1 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Classifying Drugs Pharm Tech

2 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. What Do I Need to Know?  As a Pharm Tech, you will begin to build a basic understanding of drugs by learning as many different drugs as you can.  You will learn trade names, generic names, classifications, and indication for use (IFU)  You will require to know the Top 100 Retail drugs for this course.  The more you know the better prepared you will be for your national exam.

3 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Trade Name  Trade or Brand ® -a medication by the initial manufacturer of that drug to identify the manufacturers product.  Manufacturers hold patent for their drug for 20 years before their rights expire.(Or they may ask for a 3 year extension)  After 20 years their product can be produced generically.

4 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Generic  The Generic name for a medication is what is called the general or common name.  It is used along side the trade name and any other generic version of that drug.  It makes to identify the generic substitute for a trade-name drug much easier.

5 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Trade vs Generic For example:  The Drug Manufacturer Pfizer introduced Lipitor® (a cholesterol-lowering medication).  Pfizer has the exclusive rights to the name Lipitor® and its chemical composition for a certain period of time.  Once that time has elapsed, other manufacturers may reproduce Lipitor® as its generic equivalent (which is atorvastatin) but cannot use the trade name Lipitor®.

6 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Trade vs Generic Another example:  Purdue Pharma manufactured OxyContin®.  Although Purdue Pharma retains the right to the name OxyContin®, other manufacturers may produce it generic equivalent (which is oxycodone).

7 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. What is the Main Indication?  The main indication for a drug describes what the drug is being used for.  It may also describe specifically which medical condition the drug treats. Examples:  An antidepressant is used for depression  An antihistamine is used for allergies  An antihypertensive is used for high blood pressure **See your handout #2 for Main indications

8 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Classification  The classification of a drug gives more information on how the drug actually works.  It is more specific than the group or category name because it also describes the mechanism of action of the drug.  Classification of the drug generally meets 3 criteria: 1. chemical structure 2. mechanisms of action 3. side effects

9 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Drug Cards  To help you memorize the most common drugs found in the pharmacy setting, you may want to make drug cards.  Information needed on your cards to help you memorize: 1. Trade name 2. Generic name 3. Main Indication 4. Classification

10 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Drug Cards On one side of the card place the generic name. On the other side place the trade, main indication and the classification. Start on your cards right away! Esomeprazole Nexium® GERD Proton Pump Inhibitor

11 Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Whew! GOOD LUCK!