HOSA VOCAB PHARM

Aerosol

Liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas for inhalation.

Buccal

Administration route where medication is placed between the cheek and gums.

Contraindication

A specific situation, condition, or factor that makes a particular treatment or drug absolutely inadvisable or unsafe.

Cream

Semisolid emulsion of oil and water, generally rub-in topical applications.

Elixir

Clear, sweetened, hydroalcoholic liquid intended for oral use.

Emulsion

A mixture of two unblendable liquids (e.g., oil and water) where one is dispersed throughout the other.

Inunction

Rubbing an ointment or medicated substance into the skin with friction.

Liniment

A liquid or semiliquid preparation for rubbing on or applying to the skin, often counterirritants to relieve pain.

Lotion

Liquid suspension or emulsion used externally on the skin for protective or therapeutic properties.

Ointment

Semisolid, greasy preparation base (usually petroleum or lanolin) applied externally to skin or mucous membranes.

Placebo

An inactive substance or sham treatment given to a patient, often used as a control in clinical trials.

Solution

A homogeneous liquid mixture where the solute is fully dissolved into the solvent.

Spirit

An alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solution of volatile substances.

Suppository

Solid dosage form inserted into rectum, vagina, or urethra where it melts at body temperature.

Suspension

Liquid containing undissolved, finely divided solid particles that must be shaken well before use.

Syrup

A concentrated solution of sugar in water, often used to mask disagreeable drug tastes.

Tablet

Powdered drug compressed into hard, small discs. Can be enteric-coated to prevent dissolution in the stomach's acid environment.

Tincture

Alcoholic or hydroalcoholic extract of plant or vegetable matter.

Vial

A small glass or plastic vessel closed with a rubber stopper; can be single-dose or multi-dose.