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'''Medication''' (also called '''medicine''' or '''pharmaceutical drugs''') is the use of legal [[drug]]s to [[Treatment|treat]] or cure an [[Disease|illness]]. Some drugs are freely sold. They are called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Other drugs are so powerful or dangerous that a doctor must give permission to use the drug.  The note from the doctor is called a "[[prescription]]." These drugs are called prescription drugs, prescription medicines, or prescription only medicines (POM).

'''Medication''' (also called '''medicine''' or '''pharmaceutical drugs''') is the use of legal [[drug]]s to [[Treatment|treat]] or cure an [[Disease|illness]]. Some drugs are freely sold. They are called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Other drugs are so powerful or dangerous that a doctor must give permission to use the drug.  The note from the doctor is called a "[[prescription]]." These drugs are called prescription drugs, prescription medicines, or prescription only medicines (POM).

== Terminology ==

== Terminology ==

There are many different words used to describe important things about medications.

There are many different words used to describe important things about medications.

 

== Dosage ==

=== Dosage ===

Dosage is how much medication needs to be taken to make the medication do what it is supposed to.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dosage |title=Dosage |accessdate=January 26, 2015}}</ref>

Dosage is how much medication needs to be taken to make the medication do what it is supposed to.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dosage |title=Dosage |accessdate=January 26, 2015}}</ref>

Dosage is very important because all medicines can be [[poison]]s if they are taken in large amounts.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kirschner, MPH, MD |first=Melvin H. |date=September 3, 2009 |title=All Medicines are Poison! Making Your Way through the Medical Minefield |url= |location= |publisher=AuthorHouse |page= |isbn=978-1449011659}}</ref>  If a person takes too much of a medication, they can get very sick or even die.  This is called an [[overdose]].  For example, if a person takes too much [[Paracetamol|acetaminophen]] (also called paracetamol, Tylenol, or Panadol), they can badly hurt their [[liver]].<ref name=nwe>{{cite web |url=http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Acetaminophen |title=Acetaminophen |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=New World Encyclopedia |publisher=Paragon Publishers |accessdate=January 25, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>

Dosage is very important because all medicines can be [[poison]]s if they are taken in large amounts.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kirschner, MPH, MD |first=Melvin H. |date=September 3, 2009 |title=All Medicines are Poison! Making Your Way through the Medical Minefield |url= |location= |publisher=AuthorHouse |page= |isbn=978-1449011659}}</ref>  If a person takes too much of a medication, they can get very sick or even die.  This is called an [[overdose]].  For example, if a person takes too much [[Paracetamol|acetaminophen]] (also called paracetamol, Tylenol, or Panadol), they can badly hurt their [[liver]].<ref name=nwe>{{cite web |url=http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Acetaminophen |title=Acetaminophen |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=New World Encyclopedia |publisher=Paragon Publishers |accessdate=January 25, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>

Some dosages are based on age.  For example, children often need less medication than adults. Others are based on body weight. Sometimes, normal dosages have to be changed if a person has certain medical problems, like [[kidney failure]].

Some dosages are based on age.  For example, children often need less medication than adults. Others are based on body weight. Sometimes, normal dosages have to be changed if a person has certain medical problems, like [[kidney failure]].

 

== Action ==

=== Action ===

Action is what the medication is supposed to do: the helpful effects that the medicine is supposed to have on the body.

Action is what the medication is supposed to do: the helpful effects that the medicine is supposed to have on the body.

Many drugs have more than one action.  For example, acetaminophen is an [[analgesic]] (it kills [[pain]]) and an [[antipyretic]] (it makes [[fever]]s go away).<ref name=medlineapap>{{cite web |url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681004.html |title=Acetaminophen |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=August 15, 2014 |website=MedlinePlus |publisher=United States National Library of Medicine |accessdate=January 25, 2016|quote=}}</ref>

Many drugs have more than one action.  For example, acetaminophen is an [[analgesic]] (it kills [[pain]]) and an [[antipyretic]] (it makes [[fever]]s go away).<ref name=medlineapap>{{cite web |url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681004.html |title=Acetaminophen |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=August 15, 2014 |website=MedlinePlus |publisher=United States National Library of Medicine |accessdate=January 25, 2016|quote=}}</ref>

 

== Indication ==

=== Indication ===

An indication is a reason why a medication is given.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mw4.m-w.com/medical/indication |title=Indication - Medical Definition and More from Merriam-Webster |accessdate=January 25, 2015 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714012214/http://mw4.m-w.com/medical/indication |url-status=dead }}</ref>

