Question | Answer |
If there is a warning (flag) that pops up on the computer, what should the technician do? | Alert the pharmacist |
What are capsules? | A dosage type; Small, oblong gelatin filled with medicine |
What are tablets? | A dosage type; Solid dosage form that varies in color, shape, size, weight, and other properties. |
What is a buccal tablet? | A medication form that is placed between the cheek and gum in order for it to dissolve and be absorbed rapidly |
What is a sublingual tablet? | A medication form that is placed under the tongue in order to be dissolved and released rapidly |
What are chewable tablets? | A medication form that is chewed beore being swallowed. |
What are Effervescent tablets? | A medication form that contains mixtures of acids and sodium bicarbonate as well as active ingredients. They dissolve rapidly in water and are intended to be taken in water. |
What are Enteric-coated tablets? | A medication form that has a special coating that prevents the medication to be absorbed into the stomach which could minimize the effects of the medication |
What are troches and lozenges? | A medication form that is held in the mouth while they dissolve. They are kept in contact with the mouth and throat for an extended period of time that allows medication to be released for longer. |
What are controlled-release products | release medication over extended periods of time to avoid high concentrations in the digestive tract, or to provide longer durations of action than are available through conventional dosage forms. |
Controlled-releaase products contain what? | 2-4 times the regular dose and release it from 8-24 hours |
What does LA mean? | Long acting |
What does SA mean? | Sustained action |
What does SR mean? | Sustained release |
What does CR mean? | Controlled release |
What does XR/Xl mean? | Extended release |
What does TR mean? | Timed release |
What are Solutions? | preparations in which the solid ingredients of the medication are dissolved in a liquid; can contain some color but are usually clear |
What are suspensions? | Substances in which medication particles are suspended in liquid. The medicaiton is not dissolved. Shake stock bottles well before dispensing. "shake well" auxiliary label is required. |
What are reconstituting powders to liquids? | requires the addition of a specific amount of distilled water to convert into solutions or suspensions. Manufactured adn stored as dry powder. Lasts 10-14 days after being added to water. Dispense immediately |
What are Elixirs? | clear, hydroalcoholic liquids intended for oral use. Often contain flavoring |
What are fluid extracts and tinctures? | Use alcohol, water, or a combination as their base, and usually contain plant extracts as active ingredients |
What are spirits or essences? | alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile substances containing high percentage of alcohol and require storage in a tight container to prevent loss through evaporation |
What are syrups? | concentrated solutions of sugar in water with added active ingredients that may also contain alcohol |
What are emulsions? | mixtures of oil and water. they separate into an oil layer on top of a water layer. Shake stock bottles well before dispensing. Auxiliary label "Shake Well" is required |
What are ointments? | greasy preparations, usually with a petroleum jelly base. They are good for delivering medication to the skin that need protection. Leaves oily coating on skin |
What are creams? | combinations of water, oil, and other substances. Usually do not offer as much protection as ointments, but may be more appealing because creams are less greasy and are usually absorbed by the skin |
What are lotions? | like creams, but contain more liquid and are esier to apply over larger areas of the body |
What are liniments? | mixtures of various substances in oil, alcoholic solutions of soap, or emulsions intended for external application. They are usually used for their heat-producing effects |
What are gels? | semisolid suspensions of very small particles, usually in a water base |
What are collodions? | liquids that dry as flexible films on the skin. Many wart, corn, or callous removers are prepared as these |
What are transdermal patches? | topical delivery systems designed for prolonged action. Medications are provided in patches that stick to the skin with adhesives. The skin absorbs constant amounts from 12 hours to several days. |
What are suppositories? | topical dosage forms usually manufactured in cylindrical, egg, or pear shapes and inserted into the rectum. Some are inserted into the vagina |
What are vaginal tablets? | inserted into the vagina. When typing directions for vaginal tablets or suppositories, remind patients to remove any outer wrapping before insertion |
