Drugs And MedicinesDrugs And Medicines

Drug-substance other than food that Drug-substance other than food that changes the structure or function of the changes the structure or function of the body or the mind.body or the mind.

Medicine-drug that prevents/cures illness Medicine-drug that prevents/cures illness or eases its symptoms.or eases its symptoms. Prevention of diseasesPrevention of diseases

• vaccinesvaccines Fight germsFight germs

• antibioticsantibiotics

Drugs And MedicinesDrugs And Medicines

Relieve painRelieve pain• IbuprofenIbuprofen• acetaminophenacetaminophen

Treat other conditionsTreat other conditions• DecongestantDecongestant• antihistaminesantihistamines

Types Of MedicinesTypes Of Medicines

Prescription medicine-medicine that can Prescription medicine-medicine that can be used safely only with a doctor’s written be used safely only with a doctor’s written permission.permission. The following information must be on the label The following information must be on the label

of a prescription medicine:of a prescription medicine:• Name of the doctorName of the doctor• Directions from the doctorDirections from the doctor• Name of the medicineName of the medicine• Strength and amount of medicine per containerStrength and amount of medicine per container

Types Of MedicinesTypes Of Medicines

• Number of refillsNumber of refills• Expiration dateExpiration date• Pharmacy name, address, and phone numberPharmacy name, address, and phone number• Name of the pharmacistName of the pharmacist• Prescription numberPrescription number• Date it was filledDate it was filled• Name and address of the patientName and address of the patient• Any special instructionsAny special instructions

Types Of MedicinesTypes Of Medicines

Over-the-counter medicines-medicine that Over-the-counter medicines-medicine that you can buy without a doctor’s you can buy without a doctor’s prescription.prescription. They are safe when used as directed.They are safe when used as directed. If you have any questions ask the pharmacist.If you have any questions ask the pharmacist.

• How to use medicine?How to use medicine?• Can it be combined with current medicines?Can it be combined with current medicines?

Guidelines For The Safe Use Of Guidelines For The Safe Use Of MedicinesMedicines

Know the side effects-reactions to the medicines Know the side effects-reactions to the medicines other than the ones intended.other than the ones intended.

Read the labelRead the label Take as instructed, ask if you have questions.Take as instructed, ask if you have questions. Check the expiration dates.Check the expiration dates.

Take safety precautionsTake safety precautions Take only the medicines that have been prescribed to Take only the medicines that have been prescribed to

you.you. Keep out of reach from young children.Keep out of reach from young children. Get help if overdosedGet help if overdosed

Misusing MedicinesMisusing Medicines

Don’t give to othersDon’t give to others Take recommended dosagesTake recommended dosages Take the medicine for the prescribed time, Take the medicine for the prescribed time,

do not stop early.do not stop early. Don’t mix medicines without a doctor’s Don’t mix medicines without a doctor’s

permission.permission.