In pharmacology, a drug that inhibits physiological functions is usually referred to as what?

In pharmacology, a drug that inhibits physiological functions is referred to as an antagonist. Antagonists work by binding to specific receptors in the body without activating them, effectively blocking the action of neurotransmitters or hormones that would normally produce a physiological response. This leads to a decrease in the activity of certain pathways or functions, making antagonists crucial in conditions where reducing activity is necessary, such as in pain management or opposing the effects of other drugs.

In contrast, stimulators and agonists are terms used for substances that activate receptors, thereby promoting or enhancing physiological functions, leading to an increase in activity. Enhancers generally refer to substances that improve or boost the effect of another drug or physiological process without specific inhibition. Hence, these terms do not describe the action of inhibiting functions, which is why antagonists are correctly identified for that role.