An indication is a reason why a medication is given.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mw4.m-w.com/medical/indication |title=Indication - Medical Definition and More from Merriam-Webster |accessdate=January 25, 2015 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714012214/http://mw4.m-w.com/medical/indication |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Many drugs have more than one indication.  For example, acetaminophen's indications include pain and fever.<ref name=medlineapap />

Many drugs have more than one indication.  For example, acetaminophen's indications include pain and fever.<ref name=medlineapap />

 

== Contraindication ==

=== Contraindication ===

A contraindication is a reason why a medication should not be given.

A contraindication is a reason why a medication should not be given.

[[File:Drug Package Insert (FDA 115) (8206409270).jpg|thumb|right|Cartoon showing how long the list of possible side effects can be]]

[[File:Drug Package Insert (FDA 115) (8206409270).jpg|thumb|right|Cartoon showing how long the list of possible side effects can be]]

=== Side effects and adverse effects ===

== Side effects and adverse effects ==

{{Main|Adverse effect (medicine)}}

{{Main|Adverse effect (medicine)}}

Most medicines have many possible side effects.  This does not mean that anyone who takes the medicine will have those side effects.  For example, not everyone who takes acetaminophen gets nausea.  A side effect is just a possible effect that a medicine can have on the body.

Most medicines have many possible side effects.  This does not mean that anyone who takes the medicine will have those side effects.  For example, not everyone who takes acetaminophen gets nausea.  A side effect is just a possible effect that a medicine can have on the body.

== Medication names ==

== Medication names ==

All medications have a few different names.

All medications have a few different names.

 

== Chemical name ==

===Chemical name===

When a medication is first discovered, it is given a chemical name.  This name describes the [[atom]]s or [[molecule]]s in the medication.  Usually, only [[scientist]]s use this name.<ref name=naming>{{cite web |url=http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/drugs/brand-name-and-generic-drugs/overview-of-generic-drugs-and-drug-naming |title=Overview of Generic Drugs and Drug Naming |last1=Vivian, PharmD, MS |first1=Eva M. |website=Merck Manual: Consumer Version |publisher=Merck & Co., Inc. |accessdate=January 25, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>

When a medication is first discovered, it is given a chemical name.  This name describes the [[atom]]s or [[molecule]]s in the medication.  Usually, only [[scientist]]s use this name.<ref name=naming>{{cite web |url=http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/drugs/brand-name-and-generic-drugs/overview-of-generic-drugs-and-drug-naming |title=Overview of Generic Drugs and Drug Naming |last1=Vivian, PharmD, MS |first1=Eva M. |website=Merck Manual: Consumer Version |publisher=Merck & Co., Inc. |accessdate=January 25, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>

For example, the chemical names for acetaminophen are N-acetyl-para-aminophenol and para-acetyl-amino-phenol.

For example, the chemical names for acetaminophen are N-acetyl-para-aminophenol and para-acetyl-amino-phenol.

 

== Generic name ==

===Generic name===

Every country has one generic (official) name for every medicine.<ref name=naming />

Every country has one generic (official) name for every medicine.<ref name=naming />

| caption2 = Panadol 500 mg tablets

| caption2 = Panadol 500 mg tablets

}}

}}

===Brand name===

== Brand name ==

 

Each company that makes a drug gives that drug a brand name.  No other company is allowed to use this name.<ref name=naming />

Each company that makes a drug gives that drug a brand name.  No other company is allowed to use this name.<ref name=naming />

For example, in the United States, the most common brand name for acetaminophen is Tylenol.  One of the companies that makes acetaminophen (Johnson & Johnson) chose the name "Tylenol" for its acetaminophen.  Another company that makes acetaminophen (GlaxoSmithKline) chose "Panadol" as its brand name.  Like with most medicines, there are many other brand names for acetaminophen.

For example, in the United States, the most common brand name for acetaminophen is Tylenol.  One of the companies that makes acetaminophen (Johnson & Johnson) chose the name "Tylenol" for its acetaminophen.  Another company that makes acetaminophen (GlaxoSmithKline) chose "Panadol" as its brand name.  Like with most medicines, there are many other brand names for acetaminophen.

 

== Abbreviations ==

===Abbreviations===

Some medicines have unofficial [[abbreviation]]s.  For example, acetaminophen is sometimes abbreviated APAP.  This comes from the drug's chemical name: N-'''A'''cetyl-'''P'''ara-'''A'''mino-'''P'''henol.

