WK1: narcotics

medication

a substance used in the prevention, diagnosis, relief, treatment, or cure of health alterations

chemical names

med name; exact description of the med’s molecular structure and are rarely used in clinical practice; ex. N-acetyl-para-aminophenol

brand names

med name; the name of drug marked by manufacturer; ex. Tylenol

generic name

med name; the name given by the manufacturer that first develops the medication, used in official publications; ex. acetaminophen

med classification

indicates the effect of action of the medication on a body system; some meds may belong to more than one;each has its own implications for nursing care; ex. analgesic, antipyretic, beta blocker, etc

food and drugs act

replaced the adulteration act; gives federal government the control of the manufacture and sale of all meds (except opioids), foods, cosmetics, and certain medical devices

opium act

the act that allows the fedaral government to conrol manufacture and sale of opioids

narcotic control act

controls the manufacture, distribution, and sale of opioids; got replaced by controlled drugs and substances act

controlled drugs and substances act

replaced the narcotic control act, also including regulation of the manufacture and sale of herbs and other natural health products

capsule

particles or powdered med; encased in gelatin shell/container that opens

tablet

powdered med compressed into hard disc or oblong shape; contains med binders, disintegrators, lubricants and fillers

enteric coated tablet

coated tablet, coating protects agains absorption in the stomach; coating dissolves and med is absorbed in the intestines

pill

general term referring to any solid medications ex. tablet, capsule, etc

sustained release

solid tablet or capsule containing small, coated medication particles; dissolves over extended period of time

elixir

clear fluid containing medication, water, alcohol, and/or sweetener

extract

syrup or dried medication; concentrated preparation created by evaporating nonactive ingredients

oral solution

medication dissolved in water

oral suspension

fine med particles disperder in liquid; particles settle to bottom of container when left standing

syrup

medication dissolved in a concentrated sugar solution

lozenge

flat, round tablet, dissolves in mouth to release medication; not intended for ingestion

aerosol

liquid medication that is either sprayed or inhaled; not intended for ingestion; gets absorbed in mouth and upper airway

purity

med standard; the standard quantity of active substance or drugs in a medication product

potencty

med standard; the concentration of the active substance or drug in the medication, affecting strength

bioavailability

med standard; the ability of the active substance or drug to be released, dissolved, absorbed, and transported by the body to the site of action

efficacy

med standard; lab studies demonstrating med action and effectiveness

safety

med standard; all meds need to be continually evaluated to determine risk for adverse effects

controlled substances

medications that affect the mind or behaviour

opioids

natural, synthetic or semisynthetic chemicals that reduce the intensity of pain by interacting with nerve cell opioid receptors

high alert meds

meds that have an increased risk of harm if used inappropriately including adrenergic agonists, anaesthetics, antithrombolitics, antiarrhythmics, and insulin

respiratory rate and LOC

assessments before giving any opioid medication

naloxone

also narcan; drug of choice for opioid overdose, works by displacing the opioid at the opioid receptor site; therapeutic effects begin within minutes and has 1-2 hours duration of action

hydromorphone

opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain; binds to opiate receptors in CNS to alter pain perception; used for pts who need daily, long-term opioid treatment

morphine

opioid analgesic used to decrease the severity of pain; binds to opiate receptors in CNS to alter pain perception and produce generalized CNS depression; also used to pulmonary edema and pain associated with MI