What are otic and ophthalmic preparations? | considered topical dosage forms. Otic medications are usually supplied in dropper bottles, and ophthalmic preparations are supplied as drop or ointments. Ophthalmic medications must be sterile |
What are Aerosols? | sprayable products that use pressurized gas and valve systems to deliver medications. Most commonly used for topical application to the skin or inhalation into the lungs and nasal passages |
What are chewing gums? | Used to administer medication. The mouth's mucous membranes absorb the medication. |
What are parenteral medications? | Sterile preparations that are injected with syringes. Insulin is the most common |
What are analgesics used for and what are examples? | Pain relief; aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen |
What are external analgesics and what are examples? | Topical pain relief; Methyl salicylate, trolamine salicylate, capsoicin, pramoxine |
What are antacids and what are examples? | Relief of gastrointestinal discomfort; TUMS, Mylanta, Maalox |
What are Antiflatulents and what are examples? | Relief of gas; Beano, Gas-X |
What are laxatives and what are examples? | Relief of constipation; Metamucil, Citrucel, Dulcolax |
What are antidiarrheals and what are examples? | Relief of diarrhea; Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate |
What are antitussives and what are examples? | Cough suppressions; Dextromethorhpan (found in many cough products) |
What are expectoants and what are examples? | Clearing of respiratory phlegm; Guaifenesin |
What are decongestants and what are examples? | Loosening of congestion; Oxymetazoline, phenylephrine |
What are antihistamines and what are examples? | Drying of secretions; Diphenhydramine, cetirizine, loratadine |
What are eye care products used for and what are examples? | Relief of stinging, itching, dryness, and/or redness; Visine, ketotifen |
What are antibiotic creams and what are examples? | Treatment or prevention of infection; Neomycin, polymyxin |
What are Pediculicides and what are examples? | Treatment of lice; Permethrin |
What are Antifungals and what are examples? | Treatment of fungal infections; Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, butenafine |
What are Sunburn and burn care products used for and what are examples? | Relief of burning pain; Lidocaine |
What are antinauseants and what are examples? | Relief of nausea or motion sickness; Meclizine, dimenhydrinate |
What are sleep aids used for and what are examples? | Sleep promotion; Diphenhydramine |
What types of medications may a technicians be involved in directing or selling to patients? | *Self-testing aids
*Durable medical equipment
*Vitamin and minerals
*Herbal remedies |
What is a pharmacy technician's role in OTC medications? | *May direct a patient to OTC medications
*May NOT recommend OTC medications |
What are examples of analgesics (Pain medicines)? | *Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
*Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)
*Acetaminophen/hydrocodone combination (Vicodin)
*Acetaminophen/ oxycodone combination (Percocet) |
What are examples of antibiotics (infection aids)? | *Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
*Azithromycin (Zithromax)
*Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
*Clarithromycin (Biaxin XL)
*Levofloxacin (Levaquin) |
What are examples of Anticoagulant (blood clot inhibitors)? | *Enoxaparin sodium (Lovenox)
*Heparin sodium (Heparin)
*Warfarin sodium (Coumdin) |
What are examples of anticonvulsants? | *Clonazepam (Klonopin)
*Phenobarbital sodium (Solfoton)
*Gabapentin (Neurontin)
*Phynytoin sodium (Dilantin) |
What potential interactions/ adverse effects do blood thinners have? | Can interact with other medications and foods to increase bleeding or decrease the medication's effectiveness. Diet can also be a factor in the effectiveness of warfarin. |
What potential interactions/ adverse effects do heart products have? | Other drugs can affect the metabolism of these medications and small changes can result in significant effects such as toxicity or lack of efficacy |
What potential interactions/ adverse effects do antibiotics have? | Rashes and diarrhea are the most common side effects of these medications. Some may cause photosensitivity and affect the metabolism of other medications |
What potential interactions/ adverse effects do diuretics have? | Changes in serum potassium and sodium levels directly associated with these medications can have serious side effects |
What potential interactions/ adverse effects do herbal products have? | Many can directly affect the potency of prescription medications and should therefore be noted in the patient's profile. Herbal products should be carefully considered before taking concurrently with other medications |
What type of drug is used to reduce a fever? | Antipyretic |
