Unit 1, Chapter 2 Flashcards
What is bioavailability?
Percentage of the drug dosage that is absorbed.
What is drug absorption?
Entrance of a drug into the bloodstream from its site of administration.
What is drug addiction?
Condition of drug abuse and drug dependence that is characterized by compulsive drug behavior.
What is drug dependence?
Condition of reliance on the use of a particular drug, characterized as physical and/or psychological dependence.
What is drug distribution?
Passage of a drug from the blood to the tissues and organs of the body.
What is drug excretion?
Elimination of the drug from the body.
What is drug metabolism?
The enzymatic biotransformation of a drug into metabolites.
What is the drug microsomal metabolizing system (DMMS)?
Group of enzymes located primarily in the liver that function to metabolize (biotransformation) drugs.
What is drug tolerance?
Decreased drug effect occurring after repeated drug administration.
What is enzyme induction?
Increase in the amount of drug-metabolizing enzymes after repeated administration of certain drugs.
What is enzyme inhibition?
Inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes by certain drugs.
What is first-pass metabolism?
Drug metabolism that occurs in the intestines and liver during oral absorption of drugs into the systemic circulation.
What is half-life?
Time required for the body to reduce the amount of drug in the plasma by one-half.
What is individual variation?
Difference in the effects of drugs and drug dosages from one person to another.
What is intramuscular (IM) injection?
Route of drug administration; drug is injected into gluteal or deltoid muscles.
What is intravenous (IV) injection?
Route of drug administration; drug is injected directly into a vein.
What is a loading dose?
Initial drug dose administered to rapidly achieve therapeutic drug concentrations.
What is a maintenance dose?
Dose administered to maintain drug levels in blood in the therapeutic range.
What is oral administration?
Route of drug administration by way of the mouth through swallowing.
What is parenteral administration?
Route of drug administration that does not involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
What is pharmacokinetics?
Describes the processes of drug absorption, drug distribution, drug metabolism, and drug excretion.
Synergism
Drugs working together for a better effect.
Antagonism
Drugs working against each other or counteracting each other’s effect.
Distribution
Movement of drug from bloodstream into a tissue or organ.
Lethal dose
Amount of drug that can cause death.
Allergic reaction
Signs include rash, itching, carticoria, and dyspnea.
Toxic dose
Amount of drug that can cause dangerous side effects.
Maintenance dose
Amount of drug required to keep drug level steady.
Metabolism
Breakdown of drug to an inactive state.
Idiosyncrasy
Unusual response to a drug, other than expected effect.
Tolerance
Decreased response after repeated use of a drug, increased dosage required for effect.
Dependence
Acquired need for a drug, with symptoms of withdrawal when discontinued.
Teratogenic
Effects on a fetus from maternal use of a drug.
Pharmacology
Study of drug therapy on the body.
Agonist
A drug that binds to a receptor to cause a desired effect.
Parenteral route into the muscle
Intramuscular
A tablet placed under the tongue
Sublingual
A tablet placed in the cheek pouch
Buccal
A tablet dissolved in the mouth for local action
Lozenge (troche)
A coated tablet that dissolves in the intestines instead of in the stomach
Enteric-coated
A capsule that has delayed action over a longer period of time
Sustained-release
A liquid drug form with an alcohol base
Elixir
A liquid medication that must be shaken before administration
Suspension
Drugs given by the rectal route include
Suppositories and enemas
Parenteral route into fatty, connective tissue
Subcutaneous
A multiple dosed container for parenteral administration
Vial
A single dosed container for parenteral administration
Ampule
qd
every day
qod
every other day
n & v
nausea and vomiting
MI.
heart attack
syr.
syrup
GI
stomach and intestines
The beneficial effect of the drug is termed the:
Therapeutic effect
The study of how drugs treat a disease is:
Pharmatherapeutics
There are four human phases that are “required” in the process of developing a new drug.
False
A chemical name is a precise name given to the drug based on it’s chemical structure.
True
The time-response curve determines potency of a drug.
False
The Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938 determined:
Drugs that enter the market must be safe.
This law provided grants to research companies to develop new drugs for diseases or conditions.
Orphan Drug Act
Which of the following processes is involved with the break down of drugs?
