Understanding
Drugs
and Medicines
1. What is the difference between a
drug and a medicine?
Drugs are Medicines are
substances that drugs that are
cause a change used to cure,
in a person’s prevent or
treat illnesses
physical and/or or discomfort
psychological
state.
2. What is a side effect? What are some
common side effects of medicines?
• An effect caused by
a drug other then
the intended effect
• Common side
effects are
headaches,
sleepiness,
diarrhea, nausea
3. What is the difference between prescription
drugs and over the counter drugs?
A written order from a
doctor for a specific
medicine.
Medicines that can be
bought without a
prescription.
What do the
following
types of
common
medications
do for our
body?
• They relieve pain
Three Types:
Aspirin
Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
• They block the action
of the chemical,
histamine, which
causes allergy
symptoms
• They work
against
stomach
acids which
can cause
heartburn
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.
How do drugs enter your
body?
Transdermal
Patches
The drug is packaged into
patches that are placed on
the skin
Topical Application
The drug is applied directly to certain areas
of the body and absorbed into the skin. Ingestion
The drug is swallowed and absorbed
through blood vessels in the intestines.
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
5. 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 it’s
shape, color, size.
6. 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 –
effects the entire body
including itching all
over, swelling,
especially in the mouth
and throat, wheezing or
difficulty breathing,
pounding heart,
fainting and
unconsciousness.
7. What are drug interactions?
• Happens when
drugs react with
another drug,
food or dietary
supplement.
• Could increase or
decrease the
effect of a drug.