If a patient has a dry cough without a runny nose or nasal or chest congestion, which medicine should they take? | Antitussive |
Why would you use an immediate release product? | Patients can have more control over the amount of drug taken |
Levofloxacin is what type of medication? | Antibiotic |
ACE inhibitors | Class of antihypertensive drugs, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors |
Adsorbent | Antidiarrheal product that promotes fluid and electrolyte absorption to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance |
Analgesic | A substance that provides pain relief |
Antiemetic | A drug used to reduce nausea and vomiting |
Anti-inflammatory | A substance that reduces inflammation caused by allergic reactions, irritation, or disorders such as arthritis |
Antineoplastic drugs | Chemotherapeutic agents that help control or cure cancer |
Antipruritic | A drug or chemical that reduces itching |
Antipyretic | A substance that reduces fever |
Antiseptic | Agent used to inhibit the growth of microbes on living tissue |
Bactericidal | Agent that kills bacteria |
Bacteriostatic | Agent that inhibits the growth or development of bacteria |
Black box warning | Warning included by the manufacturer at the beginning of the package insert concerning serious adverse effect |
Buccal tablets | Tablets designed for the cheek so the drug is absorbed through the oral mucosa |
Chemotherapeutic drugs | Drugs used in the treatment of cancer that can destroy normal living cells |
Compressed tablets | Tablets produced by a tablet press exerting great pressure on powders and shaped by punches and dies of various sizes |
Controlled-release tablets | Tablets formulated to release a drug slowly over a predetermined period of time |
Cream | Semisolid dosage forms containing one or more drug substances dissolved or dispersed in a water-removable base |
Decongestant | A drug that reduces swelling in the nasal passage and sinus cavity |
Demulcent | Agent used topically to soothe irritated tissue in the mouth or throat |
Effervescent tablets | Tablets compounded with an effervescent salt that releases a gas when placed in water, causing the medication to dissolve rapidly |
Electrolytes | Salts added to a TPN to correct deficiencies and help meet daily metabolic needs |
Elixir | A hydroalchoholic solution that contains one or more dissolved drugs and is sweetened and flavored for oral use |
Emollient | A chemical used to soften and lubricate the skin |
Enteric-coated tablets | Tablets formulated to pass through the stomach unchanged and dissolve in the intestine |
Eutectic mixture | Two or more chemicals that change from a solid form to a liquid when mixed |
Excipients | Ingredients added to a drug in a solid dosage form to create an acceptable tablet or capsule |
Expectorant | A substance that helps thin mucus |
Fat-dissolving tablets | Tablets designed to liquefy on the tongue within one minute |
Film-coated tablets | Tablets covered with a thin layer of polymer designed to dissolve in the gastrointestinal tract |
Fungicide | Agent that destroys fungus |
Gels | Ointment bases that are semisolid systems of organic or inorganic particles penetrated by a liquid; also called jellies |
Genotoxic agent | An agent capable of damaging DNA |
Granules | Powders that are wetted and broken into coarse particles to increase stability |
Hydroalcoholic solution | A solution in which alcohol and water are used as vehicles |
Implant | A drug or device temporarily placed under the skin to release a medication at a controlled rate |
Inhalers | Aerosolized medications used to treat asthma |
Lubricant | Agent that softens the skin and reduces friction when a suppository is inserted |
Ointments | Semisolid formulations containing one or more active ingredients that is applied to the skin or mucous membrane |
Paste | An ointment base added to a sizeable amount of powder |
Protectant | An agent that is added to ingredients that may form a eutectic mixture if triturated together |
Salicylates | Aspirin-containing products or products that contain compounds from the same class as aspirin |
Spirits | Alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solutions of volatile substances, often used for flavoring |
Suspension | A liquid in which particles are not dissolved but are dispersed when shaken |
Syrup | An oral solution containing a high concentration of sugar |
Tincture | An alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solution containing vegetable materials or chemicals made by a percolation or maceration process |
Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) | Intravenous therapy designed to provide nutrition for patients who cannot or will not take nourishment by mouth |
Vehicle | A liquid used to dissolve a drug for oral or topical administration |