(Also C-section.) The use of an incision through the mother's abdomen to deliver a baby as opposed to a normal vaginal delivery. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

calcium gluconate

A drug made from calcium and the salt of gluconic acid which works as an antacid and binds to some chemicals to aid in their being removed from the body. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

carbamate

A type of organic compound formed by the reaction of carbon dioxide and an amino acid. Some carbamates are used in insecticides. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

Carisoprodol (Soma)

A muscle relaxant used to relieve the pain and stiffness of muscle spasms and discomfort due to strain and sprain. It acts by blocking electrical communication among nerves in the reticular formation of the brain and in the spinal cord. Source

Ceftriaxone

An antibiotic commonly prescribed for pneumonia and meningitis. (Appears in 1x10 - Histories.)

cefuroxime

An antibiotic commonly prescribed for bronchial infections. (Appears in 1x13 - Cursed.)

charcoal

The pure carbon residue left over from burning organic substances, particularly wood. In medicine, its porosity is useful as a method of absorbing liquids and gases in the stomach, particularly those caused by various types of poisoning. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

chloral hydrate

A sedative and sleeping pill used to treat severe cases of insomnia. (Appears in 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

chloramphenicol

A powerful antibiotic which can damage the bone marrow and is thus prescribed only for serious and potentially fatal bacterial infections. (Appears in 1x07 - Fidelity.)

Clozaril

A prescription brand name of the drug clozapine, an antipsychotic used to treat resistant forms of schizophrenia and suicidal behavior related to that mental illness. (Appears in 1x06 - The Socratic Method.)

colchicine

An organic chemical that blocks cellular mitosis and inflammation, it can also be a deadly poison. It is commonly prescribed to treat gout. (Appears in 1x03 - Occam's Razor.)

corticosteroids

See steroids.

cortisone

A hormone released by the body as a reaction to stress, commonly prescribed for a number of ailments. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

Coumadin

A prescription brand name of the anticoagulant drug warfarin. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox.)

CroFab antivenom

A prescription brand name drug produced from the immune systems of sheep to counteract the poisonous venoms of certain types of rattlesnakes and cottonmouths. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

C-section

See caesarean section.

Cytoxan

A prescription brand name of the drug cyclophosphamide, used to treat various types of cancer and immune disorders. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR, 1x11 - Detox and 1x13 - Cursed.)

D

D-50

A solution of which 50% is the sugar dextrose, administered to patients suffering diabetic shock. (Appears in 1x10 - Histories and 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

Demerol

A prescription brand name of the narcotic painkiller pethidine. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

dialysis

A method of eliminating urea and other waste from the bodies of people whose kidneys are not functioning properly. (Appears in 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

diazepam

A sedative and muscle relaxant used to treat anxiety disorders and seizures. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

digitalis

A drug used to treat congestive heart failure and arrhythmia, often obtained from plants of the genus Digitalis. An overdose of these drugs can be poisonous. (Appears in 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

diphenhydramine

An antihistamine and sedative available over the counter and used to treat various allergic reactions - including motion sickness, hives and insect bites and stings - and insomnia. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

disulfoton

An organophosphate used as a pesticide. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

E

embolectomy

The surgical removal of an embolus. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR.)

epi

See epinephrine.

epinephrine

(Also adrenaline, epi.) A hormone which plays a crucial role in the body's reaction to stress and elevates the heart rate. It can also be used as a medication to correct disorders in those processes. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do, 1x10 - Histories, 1x21 - Three Stories and 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

ethyl-parathion

An organophosphate commonly used as a pesticide. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

F

FAB fragments

See fragment binding antigen.

folic acid

A type of B vitamin necessary for cell replication, especially important for pregnant women. (Appears in 1x07 - Fidelity.)

fragment binding antigen

(Also FAB fragments.) The portions of an antigen protein which bind to other proteins to neutralize them. (Appears in 1x03 - Occam's Razor.)

G

Gamma-hydroxybutyrate

(Also GHB.) A drug derived from chemicals found in the central nervous system and other organs of humans and other animals. It has been taken as a recreational intoxicant drug to produce a state of euphoria, although overdoses may result in loss of consciousness, nausea and amnesia. For this reason, it is often used as a date rape drug. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison and 1x17 - Role Model.)