Metabolism
A semi-solid mixture that contains medication in an oily base is called a(n):
Ointment
What are the calibrations for an insulin syringe?
units
The time it takes to eliminate half of the drug from your body is called:
Half-life
All of the following routes avoid the first pass effect EXCEPT:
Oral
Lomotil belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 5
Fiorinal belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 3
Codeine belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 2
Amphetamines belong to which drug schedule?
Schedule 2
Heroin belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 1
LSD belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 1
Meperidine belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 2
Marijuana belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 1
Tylenol c codeine belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 2
Valium belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 4
Percodan belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 2
Vicodin belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 2
Ritalin belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 2
Robitussin AC belongs to which drug schedule?
Schedule 5
Erythromycin
Enzyme Inhibitor
None
Calcium-channel-blockers
Enzyme Inhibitor
None
Phenytoin
Enzyme Inducer
None
Carbamazapine
Enzyme Inducer
None
Allopurinol
Enzyme Inhibitor
None
Chronic-alcohol-ingestion
Enzyme Inducer
None
Short term acute alcohol ingestion
Enzyme Inhibitor
None
Smoking
Enzyme Inducer
None
Fluoxetin (Prozac)
Enzyme Inhibitor
None
Cimetidine (Tagament)
Enzyme Inducer
None
Phenobarbital
Enzyme Inducer
None
Grapefruit Juice
Enzyme Inhibitor
None
What does ‘q’ mean in the directions for drug #2?
Every
Options included: After meals, Quickly, Quarterly, Before meals.
What does ‘pc’ mean in the directions for drug #3?
After meals
Options included: As needed, Before meals, Pre-consumption.
What does ‘gtts’ mean in the doctor’s orders for an antibiotic with directions of 2 gtts au qid for pain?
Drops
Options included: Every, Grams, Grains.
‘qs’ means quantity sufficient. True or False?
True
- Pharmacology
the study of drugs
- Site of Action
location where the drug exerts its therapeutic effect
i.e. aspirin and the hypothalamus to reduce fever
not all sites of actions are known
- Receptor Site
specific location on the site of action where the drug binds to a cell in order to cause an effect
i.e. beta-1 receptors on the heart, opioid receptors in the brain
- Mechanism of Action
how a drug produces its effects
i.e. anesthetics interrupt nerve conduction
- Agonist Drug
drug binds and produces an effect
mimics
- Antagonist Drug
drugs binds and prevents others substances from
producing an effect
blocking drug, blocker, or inhibitor
- Lock and Key
drug must “fit”
- Physical Dependence
physical symptoms occur without use of the drug
tremors, abdominal cramps, sweating, convulsions
- Psychological Dependence
psychological symptoms occur without use of the drug
anxiety, tension, stress
- Tolerance
need to take more of the drug to achieve the same effect
increased metabolism of drug
- Therapeutic Effect
desired/intended effect of the drug (drug indication).
(When a drug should not be used, it is called a contraindication.)
- Side Effect
undesirable effect in addition to the desired effect (not an allergy), i.e. drowsiness, dry mouth
- Toxic Effect
side effect that can be harmful or life threatening to the body (drug poisoning)
- Additive Effect
When the combined effect of two drugs, each producing the same biologic response by the same mechanism of action, is equal to the sum of their individual effects
- Synergistic Effect / Synergism
When the combined effect of two drugs is greater than the sum of their individual effects
enzyme inducers
increase in the amount of liver enzymes, faster metabolism of drugs, duration of action is decreased
enzyme inhibitors
inhibit liver enzymes, slow metabolism of drugs, increases duration and intensity of action
enzyme inhibitors → cimetidine (Tagamet®), erythromycin, allopurinol, Calcium Channel Blockers as a class, fluoxetine (Prozac®), short term alcohol ingestion
Define concepts related to Pharmacokinetics (ADME) and factors that influence each of these processes.
Study of the processes of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
- Absorption
entrance of the drug into the bloodstream/circulation
Filtration-solids and fluids separate
Passive transport (diffusion) – drugs move from an area of high concentration to low concentration
Osmosis-diffusion across a semipermeable membrane enabled by water movement
Active transport-uses energy
What are Schedule I drugs?
Drugs with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use.
Examples include heroin, hallucinogens, and marijuana; these drugs are not to be prescribed.