Some medicines have unofficial [[abbreviation]]s.  For example, acetaminophen is sometimes abbreviated APAP.  This comes from the drug's chemical name: N-'''A'''cetyl-'''P'''ara-'''A'''mino-'''P'''henol.

 

== All the same medicine ==

===All the same medicine===

No matter which of these names is used, they all describe the same medicine.  For example, there is no difference between N-acetyl-para-aminophenol, acetaminophen, paracetamol, Tylenol, Panadol, and APAP.

No matter which of these names is used, they all describe the same medicine.  For example, there is no difference between N-acetyl-para-aminophenol, acetaminophen, paracetamol, Tylenol, Panadol, and APAP.

== How medications are given ==

== How medications are given ==

{{See also|List of medical abbreviations#Medications#How to take medications|l1=Medical abbreviations for routes of administration}}

{{See also|List of medical abbreviations#Medications#How to take medications|l1=Medical abbreviations for routes of administration}}

* How much of the medicine reaches the [[tissue]] where it is needed

* How much of the medicine reaches the [[tissue]] where it is needed

* How long the medicine's effects will last

* How long the medicine's effects will last

 

== By mouth ==

=== By mouth ===

The most common way of giving medicine is ''by mouth''.  The medicine comes in a pill or liquid that a person [[Swallowing|swallows]].<ref name=fda>{{cite web |url=http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/FormsSubmissionRequirements/ElectronicSubmissions/DataStandardsManualmonographs/ucm071667.htm |title=Routes of Administration |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=December 7, 2014 |website=United States [[Food and Drug Administration]] |publisher=United States Department of Health and Human Services |accessdate=January 25, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>

The most common way of giving medicine is ''by mouth''.  The medicine comes in a pill or liquid that a person [[Swallowing|swallows]].<ref name=fda>{{cite web |url=http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/FormsSubmissionRequirements/ElectronicSubmissions/DataStandardsManualmonographs/ucm071667.htm |title=Routes of Administration |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=December 7, 2014 |website=United States [[Food and Drug Administration]] |publisher=United States Department of Health and Human Services |accessdate=January 25, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>

When taken by mouth, medication gets into the bloodstream through the [[digestive system]].  It takes a while, usually 15–20 minutes, for the medicine to get through parts of the digestive system and get taken up into the bloodstream.  Also, a very small amount of the medicine actually gets into the bloodstream.  This is because [[acid]] in the [[stomach]] kills most of the medicine before it can be taken up into the bloodstream.<ref name=absorption>{{cite web |url=http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/clinical-pharmacology/pharmacokinetics/drug-absorption |title=Drug Absorption |last1=Le, PharmD, MAS, BCPS-ID |first1=Jennifer |last2= |first2= |website=Merck Manual Professional Version |publisher=Merck & Co., Inc. |accessdate=January 28, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>

When taken by mouth, medication gets into the bloodstream through the [[digestive system]].  It takes a while, usually 15–20 minutes, for the medicine to get through parts of the digestive system and get taken up into the bloodstream.  Also, a very small amount of the medicine actually gets into the bloodstream.  This is because [[acid]] in the [[stomach]] kills most of the medicine before it can be taken up into the bloodstream.<ref name=absorption>{{cite web |url=http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/clinical-pharmacology/pharmacokinetics/drug-absorption |title=Drug Absorption |last1=Le, PharmD, MAS, BCPS-ID |first1=Jennifer |website=Merck Manual Professional Version |publisher=Merck & Co., Inc. |accessdate=January 28, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>

Medicines taken by mouth often last longer than medicines taken by other routes of administration.<ref name=pros>{{cite web |url=http://www.doctors.net.uk/_datastore/ecme/mod1227/Drug_dosage_Table1.pdf |title=Pros and cons of different routes of drug administration |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Doctors.net.uk |publisher= |accessdate=January 27, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>

Medicines taken by mouth often last longer than medicines taken by other routes of administration.<ref name=pros>{{cite web |url=http://www.doctors.net.uk/_datastore/ecme/mod1227/Drug_dosage_Table1.pdf |title=Pros and cons of different routes of drug administration |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |website=Doctors.net.uk |publisher= |accessdate=January 27, 2016 |quote=}}</ref>