G-CSF

See granulocyte-colony stimulating factor.

GHB

See Gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

granulocyte-colony stimulating factor

(Also G-CSF): A protein which stimulates the bone marrow to produce certain types of white blood cells. (Appears in 1x03 - Occam's Razor.)

H

Haldol

A prescription brand name of the antipsychotic and sedative haloperidol. If overused, it can cause neurological disorders, muscle stiffness and cramping and lethargy. (Appears in 1x06 - The Socratic Method, 1x07 - Fidelity and 1x10 - Histories.)

Hematin

A drug prescribed to shorten the attacks in porphyria. (Appears in 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

hemlock

One of several plants in the family Apiaceae which are poisonous to humans. It grows in poorly drained soils in Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Although small doses have occasionally been used as medicine, even a slight overdose may result in paralysis, loss of speech, slowed breathing and death. (Appears in 1x15 - Mob Rules.)

heparin

An anticoagulant, or drug used to prevent the blood from clotting. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR and 1x16 - Heavy.)

hydrocortisone

A synthetic version of the hormone and steroid cortisol, used to fight allergies and inflammation. (Appears in 1x07 - Fidelity.)

hydrolase

An enzyme which assists in the splitting of a molecule. It is useful in neutralizing many types of toxic chemicals. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

hyperbaric oxygen chamber

A sealable chamber used to expose a patient to oxygen at a high air pressure. It is used to treat decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, anemia, gas bubbles in the bloodstream and various infections, wounds and injuries. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

I

INH

A prescription name of the antituberculosis medication isoniazid. (Appears in 1x10 - Histories.)

insulin

A hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism. Because their bodies do not produce it naturally, insulin is prescribed for most diabetes patients. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR, 1x10 - Histories, 1x12 - Sports Medicine and 1x16 - Heavy.)

intrauterine device

(Also IUD.) A method of birth control in which a device is placed inside a woman's uterus to prevent the sperm from fertilizing a woman's egg and thus causing a pregnancy. IUD's have a high rate of effectiveness and are usually easily inserted and easily removed by doctors. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

in vitro

1.) A technique in which a process or experiment is performed outside a living person or organism. 2.) Short for in vitro fertilization, in which a woman's eggs are fertilized outside her body and, impregnated, then implanted into her womb. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

in vitro fertilization

See in vitro.

ipecac

A very common over-the-counter drug used to induce vomiting in people who may have swallowed an excess of poisons or harmful drugs, so that they will expel the drugs. It is often abused by bulimics, although longterm uses causes serious heart damage - the most famous example of this being the 1970s singer-songwriter Karen Carpenter. (Appears in 1x14 - Control.)

iron dextran

A form of the mineral iron which can be taken intravenously for patients with severe anemia. Allergic side effects include loss of consciousness, collapse, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling, convulsion and severe low blood pressure. (Appears in 1x10 - Histories.)

IUD

See intrauterine device.

K

Kayexalate

A prescription brand name of the polymer sodium polystyrene sulfonate, which works to reduce potassium levels in the blood by binding to the element. (Appears in 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

L

lanolin

A skin ointment derived from a greasy substance secreted by wool-bearing animals. It is found in a variety of everyday skin care products, lubricants and protectants. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

laparotomy

A type of surgery done via an incision into the abdomen. Different types of laparotomies may be done to examine the digestive tract, liver, pancreas, spleen, bladder, female reproductive organs, kidneys, aorta or some lymph nodes. (Appears in 1x03 - Occam's Razor.)

laughing gas

See nitrous oxide.

Levaquin

A brand name of the antibiotic levoflaxin, effective against a wide range of antibiotics and commonly prescribed when the specific cause of a bacterial infection is not known. (Appears in 1x04 - Maternity and 1x13 - Cursed.)

Levothyroxine

An artifical form of the hormone thyroxine, used to treat thyroid problems. (Appears in 1x03 - Occam's Razor.)

liposuction

A popular type of cosmetic surgery in which fat is sucked out of a person's body through a tube. (Appears in 1x16 - Heavy.)