What are Schedule II drugs?
Drugs with high abuse potential and accepted medical use.
Examples include narcotics (morphine and pure codeine), cocaine, amphetamines, and short-acting barbiturates (Amobarbital, Secobarbital); no refills without a new written prescription from the physician.
What are Schedule III drugs?
Drugs with moderate abuse potential and accepted medical use.
Examples include moderate- and intermediate-acting barbiturates, dronabinol, anabolic steroids, and preparations containing codeine plus another drug; prescription required, may be refilled five times in 6 months when authorized by the physician.
What are Schedule IV drugs?
Drugs with low abuse potential and accepted medical use.
Examples include phenobarbital, chloral hydrate, zolpidem (Ambien), and antianxiety drugs (Librium, Valium); prescription required, may be refilled five times in 6 months when authorized by the physician.
What are Schedule V drugs?
Drugs with limited abuse potential and accepted medical use.
Examples include narcotic drugs used in limited quantities for antitussive (codeine) and antidiarrheal purposes (diphenoxylate, Lomotil); drugs can be sold only by a registered pharmacist; buyer must be 18 years old and show identification. Some states require a prescription for this class of drugs.
What does incompatibility refer to?
Usually refers to physical alterations of drugs that occur before administration when different drugs are mixed in the same syringe or other container
What are additive effects?
When the combined effect of two drugs, each producing the same biologic response by the same mechanism of action, is equal to the sum of their individual effects
What is summation in pharmacology?
When the combined effect of two drugs, each producing the same biologic response but by a different mechanism of action, is equal to the sum of their individual effects
What does synergism mean?
When the combined effect of two drugs is greater than the sum of their individual effects
What is bioavailability?
Percentage of the drug dosage that is absorbed.
What is drug absorption?
Entrance of a drug into the bloodstream from its site of administration.
What is drug addiction?
Condition of drug abuse and drug dependence that is characterized by compulsive drug behavior.
What is drug dependence?
Condition of reliance on the use of a particular drug, characterized as physical and/or psychological dependence.
What is drug distribution?
Passage of a drug from the blood to the tissues and organs of the body.
What is drug excretion?
Elimination of the drug from the body.
What is drug metabolism?
The enzymatic biotransformation of a drug into metabolites.
What is the drug microsomal metabolizing system (DMMS)?
Group of enzymes located primarily in the liver that function to metabolize (biotransformation) drugs.
What is drug tolerance?
Decreased drug effect occurring after repeated drug administration.
What is enzyme induction?
Increase in the amount of drug-metabolizing enzymes after repeated administration of certain drugs.
What is enzyme inhibition?
Inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes by certain drugs.
What is first-pass metabolism?
Drug metabolism that occurs in the intestines and liver during oral absorption of drugs into the systemic circulation.
What is half-life?
Time required for the body to reduce the amount of drug in the plasma by one-half.
What is individual variation?
Difference in the effects of drugs and drug dosages from one person to another.
What is intramuscular (IM) injection?
Route of drug administration; drug is injected into gluteal or deltoid muscles.
What is intravenous (IV) injection?
Route of drug administration; drug is injected directly into a vein.
What is a loading dose?
Initial drug dose administered to rapidly achieve therapeutic drug concentrations.
What is a maintenance dose?
Dose administered to maintain drug levels in blood in the therapeutic range.
What is oral administration?
Route of drug administration by way of the mouth through swallowing.
What is parenteral administration?
Route of drug administration that does not involve the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
What is pharmacokinetics?
Describes the processes of drug absorption, drug distribution, drug metabolism, and drug excretion.
- In what unit is insulin ordered?
units
- Identify calibrations for Insulin (units)
2 units calibration
tuberculin syringe – 1 ml
0.01 calibration
Syringes
3ml (0.1)
0.1ml
Syringes
5ml (0.2)
0.2ml
Syringes
10ml (0.5)
0.5ml
Difference between a ampule and a vial
Ampule
Usually glass container
Single dose use
Use a filtered needle to draw out solution
Broken open
Vial
Multi-use container
Glass or plastic
Sealed
Sterilize the top
Define gauge
Gauge
The larger the number, the thinner the needle.
The smaller the number, the thicker the needle.
i.e. 18 gauge is thinner than 16 gauge.
