What are medicines Flashcards
What is a drug (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient - API)?
A substance that has a pharmacological effect on the body.
What is a medicine?
A drug combined with excipients to create a dosage form suitable for administration.
What is a dosage form (medicinal form)?
The physical form of a medicine, e.g., tablet, liquid, cream.
Why must pharmacists distinguish between ‘drug’ and ‘medicine’?
The general public often uses them interchangeably, but pharmacists need to differentiate between the active ingredient and the final formulated product.
Give three examples of drugs (APIs).
Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Cetirizine.
List three examples of dosage forms.
Tablets, inhalers, transdermal patches.
Why can’t drugs be given in their pure form?
They are often in powder form, difficult to measure accurately, and may not be safe or convenient for patients.
Name three factors that influence the need for dosage forms.
Different clinical conditions, patient types (e.g., children, elderly), routes of administration.
What is the role of excipients in medicines?
They bulk up the drug, improve stability, control release, enhance taste, and aid absorption.
Complete the formula: Drug + ______ = Medicine (Dosage Form)
Excipients.
What are the advantages of the oral route
It is natural, convenient, and safe.
What are two disadvantages of the oral route?
Slow onset of action and irregular absorption due to food interactions.
What are the four main oral dosage forms?
Tablets, capsules, suspensions, solutions.
What excipient makes tablets disintegrate in the stomach?
Starch (disintegrant).
What excipient improves the flow of powder in tablet manufacturing?
Lubricants (e.g., glidants, anti-adherents).
Why must suspensions be shaken before use?
The drug particles are undissolved and need to be redistributed.
How is the oromucosal route different from the oral route?
The drug is absorbed directly through the mucosa and not swallowed.
What is an example of a sublingual drug?
Glyceryl trinitrate (for angina).
What is an example of a buccal drug?
Testosterone tablets.
What are two uses of rectal administration?
Local treatment (e.g., haemorrhoids) and systemic effects (e.g., paracetamol suppositories for fever).
Name two rectal dosage forms.
Suppositories and enemas.
Why is the parenteral route used?
It bypasses the GI tract for a rapid effect.
Name four types of parenteral administration.
IV (intravenous), IM (intramuscular), SC (subcutaneous), ID (intradermal).
Why must IV solutions be clear?
To prevent blood vessel blockage.