Lupron

A prescription brand name of the hormone leuprolide, which regulates the pituitary gland and can be used to treat various hormonal disorders. (Appears in 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

M

magnesium

A chemical element which works in the body with enzymes to prevent or treat muscular problems and cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

Malathion

An organophosphate used as a common insecticide. Although it is relatively harmless to humans, if it is not properly ventilated, it breaks down into Melaoxon, a significantly more toxic nerve agent. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

mastectomy

The surgical removal of all or part of the breast. (Appears in 1x16 - Heavy.)

melarsoprol

A highly dangerous and powerful drug used to treat advanced cases of African sleeping sickness. It causes a wide range of side effects - including convulsions, fever, nausea and bloody stool - and is often referred to as "arsenic in antifreeze." It can melt plastic syringes and tubes and is itself fatal in about 10% of cases. (Appears in 1x07 - Fidelity.)

methotrexate

A drug which inhibits the metabolism of folic acid and is thus used to treat various cancers and autoimmune diseases. (Appears in 1x13 - Cursed.)

morphine

A powerful narcotic used as a painkiller for extreme cases. (Appears in 1x21 - Three Stories.)

N

naloxone

A drug prescribed to counter the effects of overdoses on the opoid drugs such as heroin, morphine and opium. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

naphthalene

A chemical derived from benzene, often used in mothballs, although some species of termites release it as a defense mechanism. Ingestion or inhalation can cause hemolytic anemia and cancer. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox.)

nasal cannula

A device which delivers oxygen to a patient through two prongs inserted into the nose. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR.)

nitrous oxide

(Also laughing gas.) A clear gas commonly used in dentistry as an anesthetic and painkiller. (Appears in 1x12 - Sports Medicine.)

nonnucleoside allosteric inhibitor

A type of genetic treatment which blocks the replication of viral genetic material to force a mutation in the virus. (Appears in 1x15 - Mob Rules.)

novocaine

A local anesthetic commonly used to numb the pain of dentistry and penicillin injections. (Appears in 1x19 - Kids.)

O

organochlorine

An organic compound containing chlorine. Many are used as pesticides (including DDT), although some are harmless and can be found in sweeteners. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

organophosphate

An organic compound containing phosphorous. These types of compounds appear in many pesticides, herbicides and nerve gases. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

Orthene

An organophosphate insecticide used to kill parasitic insects without harming plants. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

oxybutynin

A drug which relieves disorders of the urinary system and bladder by decreasing muscle spasms of the bladder. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

P

penicillin

The most commonly prescribed antibiotic. It was the first one discovered, growing in mold in 1923, by the Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming. (Appears in 1x02 - Paternity, 1x04 - Maternity and 1x08 - Poison.)

phenytoin

A drug commonly prescribed to treat epilepsy, although questions have been raised about certain side effects it may cause. (Appears in 1x17 - Role Model.)

phosdrin

An organophosphate used as an insecticide, often against bees. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

plasmapheresis

The process of removing blood plasma from circulation, used to treat a variety of autoimmune disorders. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox, 1x19 - Kids and 1x22 - Honeymoon.)

potassium

A chemical element which assists in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balances in the body and with muscle contraction. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

pralidoxime

An antidote to many nerve agents which works by neutralizing the agent, although it takes a long time to take effect. (Appears in 1x08 - Poison.)

prednisone

A drug which encourages the liver to produce prednisolone, a steroid that can be useful in suppressing the immune system and controlling inflammation. (Appears in 1x01 - Pilot and 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

pressor

A general term for any drug which elevates blood pressure. (Appears in 1x14 - Control and 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

Prozac

A prescription brand name of the commonly prescribed antidepressant fluoxetine. (Appears in 1x10 - Histories.)

R

ribavirin

An antiviral medication which blocks the DNA and RNA replication of viruses. (Appears in 1x04 - Maternity.)

rifampin

An antibiotic typically used to treat tuberculosis, leprosy and bacterial forms of meningitis. (Appears in 1x10 - Histories, 1x13 - Cursed and 1x19 - Kids.)