- Diffusion
diffusion is the process by which a drug moves from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
- Osmosis
a process of movement of solvents through a semi-permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to higher solute concentration
- Filtration
a physical or mechanical process that separates solids from liquids or gases
- Passive Transport
a process that moves drugs across cell membranes without using energy
- Active Transport
the process of moving substances across a cell membrane against a concentration gradient
Enteral - define: 1) oral
PO (by mouth)
The oral administration route is the safest and the most convenient method. Oral administration usually requires 30 to 60 minutes before significant absorption from the GI tract occurs; therefore, the onset of drug action is delayed.
Enteral - define: 2) nasogastric
(NG) tube
(tube’s integrity is assessed, solutions are preferred, pills must be crushed/mixed with liquid, tube must be flushed after administration, do not mix medications)
Enteral-define: 3) Rectal
(enemas, suppositories)
When patient cannot take oral medications and parenteral is not indicated, also for local effects
Analgesics, laxatives
Parenteral: intradermal
within or between the layers of the skin
Parenteral: subcutaneous
situated or applied under the skin.
Or sub Q goes into the fat (used for insulin)
Parenteral: intramuscular
Goes into the muscle, like a gluteal injection, which is in the hip or in the gluteal muscle
Parenteral: intravenous
IV - goes in the vein
Parenteral: intrathecal
into the spine
Transdermal
goes into the dermis
Intraocular
goes into the eye
Intra-respiratory
goes into the lungs
Intravaginal
goes into the vagina
Intrauterine
goes into the uterus
Intranasal
relating to the nose or administered through the nose
goes into nasal
Otic
goes into eye
Buccal
goes into the cheek
Sublingual
goes on or under the tongue
Topical
on the surface of the skin
(creams-semi-solid with water base
ointments-semi-solid with oily base
Endotracheal
goes into the trachea
Oral medicine
Most medications—aspirin, sedatives, hypnotics, antibiotics
Sublingual
Nitroglycerin in angina pectoris
Buccal
Androgenic drugs
Rectal
Analgesics, laxatives
Transdermal
Nitroglycerin, estrogen
Subcutaneous (SC)
Insulin
Intramuscular (IM)
Narcotic analgesics, antibiotics
Intravenous (IV)
IV fluids (dextrose), nutrient supplementation, antibiotics
Intraarterial
Cancer drugs
Intrathecal
Spinal anesthesia with lidocaine
Inhalation
Antiasthmatic medications such as epinephrine
Topical
Creams and ointments
Vaginal
Creams, foams, and suppositories
What is another term for the mechanism of action of a drug?
pharmacodynamics
Identify the different parts to a prescription.
-DEA Number
-Prescriber Information
-Patient Information
-Date prescription was written
-Subscription
-Inscription
-Signa
-Special Instructions
Time-Plasma Drug Concentration Curve or Time-Response Curve
onset of action-first observable effect
duration of action-length
continued metabolism and excretion → decreased drug levels, decreased response
Frequency
Identify who can write prescriptions
physicians, dentists, podiatrists, NP, PA, or veterinarians may issue prescriptions
Discuss who has a DEA number.
Presciber:
DEA number
series of numbers assigned to a health care provider allowing them to write prescriptions for controlled substances
assigned by the DEA
to be used for tracking controlled substances
must be listed on all narcotic prescriptions
- Harrison Narcotics Tax Act
curbed drug addiction or dependence
established the word “narcotic”
proved that narcotic drugs produced physical and/or psychological dependence
charged a tax on all who produce, import, manufacture, compound, deal in, dispense, sell, distribute, or give away opium or coca leaves, their salts, derivatives, or preparations, and for other purposes
“Warning: may be habit forming”-direct result
- Durham-Humphrey Amendment
designed the “Birth of the Legend” (classification of prescription vs OTC drugs)
- Kefauver Harris Act
drug products must be effective and safe
testing must be done in several animal species before it can be tested on humans
enforced by the FDA
- Federal Food and Drug Act
agency of the U.S. Health and Human Services
regulates and supervises safety and effectiveness of all drugs
protects the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices
ensures the safety of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation
- Pure Drug and Food Act
protection from adulterated or mislabeled drugs
drugs must meet standards of strength and purity
- Orphan Drug Act
provided grants to research companies to develop new drugs for rare diseases or conditions
- Controlled Substance Act
created controlled substances categories based on potential for abuse and medical effectiveness
regulated dispensing of controlled substances
assigned five categories
limited the number of prescription refills for controlled substances
amended in 1990, enforced by the Drug Enforcement Agency
- Sherley Amendment
prohibited fraudulent therapeutic claims by drug companies
What does Pregnancy Category A indicate?
