Module 4: Part 1

Drug nomenclature

Drug nomenclature

It refers to a system of naming drugs based on its chemical component and molecular entities by the official governing bodies.

Chemical name

It indicates the anatomical and molecular structure of a certain medication, given as a formula or diagram.

Generic name

It refers to the scientific and officially approved name of a certain medication and signifies a chemical derivation denoting the non-proprietary name.

Trade name

Also known as brand name, it is used to identify drugs manufactured by different companies.

True

True or False: A single drug can have multiple brand names; therefore, it is important to know the generic name of a certain medication.

Generics Act of 1988

What legislative act was implemented in the Philippines regarding the use of generic names in all transactions?

Tablet

It refers to preparations of powdered drugs, which are molded or composed into a small disk with precise shape and size.

Cornstarch

It is a disintegrating agent, which swells upon contact with stomach fluid, causing the tablet to break into smaller particles.

Scored tablet

This type of tablet facilitates accurate division into halves or quarters.

Layered

This type of tablet has different or several drugs separated but has no therapeutic bearing. (E.g. Neozep)

Enteric-coated

This type of tablet is dissolved in the small intestine instead of the stomach as it resists the action of gastric juices.

Capsule

It refers to a small globular or cylindrical shell made of digestible/soluble material.

Hard capsule

This type of capsule has two parts that can slide together to be opened in order to mix powdered content with food and/or liquid.

Soft capsule

This type of capsule is encapsulated in medicinal liquid that is completely sealed.

Time-sustained capsule

This type of capsule is specifically devised where particular amounts of the drug are to be released in a continuous and sustained manner.

Lozenges/troches

These are flat, round, or rectangular preparations held in the mouth until dissolved, with either antiseptic or anesthetic effects on tissues of the oral cavity or throat.

Posterior oropharyngeal area

What is the site of action for lozenges/troches?

False

True or False: Just like any other medication, lozenges can be swallowed to reach the GIT.

Powders

These refer to preparations in the form of fine particles either of a single drug or multiple drugs combined.

Suppositories

These are shaped to be suitable for insertion into the external orifice of the body that either dissolves slowly or melts at body temperature upon insertion.

Solution

It refers to clear liquid preparations with one or more solvent water and one or more dissolved components or solutes.

Syrup

This type of solution contains high concentrations of dissolved sugar to mask the bitter taste of the drug.

Elixir

This type of solution contains a solvent mixture of water and alcohol and is usually employed as a vehicle for dissolving substances that do not dissolve in water alone.

Tincture

This type of solution contains alcohol as its primary solvent.

Spirit

This type of solution is alcoholic and volatile and is also called essence.

Suspension

It refers to a liquid dosage form that contains solid drug particles in a suitable liquid medium that needs to be shaken before use.

Emulsion

It refers to a dispersion of fine droplets of oil in water or vice versa.

Confection

It refers to a paste-like preparation made by boiling a vegetable or medicinal plant with water and then straining the fluid.

Decoction

It refers to an aqueous preparation made by boiling a vegetable or medicinal plant with water and then straining the fluid.