Important Medical Terms 1.3

Acetaminophen

The generic name for the drug used in Tylenol

Analgesics

Drugs that reduce pain

Anesthetics

Drugs that reduce sensations and feeling

Antibiotics

Drugs that treat diseases or illnesses produced by microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, or mold

Anticoagulants

Drugs that prevent blood from clotting

Antidepressants

Drugs that treat the symptoms of depression

Antidiarrheal

Drugs that prevent diarrhea

Antipruritics

Drugs that work to stop itching

Antiseptics

Drugs that work to stop infections

Antiviral

Drugs that treat or prevent against infections due to virsuses

Brand Name of a Drug

The trademark name which is private property of the individual drug manufacturer

Chemical Name of a Drug

Derived from the chemicals the drug is composed of

Drugs

Substances used to illicit a specific response in the body in order to prevent and treat medical conditions. Derived from plants, mold, yeast, fungi, animals, minerals, or chemicals

Federal Drug Administration

Has the legal responsibility to ensure that drugs are safe to be used and sold

Generic Name of a Drug

Name used to legally and scientifically identify a drug; it is usually shorter and less complicated than its chemical name

Illegal Drugs

Also known as street drugs, they serve no medical purpose of any age to manufacture, possess, buy, or sell illegal drugs

Inhalation

When aerosol drugs are introduced to the bloodstream through the nose and mouth

Intradermal Injection

When a shallow insertion is made into the upper layers of the skin

Intramuscular Injection

When larger volumes of a drug are introduced to the muscle through a shot in the buttock or upper arm

Intravenous Injection

When the drug is introduced directly into the bloodstream through a shot

Oral Administration

When the drug is taken into the body through the mouth

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs

Medicine that can be found at your local pharmacy, supermarket, or convenience store that doesn't require a prescription to purchase

Parenteral Administration

When the drug is injected into the body using a syringe with a hollow needle. Commonly, this is known as a shot

Pharmacist

A specialist in medication, or drugs

Pharmacology

The study of medication

Prescription Drugs

Medicine that is prescribed by a doctor as a treatment for a health problem

Pumps

Battery-powered pumps that are used for continuous administration or long-term administration of drugs

Rectal Administration

When the drug is inserted into the rectum

Street Names of a Drug

Nicknames or slang for a specific drug

Subcutaneous Injection

When the drug is introduced to the subcutaneous tissue through a shot in the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen

Sublingual Administration

When the drug is placed under the tongue and dissolved by saliva so that is rapidly enter the bloodstream

Synthetic Drugs

Drugs manufactured by combining chemicals in a laboratory

Topical Application

When drugs are applied to the skin or mucous membranes

United States Pharmacopeia

A committee of doctor, pharmacologists, pharmacists, and manufactures that review commercial drugs to guarantee that they are effective, safe, and pure