Pharmacy Computer Software Week One Notes - Flashcards

Flashcards cover key concepts from Week One notes: Rx origin, DIN, label components, dosage forms, Latin abbreviations, KROLL, and course structure.

What does Rx stand for and where did it originate?

Rx comes from the Latin 'recipe' meaning 'to take'; historically used by apothecaries to instruct ingredients and how to prepare medications.

What is the Drug Identification Number (DIN) and why is it important?

An 8-digit Health Canada identifier on drug labels; confirms the drug has been evaluated for safety, efficacy, and quality before marketing.

Name typical components you would find on a drug bottle label.

Brand name and/or generic name, strength, dosage form, DIN, drug classification, manufacturer, lot number, and expiry date.

Differentiate Brand name vs Generic name.

Brand name is the proprietary trade name owned by a company; generic name is the active ingredient (nonproprietary) not tied to a single manufacturer.

What does drug strength mean?

The amount of active ingredient per unit (e.g., 0.5 mg per tablet).

What is a dosage form?

The physical form of the drug product (e.g., tablet, capsule, solution).

What is drug classification?

The drug's primary use or the condition it treats (e.g., Antipsychotic).

What does package quantity refer to?

The number of units inside the package.

What does SIG stand for in prescriptions?

The directions for use; how the patient should take the medication.

What does Mitte indicate in a prescription?

The quantity to be dispensed (how much to give).

What does expiry date mean on a drug label?

The date after which the drug should not be used.

What is a lot number on a drug bottle?

A batch identifier used for tracking and recalls.

Name three common oral dosage forms.

Tablets, capsules, sublingual tablets (and orally disintegrating tablets).

What is an Enteric-coated tablet and its purpose?

A tablet coated to resist stomach acid; should not be crushed as it controls release and protects the stomach.

What does a scored tablet indicate?

A line on the tablet that allows splitting to adjust dose.

What is a sprinkle capsule?

A capsule that can be opened and contents sprinkled on food (not all capsules are suitable for this).

Name two inhalation dosage forms commonly used.

Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) such as Diskus or Turbu-halers.

What are common topical dosage forms?

Creams, ointments, gels, balms, transdermal patches, and suppositories (nasal/vaginal/rectal forms vary).

What parenteral dosage forms exist?

Injectable forms such as intramuscular (IM), intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SC), and intradermal (ID).

What is the purpose of KROLL in the course?

A pharmacy computer system used for patient profiles, drugs, and prescriber data; weekly prescription evaluations start in Week 3.

How are weekly quizzes and weekly RXs weighted in the course?

Quizzes: 9 x 3.5% = 31.5%; Weekly RXs: 9 x 4% = 36%; Case studies contribute the remaining portion (course totals vary by year).

What instructional materials are used in Week One?

ODB formulary, Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties, Drug Product Database, and College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario resources.

What does leading verbs in prescriptions refer to?

Standardized verbs that begin dosage instructions for each dosage form (e.g., Take, Place, Inhale, Apply, Inject).

Why are Latin abbreviations used in prescriptions historically?

To standardize instructions and maintain secrecy; still used to communicate directions succinctly.

What is a Brand Name on a drug label?

The proprietary trade name given to the drug by its manufacturer.

What is a Generic Name on a drug label?

The active ingredient's nonproprietary name not tied to a single manufacturer.

What information is included under 'Dosage Form' on a label?

The physical form of the drug product (e.g., tablet, capsule, solution).

What is the purpose of the DIN on a drug product label?

To identify the drug for regulatory tracking and safety, efficacy, and quality assurance in Canada.

What information does 'Drug Classification' convey on a label?

The drug's primary use or therapeutic category (e.g., Antipsychotic).

What is a 'Lot Number' used for?

Batch tracking for recalls and quality control.

What does 'Expiry Date' indicate on medication?

The last date the product is considered safe and effective to use.

What is an 'Oral Solid' dosage form?

Solid oral forms like tablets and capsules (as opposed to liquids).

What is a Sublingual Tablet?

A tablet placed under the tongue to dissolve and absorb through the mucosa.

What is an Oral Disintegrating Tablet (ODT)?

A tablet placed on the tongue that dissolves without water.

What is a Capsule and its typical contents?

A gelatin shell containing powder, pellets, or liquid; generally not to be crushed.

What is a 'Sprinkle Capsule' used for?

Opened capsules whose contents can be sprinkled on food (when allowed by the product).