UNDERSTANDING DRUGS AND MEDICINCES

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DRUG AND A MEDICINE? DRUGS Drugs are substances that cause a change in a person’s physical and/or psychological state. Medicines are drugs that are used to cure, prevent or treat illnesses or discomfort. MEDICINES ALL MEDICINES ARE DRUGS. ALL DRUGS ARE NOT MEDICINES.

What are some common side effects of medicines? What is a Side Effect? An effect caused by a drug other then the intended effect What are some common side effects of medicines? Common side effects are headaches, sleepiness, diarrhea, nausea

Prescription Drugs Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs A specific medicine ordered by a doctor in writing. Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs Medicines that can be bought without a prescription.

Why do we need a prescription for certain drugs? Easy to become addicted to Stronger then OTC drugs More serious side effects May interfere with other drugs

Prescription Medicines What information does a prescription have? The medication The dose When you should take the medicine How often you should take the medicine The length of time you should take the medicine

Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs: Prescription Drug Abuse: Legal medicines with legitimate uses can be abused -- meaning they're taken by someone other than the patient or in a manner or dose other than what's recommended Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs: **VIDEO oxycontin Vicodin/Hydrocodone Valium Xanex Ambien Adderall Oxycontin

What do the following types of common medications do for our body?

Analgesics Relieve Pain

Antihistamines Block the action of the chemical, HISTAMINE, which causes allergy symptoms

Works against stomach acids that cause heartburn. Antacids Works against stomach acids that cause heartburn.

Antibiotics Drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. Common antibiotics: Penicillin Streptomycin Amoxicillin

How do drugs enter your body? Transdermal Patches The drug is packaged into patches that are placed on the skin. Ingestion The drug is swallowed and absorbed through blood vessels in the intestines. Topical Application The drug is applied directly to certain areas of the body and absorbed into the skin.

How do drugs enter your body? Inhalation The drugs enter the body through blood vessels in the lungs when it is inhaled. Implanted Pumps Surgically implanted specialized pumps inject drugs directly into a specific part of the body. Injection The drug is injected by a hypodermic needle.

What is the difference between a generic medicine and a brand name medicine? Generic drugs are made by a company other than the company that developed the original medicine. They are chemically identical to the original drug and have the same active ingredients. The difference may be in the inactive ingredients, things that give the pill its shape, color, and size.

What are drug interactions? Occur when drugs react with another drug, food or dietary supplement. Could increase or decrease the effect of a drug.

Allergic reactions can range from very mild to life threatening. What is the most serious allergic reaction called and what are the symptoms of it? ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK Affects the entire body including itching all over, swelling, especially in the mouth and throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing, pounding heart, fainting and unconsciousness. Allergic reactions can range from very mild to life threatening.

What type of allergies do you suffer from?