HOW MEDICINE ARE USED

MEDICINE

1. What kind of medicines do you commonly take when you get sick?

2. How medicine are used

3. Objectives Describe uses of medicines Differentiate prescription from non-prescription medicines.

4. A drug is any substance that changes how the mind or body works. A medicine is a drug used to treat, cure, prevent pain, or prevent the symptoms of disease or illness. It is something you take to make you feel better when you are sick.

5. Every medicine has two names: a brand name and a generic name. Combination medicines are grouped under one brand name. But the individual ingredients are always listed on the packaging. A group of medicines that function in the same way have the same sounding generic name.

6. Medicine are taken for different purposes

7. For PREVENTION Some medicines are taken as preventive medicine. They do not treat any existing or pre-existing disease or symptoms but they prevent infections that may happen in the future. These kinds of medicines are taken to prevent illness or disease. Examples of these are the painkillers or pain relievers .

8. 2. For PROTECTION Some medicines are taken to protect the body from further growth or attack of disease-causing organisms. These kinds of medicines are taken usually to maintain health. Examples of these are medicines that strengthen the capacity of your body to fight against infection.

9. 3. For TREATMENT or CURE Most medicines are taken to treat or cure infections and their symptoms. They may be used for a limited period or on a regular basis for persistent or chronic disorders. Medicines that are taken to treat infectious diseases are not only intended to make you feel better. They actually cure the diseases. Examples are medicines that kill infectious germs

10. There are two (2 types of medicines according to how they are sold or dispensed

11. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (Non-Prescription) These medicines can be bought without a doctor’s written prescription or authorization. They can be bought at any pharmacy or even at a supermarket or health food shop. . Examples of these medicines are the common cold and cough expectorants, fever and flu medicines, stomach upset medicines, analgesics or pain relievers

12. 2. Prescription medicines These medicines are those that need a prescription or authorization from an authorized prescriber such as a doctor, dentist, and the like. They are general more stronger than sold over-the-counter. They may have serious side effects and drug interactions if not used properly. Antibiotics and strong painkillers need a prescription.

13. Safety in the use of medicines is very important. Medicines can save lives if used properly. They can cause health problems when not used properly.

14. Here are some other important information that you should look for and understand in a medicine label.

15. Active Ingredients- indicates the therapeutic substance in the product and the amount of active ingredient per unit, usually in milligrams (mg) or milliliters (mL) Uses- indicates the symptoms or diseases the product will treat or prevent.

16. Warnings- this indicates warnings like when not to use the product; the conditions that may require advice from a doctor before taking the product; the possible interactions or side effects; when to stop taking the product and when to contact a doctor; and to keep the product out of reach of children. Inactive ingredients- this indicates substances such as colors or flavors

17. Purpose- indicates the action or category of the product such as antihistamine, antacid, or cough suppressant. Directions- this indicates the specific age categories how much to take, how often to take, and how long to take the medicine.

18. Other information- this indicates information on how to store the product properly and required information about certain ingredients such as the amount of calcium, potassium, or sodium the product contains) Expiration date Net quantity of contents What to do if an overdose occurs

19. Check Your understanding How are medicines used? What is the difference between prescription and nonprescription medicines?

20. Keep in Mind A drug is any substance that changes how the mind or body works. A medicine is a drug used to treat, cure, prevent pain, or prevent the symptoms of disease or illness. Over-the-counter medicines can be bought without a doctor’s written prescription or authorization. Prescription medicines are drugs authorize from a doctor, dentist, and the like.