Drug Nomenclature

Question 1

Chemical name

Answer 1

usually describes the chemical structure so is a long and cumbersome name

Question 2

Generic name

Answer 2

a simplified chemical or derivative name which is approved by the country’s regulatory body but is not a proprietary name

Question 3

Trade name

Answer 3

the name given by the manufacturer which can only be used by the company so can also be called a brand name

Question 4

Drug classification

Answer 4

Therapeutic use e.g. anti-hypertensive medications

Mode of action e.g. how the drug works on the body

Molecular structure.

Question 5

There are six major uses of medications:

Answer 5

Symptomatic – to relieve disease symptoms (e.g. paracetamol for a headache)
Preventive – to avoid disease (e.g. vaccinations)
Diagnostic – to determine whether a disease is present (e.g. radiopaque dyes)
Curative – to eliminate disease (e.g. antibiotics to treat an infection)
Health maintenance – to keep the body functioning normally (e.g. insulin)
Contraceptives – to prevent pregnancy (e.g. oral contraceptives) (Broyles et al., 2020).

Question 6

Indication and uses

Answer 6

Reasons (medical condition) for giving the drug -

Question 7

Contra-indications

Answer 7

Reasons (medical condition / other drugs) for NOT giving the drug - Aspirin - duodenal ulcer, anti-inflammatory medication, Ibuprofen

Question 8

Side effects

Answer 8

Possible reactions to the drugs - Aspirin - upset stomach, vomiting

Question 9

Adverse effects

Answer 9

Effects which are more serious than side effects - Effects which are more serious than side effects

Question 10

Precautions

Answer 10

Medical conditions that should be taken into account prior to administering the drug - Aspirin - upcoming suregery, past medical history of gout, diabetes, stomach ulcers

Question 11

Presentation

Answer 11

he look of the drug-identifying features - Aspirin - white, scored, (line down the middle to help break the tablet), round tablet

Question 12

Schedule 1.

Answer 12

This Schedule is intentionally blank.

Question 13

Schedule 2.

Answer 13

Pharmacy Medicine – Substances, the safe use of which may require advice from a pharmacist and which should be available from a pharmacy or, where a pharmacy service is not available, from a licensed person.

Question 14

Schedule 3.

Answer 14

Pharmacist Only Medicine – Substances, the safe use of which requires professional advice but which should be available to the public from a pharmacist without a prescription.

Question 15

Schedule 4.

Answer 15

Prescription Only Medicine, or Prescription Animal Remedy – Substances, the use or supply of which should be by or on the order of persons permitted by State or Territory legislation to prescribe and should be available from a pharmacist on prescription.

Question 16

Schedule 5.

Answer 16

Caution – Substances with a low potential for causing harm, the extent of which can be reduced through the use of appropriate packaging with simple warnings and safety directions on the label.

Question 17

Schedule 6.

Answer 17

Poison – Substances with a moderate potential for causing harm, the extent of which can be reduced through the use of distinctive packaging with strong warnings and safety directions on the label.

Question 18

Schedule 7.

Answer 18

Dangerous Poison – Substances with a high potential for causing harm at low exposure and which require special precautions during manufacture, handling or use. These poisons should be available only to specialised or authorised users who have the skills necessary to handle them safely. Special regulations restricting their availability, possession, storage or use may apply.

Question 19

Schedule 8.

Answer 19

Controlled Drug – Substances which should be available for use but require restriction of manufacture, supply, distribution, possession and use to reduce abuse, misuse and physical or psychological dependence.

Question 20

Schedule 9.

Answer 20

Prohibited Substance – Substances which may be abused or misused, the manufacture, possession, sale or use of which should be prohibited by law except when required for medical or scientific research, or for analytical, teaching or training purposes with approval of Commonwealth and/or State or Territory Health Authorities.

Question 21

Schedule 10

Answer 21

Substances of such danger to health as to warrant prohibition of sale, supply and use - Substances which are prohibited for the purpose or purposes listed for each poison.