S

solumedrol

A drug used to treat a variety of autoimmune, lung and gastrointestinal diseases. (Appears in 1x11 - Detox.)

steroids

The name for a wide variety of organic compounds with a specific four-ring structure. Many steroids are produced naturally by plants and animals, often as hormones. Athletes often abuse a type called anabolic steroids, which promote cell division and growth, especially in the muscles and bones. The steroids most often prescribed by doctors are corticosteroids - steroids normally produced by the adrenal gland which can often be used to control inflammation. (Appears in 1x01 - Pilot, 1x05 - Damned If You Do, 1x09 - DNR, 1x12 - Sports Medicine and 1x13 - Cursed.)

streptokinase

An enzyme adminstered as a drug because of its effectiviness at dissolving clots. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

streptomycin

An antibiotic commonly prescribed for tuberculosis. (Appears in 1x10 - Histories.)

sulfasalazine

A sulfonic acid-based drug commonly prescribed for inflammatory bowel and rheumatoid arthritis. (Appears in 1x05 - Damned If You Do.)

Synthroid

A brand name synthetic thyroid hormone drug. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR.)

T

terbutaline

A drug commonly used to treat and control asthma attacks. It is also often used to halt premature labor, although it is not approved for use in such. (Appears in 1x18 - Babies & Bathwater.)

thalidomide

A drug which became infamous in the 1950s and 60s for causing disfiguring birth defects when prescribed to pregnant women, although it has since been found to be effective in treating patients suffering from leprosy and multiple myeloma. (Appears in 1x13 - Cursed.)

thiamine

The chemical name for vitamin B1. A deficiency can lead to brain damage or weight loss and can be fatal. (Appears in 1x10 - Histories.)

thoracentesis

A medical procedure in which a hollow needle is inserted into the chest to drain fluid from around the lungs. (Appears in 1x14 - Control.)

Thorazine

A prescription brand name of the drug chlorpromazine, the first antipsychotic drug ever developed, also used as a sedative. (Appears in 1x06 - The Socratic Method.)

tissue plasminogen activator

(Also TPA.) A protein which plays an important role in the movement of cells within the body and replacement of tissues. A deficiency of this enzyme can result in blood clots. (Appears in 1x09 - DNR.)

TPA

See tissue plasminogen activator.

transsphenoidal surgery

A type of surgery performed by approaching through the sinuses - useful in curing Cushing's and other illnesses caused by tumors on the pituitary gland. This approach is in comparison to a craniotomy, which involves opening the skull. (Appears in 1x16 - Heavy.)

trifluoperazine

A potent antipsychotic drug usually prescribed for schizophrenia. (Appears in 1x06 - The Socratic Method.)

U

Unasyn

The brand name for an intravenous-delivered combination of the antibiotics ampicillin and sulbactam. (Appears in 1x03 - Occam's Razor.)

V

vancomycin

A powerful antibiotic rarely prescribed in modern medicine, except in infections from Staphylococcus aureus. (Appears in 1x04 - Maternity.)

vasectomy

A procedure by which the vas deferentia - the tubes connecting the testicles to the prostate gland - are cut and sealed off, preventing sperm from entering ejaculated semen. This prevents the male from being able to produce children. (Appears in 1x16 - Heavy.)

vasodilator

Any substance which widens the blood vessels and thus reduces blood pressure. (Appears in 1x14 - Control.)

Vicodin

A brand name for the narcotic hydrocodone, which binds to receptors in the brain and spinal cord to relieve pain. It is highly addictive, and the negative effects of its abuse may include damage to the respiratory system, low blood pressure and cardiac arrest. (Appears in 1x01 - Pilot, 1x03 - Occam's Razor, 1x11 - Detox and 1x17 - Role Model.)

Viopril

A fictitious name brand ACE inhibitor which exists only in the House, M.D. universe, manufactured and marketed by Eastbrook Pharmaceuticals, the drug company owned by billionaire Edward Vogler. Although not dissimilar from other ACE inhibitors already on the market, Eastbrook added an antacid to justify renewing the patent and charging unfair prices for its "new" drug. (Appears in 1x17 - Role Model.)

W

warfarin

A powerful anticoagulant (drug used to thin the blood and prevent clotting). Its use is limited, however, as a side effect includes necrosis, which in rare cases may be very serious. (Appears in 1x16 - Heavy.)

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