Not every medication can be given by mouth.  With some medicines, like [[insulin]], the acid in the stomach will change the medicine or break it down so much that it will not work.<ref name=absorption />

Not every medication can be given by mouth.  With some medicines, like [[insulin]], the acid in the stomach will change the medicine or break it down so much that it will not work.<ref name=absorption />

 

== Into a vein ==

=== Into a vein ===

{{Main|Intravenous}}

{{Main|Intravenous}}

[[Image:Intravenous therapy 2007-SEP-13-Singapore.JPG|thumb|A person gets medicine through an IV in their hand]]

[[Image:Intravenous therapy 2007-SEP-13-Singapore.JPG|thumb|A person gets medicine through an IV in their hand]]

Not every medicine can be given intravenously.

Not every medicine can be given intravenously.

 

== Into a muscle ==

=== Into a muscle ===

Some medicines can be given through a needle placed into a big [[muscular system|muscle]], like the muscles in the upper arm, [[thigh]], or [[buttocks]].  This way of giving medicine is called ''intramuscular (IM)''.<ref name=fda />

Some medicines can be given through a needle placed into a big [[muscular system|muscle]], like the muscles in the upper arm, [[thigh]], or [[buttocks]].  This way of giving medicine is called ''intramuscular (IM)''.<ref name=fda />

Also, not all of the medicine gets into the bloodstream because some of it gets caught in the soft [[tissue]] in the muscle and never reaches the blood vessels.<ref name=absorption />

Also, not all of the medicine gets into the bloodstream because some of it gets caught in the soft [[tissue]] in the muscle and never reaches the blood vessels.<ref name=absorption />

 

== Breathed in ==

=== Breathed in ===

Some special medicines can be [[Inhalation|breathed in]].  This way of giving medicines is called ''by inhalation'' (sometimes abbreviated INH).<ref name=fda />  This can be especially helpful for [[lung]] problems like [[asthma]].  Since the medicine is breathed right into the lungs, it can start working on the lungs right away.<ref name=pros />

Some special medicines can be [[Inhalation|breathed in]].  This way of giving medicines is called ''by inhalation'' (sometimes abbreviated INH).<ref name=fda />  This can be especially helpful for [[lung]] problems like [[asthma]].  Since the medicine is breathed right into the lungs, it can start working on the lungs right away.<ref name=pros />

 

== Other routes ==

=== Other routes ===

There are many other routes of administration.  For example:<ref name=fda />

There are many other routes of administration.  For example:<ref name=fda />

* Into the [[bone]] ''(intraosseous (IO)).''  A needle is placed into a large bone, like the [[femur]] (thigh bone), and medicines are given into the [[bone marrow]].  Any medicine that can be given into a vein can also be given into a bone.  Like with IV medicines, all of the medicine gets into the bloodstream, immediately.  IO medicines can only be given by certain medical professionals, like [[Medical doctor|doctors]] and [[paramedic]]s.

* Into the [[bone]] ''(intraosseous (IO)).''  A needle is placed into a large bone, like the [[femur]] (thigh bone), and medicines are given into the [[bone marrow]].  Any medicine that can be given into a vein can also be given into a bone.  Like with IV medicines, all of the medicine gets into the bloodstream, immediately.  IO medicines can only be given by certain medical professionals, like [[Medical doctor|doctors]] and [[paramedic]]s.

There are many other routes of administration.<ref name=fda />

There are many other routes of administration.<ref name=fda />

Many medicines can be given more than one way.  For example, acetaminophen can be given by mouth, into the rectum, or into a vein.<ref>{{cite journal |date=January 2012 |title=Three Routes of Acetaminophen: Three Ways to Achieve the Same Result |url=http://professionals.ufhealth.org/files/2011/11/0112-drugs-therapy-bulletin.pdf |journal=Drugs & Therapy Bulletin |publisher=University of Florida |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages=1-3 |doi= |accessdate=January 25, 2016}}</ref>

Many medicines can be given more than one way.  For example, acetaminophen can be given by mouth, into the rectum, or into a vein.<ref>{{cite journal |date=January 2012 |title=Three Routes of Acetaminophen: Three Ways to Achieve the Same Result |url=http://professionals.ufhealth.org/files/2011/11/0112-drugs-therapy-bulletin.pdf |journal=Drugs & Therapy Bulletin |publisher=University of Florida |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages=1–3 |doi= |accessdate=January 25, 2016}}</ref>

==References==

== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Drugs]]

[[Category:Drug delivery devices]]