1. Mr. Ramos

2.  Objectives: ◦ Explain how to identify the two basic groups of medicine. ◦ Describe the various prescription and over-the- counter drugs. ◦ Explain how prescription and over-the-counter drugs are purchased. ◦ Discuss how to use medicines safely.

3.  There are good drugs and bad drugs.  A drug is a substance other than food that changes the way the body or mind functions.  A medicine is a drug that prevents or cures diseases or relieves its symptoms.  All medicines are drugs, but not all drugs are medicine.

4.  Medicines are classified into two groups: ◦ Prescription drugs (Rx)are medicines that a person can get only by a written order from a physician. ◦ Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, are medicines that a person can get without a physician’s written order.  Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are legal.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decides which drugs require a prescription in the US.

5.  Analgesics are pain relievers. They block the body’s pain signals to the brain. Aspirin is an analgesic.  Antacids relieve heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach.  Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria.  Antihistamines relieve the symptoms of allergies.

6.  Cough Medicines fall into two categories: antitussives stop the coughing reflex; expectorants thin the mucus so that it can be cleared away by coughing.  Decongestants reduce the swelling of the tissues inside the nose and ease the feeling of being stuffed up.  Sedative hypnotics treat anxiety or sleep disorder.

7.  Which OTC drug is right for you? ◦ Tylenol or Acetaminophen?  A generic drug is a copy of a brand-name drug.  Generic drugs are cheaper than brand-name drugs.  Generic drugs are generally as effective and of the same quality as brand-name drugs.  Kids should never buy any medicine on their own vs.

8.  A pharmacist is a health professional who is licensed to prepare and sell prescription drugs.  Drugs typically have side effects. A side effect is an unwanted reaction to a drug.  Read the label, expiration date, and warning before you take any medicine.

11.  Drug misuse is taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication for medical reasons but using it incorrectly.  Examples of drug misuse: ◦ Not following the directions on the drug label ◦ Taking extra doses of the drug ◦ Sharing or borrowing someone else’s prescription ◦ Mixing medicine with alcohol or other harmful substances

12.  Guidelines for the Safe use of Medicines ◦ Follow directions on the drug label & note side effects ◦ Ask your physician or pharmacist any questions you have ◦ Store medicine out of reach of children and pets ◦ Do not take medicine that is past its expiration date ◦ Do not drink alcohol while on any medication

13.  Guidelines for the Safe use of Prescription Drugs ◦ Remind your physician of allergies that you have before he or she writes the prescription ◦ Double-check that the pharmacy has given you the right medicine ◦ Call the physician immediately if you feel worse after taking the medicine ◦ Make sure your physician knows if you are on any other medications; this helps prevent possible drug interaction ◦ Finish all the medicine in your prescription, unless otherwise directed by a physician ◦ Store the medicine as directed.

14.  Guidelines for the Safe use of OTC drugs ◦ Choose the right medicine for your symptoms ◦ Store all your medicines in their original containers ◦ Buy only sealed packages of OTC drugs. Do not purchase a package that is opened or damaged. ◦ Seek medical care if your symptoms continue.

15.  Long Term Use of Medicine ◦ Use a planner or notebook to record or check off what you take each day and when. ◦ Sort our weekly dosage of pills into a pill organizer or placing your medication next to an object that you use every day.