Medication administration Flashcards
What is a medication?
is any substance used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Medications can be prescription drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
What is a prescription?
is a written or electronic order from a licensed healthcare provider for a specific medication, including dosage, route, and frequency of administration.
What is a generic name?
is the official, scientific name of a drug, determined by regulatory agencies. It remains constant worldwide and is not brand-specific.
Example: Ibuprofen
What is a brand name?
(trade name) is the commercial name given to a drug by a pharmaceutical company. It is patented and may differ by manufacturer.
Example: Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen)
What is pharmacology?
The study of drugs, their sources, effects, mechanisms of action, interactions, and how the body processes them.
What is pharmacy?
The profession and practice of preparing, dispensing, and advising on medications.
What is a pharmacist?
A licensed healthcare professional responsible for dispensing medications, providing patient counseling, and ensuring safe drug use.
What is an aerosol/foam drug preparation?
A drug dispensed as a spray or foam, often for inhalation or topical use.
Example: Asthma inhalers, antifungal medications.
What is an aqueous solution?
A liquid preparation where the drug is completely dissolved in water.
Example: Normal saline (0.9% NaCl).
What is an aqueous suspension?
A liquid preparation where solid drug particles are suspended but not dissolved. Requires shaking before use.
Example: Amoxicillin for children.
What is a caplet?
A capsule-shaped tablet designed for easier swallowing.
Example: Tylenol Extra Strength.
What is a capsule?
A gelatin shell containing medication in liquid, powder, or granule form.
Example: Omeprazole for acid reflux.
What is a cream?
A semi-solid, water-based preparation for topical use.
Example: Hydrocortisone for rashes.
What is an elixir?
A sweetened liquid medication containing alcohol to dissolve active ingredients.
Example: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
What is an extract?
A highly concentrated drug preparation from plant or animal sources.
Example: Cannabis extract.
What is a gel or jelly?
A semi-solid preparation used for topical application that dries quickly.
Example: Lidocaine gel for numbing.
What is a liniment?
A medicated liquid for external application, usually rubbed into the skin.
Example: Menthol liniment for muscle pain.
What are lozenges?
Hard, slow-dissolving tablets that release medication in the mouth/throat.
Example: Strepsils for sore throat relief.
What is an ointment?
A greasy, oil-based medication for topical use.
Example: Neosporin antibiotic ointment.
What is a pill?
An older term for solid oral medication, now mostly replaced by tablets and capsules.
What is a powder?
Finely ground medication for mixing or topical application.
Example: Antifungal for athlete’s foot.
What is a suppository?
A solid medication inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra, where it dissolves.
Example: Glycerin suppositories for constipation.
What is a syrup?
A sweetened, water-based liquid drug preparation.
Example: Cough syrup.
What is a tablet?
A compressed solid drug form for oral administration.
Example: Aspirin.