Anti-
Anti-: Prefix generally meaning “against, opposite or opposing, and contrary.” In medicine, anti- often connotes “counteracting or effective against” as in antibacterial, anti-infective, and antiviral. Sometimes medical terms containing anti- take on new meanings as has occurred with antibiotic and antibody. As a prefix, anti- may be shortened to ant- as in antacid. “Anti” is the Greek word for “against.”
Read Also:
- Anti-angiogenesis drugs
Anti-angiogenesis drugs: These drugs, halt the process of developing new blood vessels (angiogenesis). For example, the drug bevacizumab (brand name Avastin), and antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is used to treat cancer, and also to treat macular degeneration in the eye.
- Anti-infective
Anti-infective: An agent that is capable of acting against infection, either by inhibiting the spread of an infectious agent or by killing the infectious agent outright.
- Anti-platelet agents
Anti-platelet agents: Medications that, like aspirin, reduce the tendency of platelets in the blood to clump and cause clotting.
- Anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication)
A surgical technique that strengthens the barrier to acid reflux when the lower esophageal sphincter does not work normally and there is gastro-esophageal reflux. Fundoplication has been the standard surgical method for treating gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is the constellation of inflammation, pain (heartburn), and complications that results when acid refluxes (regurgitates) from the […]
- Antiandrogen
Antiandrogen: A drug that blocks the action of androgens (male sex hormones). Antiandrogens are sometimes used in the treatment of prostate cancer. The antiandrogens currently available include flutamide (Eulexin), bicalutamide (Casodex), and nilutamide (Nilandron).