Using medicines safely

Standards for Medicines All new medicines in the United States must meet standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It takes at least 3 clinical trials for each drug. One of these trials include testing on human volunteers. Sometimes, if a drug hasn’t yet completed clinical trials but is thought to be effective, people with life- threatening illnesses are allowed to use the drug. This is referred to as experimental.

Types of Medicines Medicines are drugs that are used to treat or prevent diseases or other conditions. Drugs are substances other than food that change the structure or function of the body or mind. All medicines are drugs, but not all drugs are medicine. Medicines that treat or prevent illness can be classified into four broad categories: Help prevent disease Fight pathogens Relieve pain and other symptoms Manage chronic conditions, maintain or restore health, and regulate body’s systems.

Types of Medicines Preventing Disease Fighting Pathogens Vaccines-contain weakened or dead pathogens that cause the disease. Antitoxins-help neutralize the effects of toxins. Fight bacteria that produce substances toxic to the body. Antibiotics-are a class of drug that destroy disease- causing microorganisms, called bacteria. Antivirals/Antifungals-are available to treat some viral illnesses, such as the flu. Suppress the virus, but do not kill it.

Types of Medicines Pain relievers Sensitive to aspirin Relieving Pain Chronic Conditions Pain relievers Range from aspirin to morphine. Sensitive to aspirin Acetaminophen or ibuprofen Recommended for children Allergy Medicines- antihistamines reduce allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Allergic reactions

Types of Medicines Body-Regulating Medicines Chronic Conditions Chronic Conditions Body-Regulating Medicines Insulin Asthma/inhalers Cardiovascular medicines Antidepressant and Antipsychotic-help those suffering from mental illness. Can help regulate brain chemistry, or stabilize moods.

Types of Medicines Chronic Conditions Chronic Conditions Cancer Treatment Medicines-reduce rapid cell growth and help stop the spread of cancer cells. Chemotherapy-uses chemicals to kill fast- growing cancer cells. Immunotherapy-uses the body’s immune system fight the cancer cells. Serious side effects could occur because these also destroy healthy cells.

Types of Medicines Over-the-Counter Medicines Prescription Medicines Are medicines you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. FDA considers these medicines to be safe. Some OTC medicines are controlled. Cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Can be used to make highly addictive, illegal drugs. Are medicines that are dispensed with the written approval of a licensed physician or nurse- practitioner. Provide only the amount of medicine that is needed to treat the condition. Should be taken only by the person whose name appears on the bottle.

Taking Medications Oral medicines-are taken by mouth in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquids. Topical medicines-are applied to the skin. Inhaled medicines-are delivered in fine mist or powder. Injected medicines-are delivered through a shot, and go directly into the bloodstream.

Reactions to Medicines Medicine Interactions Side effects are reactions to medicine other than the one intended. Additive interaction Occurs when medicines work together in a positive way. Additive interaction means the effect of two chemicals is equal to the sum of the effect of the two chemicals taken separately. This is usually due to the two chemicals acting on the body in the same way. Examples would be Aspirin and Motrin, Alchol and Depressant, Tranquilizer and Painkiller.

Reactions to Medicines Synergistic effect The interaction of two or more medicines that results in a greater effect than when each medicine is taken alone. Synergistic interaction means that the effect of two chemicals taken together is greater than the sum of their separate effect at the same doses. An example is Pesticide and Fertilizer, the biological effect is devastating.

Reactions to Medicines Antagonistic interaction Occurs when the effect of one medicine is cancelled or reduced when taken with another medicine. Someone who receives an organ transplant must take anti- rejection medicines. If they are diabetic, it may decrease the effectiveness of the insulin. Antagonistic interaction means that the effect of two chemicals is actually less than the sum of the effect of the two drugs taken independently of each other. This is because the second chemical increases the excretion of the first, or even directly blocks its toxic actions. Antagonism forms the basis for antidotes of poisonings. An example is Asparagus and birth control pills.

Tolerance and Withdrawal Tolerance is a condition in which the body becomes used to the effect of a medicine. Requires increasingly larger doses to produce the same effect. Withdrawal occurs when a person stops using a medicine on which he or she has become physiologically dependent.

Standards for Medicines The FDA does not regulate herbal and dietary supplements. Many people believe that herbal supplements are safe because some are advertised as “natural”. Even supplements made from natural compounds can have harmful side effects or interactions.

Medicine Labels When FDA approves a medicine, it is considered safe when used as directed. Prescription medicine labels must include any special instructions for taking the medicine, the prescribing doctor’s name, the patient’s name, the pharmacy’s name and address, and the date the prescription was filled, the prescription number, and whether refills are allowed.

Medicine Misuse Medicine misuse can prevent the user from getting the full benefit of the medicine and can have serious health consequences. Medicine misuse involves using a medicine in ways other than the intended use. Examples: Failing to follow the instructions on or in the package. Giving a prescription medicine to a person for whom it was not prescribed, or taking another person’s medicine. Mixing medicines without the knowledge or approval of your health care provider.

Medicine Misuse Intentionally taking medications for nonmedical reasons is medicine misuse. Most teens-96 percent-use medicines correctly. Teens should avoid using drugs to: Lose weight or stay awake while studying. A healthy diet and exercise are the safest way to maintain a healthy weight. Getting plenty of sleep and managing your time wisely will help you study effectively. To fit in with peers. A dangerous trend is the emergence of “pill parties” where teens mix whatever OTC and prescription medicines are available.

Medicine Misuse One danger of medicine misuse is drug overdose-a strong, sometimes fatal reaction to taking a large amount of a drug. Medicine misuse can also lead to addiction. Never use a medicine other than how it is prescribed or intended.