Drug studies in pregnant women have not yet demonstrated risk to the fetus.
What does Pregnancy Category B indicate?
Drug studies have not been performed in pregnant women; animal studies have not demonstrated fetal risk.
What does Pregnancy Category C indicate?
Drug studies have not been performed in pregnant women or in animals, or animal studies have revealed some teratogenic potential but the risk to the fetus is unknown.
What does Pregnancy Category D indicate?
Drug studies have revealed adverse risk to the fetus. The benefit-to-risk ratio of the drug must be established before use during pregnancy.
What does Pregnancy Category X indicate?
Drug studies have revealed teratogenic effects in women and/or animals. Fetal risk clearly outweighs benefit. Drug is contraindicated in pregnancy.
What does NR stand for in pregnancy categories?
Drug has not yet been rated by FDA.
What is Phase 1 of drug testing?
Involves 20-100 healthy volunteers or people with disease to determine safety and dosage.
What is Phase 2 of drug testing?
Involves several hundred volunteers with disease/condition to determine drug effectiveness and side effects.
What is Phase 3 of drug testing?
Involves 300-3,000 patients at medical research centers to determine adverse side effects and efficacy.
What is Phase 4 of drug testing?
Involves several thousand volunteers with the disease/condition after FDA approval for continued post-marketing safety monitoring.
First-Pass Effect
After oral administration, all drugs are absorbed into the portal circulation, which transports the drugs to the liver before they are distributed throughout the body.
Some drugs are metabolized significantly as they pass through the liver this first time.
This effect is referred to as first-pass metabolism.
It can significantly reduce bioavailability and the amount of active drug that reaches the general circulation.
Half-life
The half-life of a drug is the time required for the blood or plasma concentration of the drug to fall to half of its original level.
For example, after two half-lives only 25 percent of the drug that was absorbed remains in the blood.
Half-life is important in determining the frequency of drug administration.
Incompatibility
Usually refers to physical alterations of drugs that occur before administration when different drugs are mixed in the same syringe or other container
Bioavailability
Bioavailability is the percentage of the dose of a drug that is actually absorbed into the bloodstream.
Differences in drug formulation, route of administration, and factors that affect GI absorption can influence bioavailability.
A particular drug may be manufactured by many different drug companies and sold under different trade names.
In these situations, the amount of drug may be the same in each product, but the product may be different because of particle size, binders, fillers, and tablet coating.
These differences may alter bioavailability. There have been examples of this in the past. Now, however, the Food and page 25Drug Administration (FDA) regulates and requires bioavailability testing.
Reconstitution
the process of adding a liquid diluent to a dry ingredient to make a specific concentration of liquid
What does ‘A’ indicate regarding drug studies in pregnant women?
Drug studies in pregnant women have not yet demonstrated risk to the fetus.
What does ‘B’ indicate about drug studies in pregnant women?
Drug studies have not been performed in pregnant women; animal studies have not demonstrated fetal risk.
What does ‘C’ indicate about drug studies and fetal risk?
Drug studies have not been performed in pregnant women or in animals, or animal studies have revealed some teratogenic potential but the risk to the fetus is unknown.
What does ‘D’ indicate regarding the risk of drugs to the fetus?
Drug studies have revealed adverse risk to the fetus. The benefit-to-risk ratio of the drug must be established before use during pregnancy.
What does ‘X’ indicate about drug contraindications in pregnancy?
Drug studies have revealed teratogenic effects in women and/or animals. Fetal risk clearly outweighs benefit. Drug is contraindicated in pregnancy.
What does ‘NR’ mean regarding drug ratings?
Drug has not yet been rated by FDA.
What does Therapeutic Index (TI) measure?
It provides a quantitative measure of the relative safety of a drug.
What is the formula for calculating Therapeutic Index (TI)?
TI = LD50 / ED50
What does LD50 represent?
