Term | Definition |
sublingual tablets | tablet designed to dissolve under the tongue |
enteric coated tablet | tablet coated with a film formulated to pass through the stomach into the small intestines for absorption. Prevents irritation of the gastric mucosa. |
chewable tablets | tablet with a sugar or flavored base designed to be chewed |
caplets | long oblong tablet with a smooth film coated body for ease of swallowing |
buccal tablets | tablet placed in the mouth between the cheek and gum for absorption |
tablets | dried powder form of medication that has been compressed a small disk |
sustained released tablets | capsule form of medication in which the medication is released over a desired period of known duration |
troches | hard disk of medication designed to dissolve in the mouth |
buffered tablets | medication combined with an antacid to reduce stomach discomfort |
Holistic | View that focuses on achieving harmony of body, mind, and spirit to prevent illness. Physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive aspects of a person |
scientific-biomedical | View that believes disease and illness have a cause, and the goal of health is to find a cure. |
magicoreligious | View that regards humans as under the control of supernatural, mystical forces |
liniment | medication that combines oil, soap, water, alcohol and is placed on the skin to produce heat |
gels | semisolid in a water base with a thickening agent for absorption through the skin |
lotion | free-flowing liquid of formulation with ingredients suspended in water for application to the skin |
ointment | semisolid in greasy base that is not absorbed into the skin, but the medication is absorbed from the greasy base |
cream | semisolid preparation in a base that is absorbed into the tissue for slow, sustained release |
gelcaps | Soft gelatin shell filled with liquid medication |
capsule | small gelatin container filled with medication in powdered or granule form |
delayed action capsule | capsule prepared to release drug at a particular site or to provide a steady release of medication over a period of time |
elixer | clear sweetened or flavored medication containing alcohol and water |
emulsion | Water-and-oil mixture containing medication in pharmacology |
tincture | alcohol based liquid used as a skin disinfectant |
effervescent | course ground medicinal agent that has been mixed with effervescent salt to release carbon dioxide when a liquid is added |
suspension | medication in the form of undissolved particles dispersed in a liquid vehicle |
superscription | portion of a prescription designated with the symbol Rx |
subscription | part of the prescription containing the directions for the pharmacist with information for compounding ingredients if necessary |
signa | part of prescription that indicates the proper dosage of medication to be taken (sig or signature) |
inscription | part of the prescription that indicates the name of a drug and the dosage prescribed |
parenteral drugs | route by which medications are given through the skin by injection, such as intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, and intravenous. |
suppositories | medication carried in cocoa butter, hydrogenated vegetable oil, or glycerinated gelatin to form a solid dose for insertion into a body orifice such as the vagina, urethra or rectum |
implants | form of medication placed under the skin for long term controlled release (pellet) |
dispense | to give medications to a patient to be taken at a later time |
prescribe | to indicate, either in writing or orally, a medication to be given |
standing order | request for a procedure that is routine for certain medical treatments under certain conditions |
administer | to give to or apply medication to a person |
medication order | written or verbal order for administration of a medication in a health care setting |
extract | highly concentrated preparation of liquid medication achieved through the evaporation of a solution |
spirits | Alcoholic or Hydroalcoholic solutions containing volatile aromatic ingredients |
Syrup | aqueous solution sweetened with sugar substitute to disguise taste |
SR | Sustained Release |
CR | Controlled Release |
LA or XL | Long Acting |
DS | Double Strength |
TR | Timed Release |
XR or ER | Extended Release |
adult age | 18-65 |
Legend Drug | Drug sold by prescription |
OTC Drug | Does not require a prescription |
USP/NF | official drug list recognized by US government |
USP/DI | United States Pharmacopoeia/Dispensing Information |
United States Pharmacopoeia/Dispensing Information | Practical Information about drugs that highlight sources of possible risk |