are not considered to be legitimate for medical use in the USA. They are used for research only and they cannot be perscribed, having a high risk of abuse

ex. LSD, heroin, marijuana

Schedule II Drugs

have accepted medical use but have a high potential for abuse or addiction. These drugs must be ordered by written prescritpion and cannot be refilled without a new, written prescription.

ex. Morphine, cocaine, codeine, Demerol, Dilauded

have moderate potential for abuse or addiction, low potential for physical dependence. These drugs may be ordered by written prescription or by telephone order. Prescription expires in six months. They may not be refilled more than five times in a six-month period.

Ex. Tylenol with codeine, Butisol, Hycodan

Drugs that have a potential for abuse. These drugs are placed into five categroes, ranging from Schedule I drugs to Schedule V drugs, which are the least dangeous and least likely to be abused;

also known as schedule drugs.

A reference book for health care professionals that provides information on drugs according to their therapeutic classifications.

This reference compares the various drugs within each category with other products.

An unusual, inappropriate response to a drug or to the usual effective dose of a drug. This reaction can be life threatening.

ex. anaphylactic chock

Medication inserted just beneath the epidermas, using a syringe and needle.

are used for alergy testing, tuberculin skin testing, and some vaccinations

Medication injected directly into the muscle.

used for administering antibiotics, medications that might be irritating to the layers of the skin and medications that reqire dosages larger than the amount allowed for a subcutaneous injection

Medication injected directly into the vein, entering the bloodstream immediately.

used when medication is needed quickly and for administering medications over a period of time, by adding the mediation to a bag of intravenous fluids

Generic name;

The name established when the drug is first manufactured. The name is protected for use by only the original manufacterer for a period of 17 years. After that time, the name of the drug becomes public property and can be used by any manufacturer.

Over the Counter

(OTC)

The effect that occurs when two drugs administered together produce a more powerful response than the sum of their individual effects.

Patients who are taking blood thinners are advised to avoid taking aspirin, which will potentiate the thinning effect on the blood.

Medication inserted into the rectum and slowly absorbed into the mucous membrane lining of the rectum. It is in the form of a suppository, which melts as the body temperature warms it, or a retention enema.

Advantage: one method of choice when the patient is nauseated or cannot take medications orally.

Disadvantage: absorption is slow and irregular.  

Medication injected into the subcutaneous layer, of fatty tissue, of the skin.

are used for administering insulin, hormones, and local anesthetics.

The body's decreased reponse to the effect of a drug after repeated dosages.

Characteristic of drug addiction

Medication applied directly to the skin or mucous membrane for a local effect to the area.

Advantage: easy method, convenient

Disadvantage: slow absorption through the skin  

Medication inserted into the vagina; may be in the form of a suppository, cream, foam, or tablet.

The medication dissolves as the body temperature warms and melts it.

An oral medication is one that is given by mouth and swallowed.

This drug is then slowly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the stomach and intestines.

Advantage: easiest and safest method; most economical

Disadvantage: slow method of absorption; possibility of being destroyed by the gastric juices 

A sublingual medication is one that is placed under the tongue.

Quickly absorbed through the mucous membrane lining of the mouths; also known as hypoglossal

Advantage: more rapid absorption rate than oral; higher concentration of medication reaches the bloodstream by not passing through the stomach

Disadvantage: not a convenient rought of administration for bad-tasting medicine or those that might irritate the mucous membrane.  

is one that is placed in the mouth next to the cheek. It is in tablet form.

The medication is absorbed into the mucous membrane lining of the mouth.

Advantage: more rapid absorption rate than oral; higher concentration of medication reaches the bloodstream by not passing through the stomach; effects of the medication stop if the tablet is removed

Disadvantage: possibility of swallowing the pill 

Medications administered by inhalation are those that are sprayed or inhaled into the nose, throat, and lungs.

Medication is absorbed into the mucous membrane lining of the nose and throat and by the alveoli of the lungs.

Advantage: good absorption due to large surface contact area; provides rapid treatment

Disadvantage: sometimes difficult to regulate the dosage; not suitable for medications that might irritate the mucous membrane lining 

A method of applying a drug to unbroken skin. The drug is absorbed continuously and produces a systemic effect.

medications is packages in an adhesive-backed disk that releases medication into the bloodstream at a controlled rate.

Advantage: good method of administring medications that need to be released slowly into the bloodstream over a period of time.

Relieves pain

ex. acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)

acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Partially or completely numbs or eliminates sensitivity with or without loss of consciousness.

ex. Lidocaine (xylocaine)

Corrects cardias arrhythmias (irregular beats)

ex. diagoxin (Lanoxin)

propranolol

hydrochloride (Inderal)

Antibiotic

(anti-infective)

Stops or controls the growth of infection-causing microorganisms