LD50 is the dose of a drug that is lethal in 50% of lab animals tested.
What does ED50 represent?
ED50 is the dose required to produce a therapeutic effect in 50% of a similar population.
What is a receptor?
A reactive cellular site with which a drug interacts to produce a pharmacologic effect.
What does affinity refer to in pharmacology?
The propensity of a drug to bind or attach itself to a given receptor site.
What is efficacy in the context of drugs?
The drug’s ability to initiate biologic activity as a result of binding.
What is an agonist?
A drug that combines with receptors and initiates a sequence of biochemical and physiologic changes; possesses both affinity and efficacy.
What is an antagonist?
An agent designed to inhibit or counteract effects produced by other drugs or undesired effects caused by cellular components during illness.
What is a competitive antagonist?
An agent with an affinity for the same receptor site as an agonist, inhibiting the action of the agonist through competition (reversible).
What is a noncompetitive antagonist?
An agent that combines with different parts of the receptor mechanism and inactivates the receptor, preventing the agonist from being effective regardless of its concentration (irreversible).
What are examples of drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system?
Examples include drugs that act as agonists or antagonists within the autonomic nervous system.
What are the enteral routes?
- Oral
- Nasogastric
- Buccal
- Sublingual
- Rectal
What are the parenteral routes?
- Intravenous
- Intrpleural
- Intra-arterial
- Intra-articular
- Intracisternal
- Intracardiac
- Intraperitoneal
- Intraspinal
- Introsseous
- Intrathecal
- Intramuscular
- Subcutaneous
- Intradermal
What are the percutaneous routes?
- Transdermal
- Topical
- Introcular
- Intrarespiratory
- Intravaginal
- Intrauterine
- Intraurethral
- Intranasal
- Otic
- Intravesical
- Endotracheal
What are aerosols?
Active pharmaceutical agents in a pressurized container.
What are capsules?
(1) Soft gelatin shell manufactured in one piece in which the drug is in a liquid form inside the shell; (2) hard shell manufactured in two pieces that fit together and hold the drug, which is in a powdered or granular form.
What is a cream?
Semi-solid emulsion of drug, oil, and water, with water as the main ingredient. Emulsifying agents are added to keep the oil and water mixed together.
Example: hydrocortisone cream for skin inflammation.
What are elixirs?
Solutions containing alcohol, sugar, and water, used as flavoring agents or solvents.
What are emulsions?
Suspensions of fat globules in water (or water globules in fat) with an emulsifying agent.
What are gels?
Aqueous suspensions of insoluble drugs in hydrated form.
What is a liniment?
A mixture of drugs with oil, soap, water, or alcohol intended for external application with rubbing.
Example: camphor liniment.
What are long-acting (LA) sustained-release (SR) formulations?
Active pharmaceutical agents layered in tablet form or placed in pellets within a capsule, releasing over 8 to 24 hours.
What are lotions?
Aqueous preparations containing suspended materials intended for soothing, local application.
What is a lozenge?
Round, flat tablets formed from a hardened base of sugar and water containing the drug, allowed to dissolve slowly in the mouth.
Example: Cepacol lozenges.
What are ointments?
Mixtures of drugs with a fatty base for external applications, usually by rubbing.
Example: Ben Gay ointment.
What are pills?
Single-dose units made by mixing powdered drug with a liquid and rolling it into a round or oval shape.
What are powders?
Single-dose quantities of a drug or mixture of drugs in powdered form wrapped separately in powder papers.
Example: Seidlitz powder.
What are tinctures?
Alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions prepared from drugs.
Example: iodine tincture.
What is a troche?
Oblong tablet that dissolves in the mouth.
Example: nystatin (Mycostatin Pastilles).
What are solutions?
Aqueous liquid preparations containing one or more substances completely dissolved.
What are spirits?
Alcoholic solutions of volatile substances, also known as essences.
Example: essence of peppermint.
What are suppositories?
Mixtures of drugs with a firm base molded for insertion into a body orifice.
Example: Fulracin vaginal suppositories.
What are syrups?
Aqueous solutions of sugar, which may or may not have medicinal substances added.
Example: simple syrup.
What are tablets?
Single-dose units made by compressing powdered drugs in a suitable mold.
Example: aspirin tablets.
