Drugs, Medicines, OTC, Drug Interactions
Drugs v. Medicines
Drugs
Substances other than food that change the structure or function of the body or mind.
Effective in treating illnesses when taken as directed by a physician or according to the
instructions.
Examples:______________________________________________
Medicines
Drugs that are used to treat or prevent diseases or other conditions.
A vaccine is an example of a medicine. A vaccine is a weakened or dead pathogen that
causes the disease.
Examples:_______________________________________________
OTC V Prescription Drugs
OTC (Over-the-counter)
Over the counter medicines/drugs can be obtained without a doctor’s script.
Generic forms available: Walgreen’s, Safeway, Jewel
Examples:__________________________________________________
Prescription Drugs
Medicines/drugs that are obtained through a doc’s script. Must have an appt.
before receiving a script.
Examples: Amoxicillin, Z Pack, Oxycontin, Xanax, Paxil
Vocabulary
Analgesics: The most commonly used pain medicines otherwise known as pain
relievers .Range from mild medicines such as aspirin, to strong narcotics such as
opium based morphine and codeine.
Examples: Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Tylenol with Codeine
Antibiotics: A class of drug that destroy disease-causing microorganisms known as
bacteria.
Examples: Penicillin, Amoxicillin, Zithromax
Drug Misuse v Drug Abuse
Drug Misuse
Using a medicine or drug in ways other than the intended use.
Examples: Failing to follow instructions on the package, taking a medicine for a
longer or shorter period than recommended.
Discontinuing use of a medicine without informing your health care provider.
Drug Abuse
Intentionally taking medications for nonmedical reasons.
Example: Taking Ritalin to study without a prescription, taking a pill to lose weight
instead of changes in diet and exercise.
Drug Interactions
1.Additive Interaction: Occurs when drugs work together in a positive way.
Example: Ibuprofen and vicadin after having your wisdom teeth pulled.
2. Synergistic Interaction: an interaction of two or more drugs that result in a greater
effect than when the meds are taken alone.
Example: Mixing alcohol with another depressant type drug.
3. Antagonistic Interaction: The effect of one medicine is cancelled or reduced when
taken with another one.
Example: Antibiotics and birth control