It is highly important that every person have some knowledge of the medicine that he consumes. Such knowledge will help him to be a better consumer. This guide is intended to provide general information about the most common medicines in use.
The text is targeted at general people who do not have knowledge of medicine, but intend to benefit by acquiring some information. Most of the text is presented in a simple informal style - so that the targeted audience is not confused by the weighing terminology.
Table of Contents
1a. WHY MEDICINES: Why does your doctor prescribe medicines for you?
1b. Administration basics
2. USEFUL TERMINOLOGY - What's that : To have a better understanding, you should first increase your vocabulary. Some words you will find useful while reading medical literature.
2a. Words used to categorize medicines: Anticoagulant, Antipyretic, Antidepressants, Anticonvulsants, Anticoagulants, Analgesics, Anticholesterols, Anxiolytics, Antipsychotics, Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE Inhibitors), Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB's), Diuretics, Neuropathic, Narcotics, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , Opiates, Opioids, *Diabetes Medications, **Insulins, **Sulfonureas, **Incretins, Stimulants, Statins, OTC, Prescription, Z-Drugs,
2b. Words used to describe states of body and mind related to medicines: Anorexia, Diaphoresis, Anxiety, Anxiolytic/, affect, Aggression,Constipation, Coma, Delirium ,Delusions, Dementia, Depression, Dissociation, Dysphoria, Epilepsy, Nausea, Obtundation, Vomiting, Euphoria , Disinhibition, Impulsivity, Hyperactivity,Inflammation , Psychosis, Agitation, Edema, Sepsis, Febrile, Sedation, Dizziness, Malaise, Weight Gain, Xerostomia/, Headache, Tic, Tremor, Somnolence,
2c. Other useful words that you may already know or want to know about: Addiction, Dependence, Overdose, Tolerance, Withdrawal, Toxicity, Acute, Chronic, Misuse, Seculae
3. How medicines are dispensed: Tablet, Liquid suspension, Liquid Solution, Suppository, Capsule, Sublingual, Opthalmologic, Injectible, Transdermal (Patch), Intravenous, Pill, Implant, Autoinjector, Topical, Nasal Spray, Effervescent Tablet, Softgel, Orally Disintegrating Tablet, Film, Powder Inhaler, Nebulizer, OROS Tablet, Metered Dose Inhaler, Epidural, Cream, Ointment
4. More in depth: How Medicines work: Absorption, or how quickly it may work, How they are in the blood, Volume of distribution, or how much is needed, Fat and water solubility, Half life, or how often to take it, Excretion or Metabolism, which is how long it lasts,
5. Common Diseases And Complaints
6. Guide to Understanding Symptoms
7. Basic guide for treatment of symptoms with medications
8. My medication isn't doing anything!
9. Side Effects requiring Immediate Attention: Severe Allergic Reaction, Paradoxical Reaction, Poisoning, Reye's Syndrome, Tardive Dyskensia, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), Serotonin Syndrome, Overdose
10. Minor Side Effects and Management:
Headache, Nausea, Mild Sedation
11. Medication Specific Information for Overdoses
Acetaminophen
12. Special Populations and Medicines
Safe Use of Medications With Children
Elderly People and Medicine
Medication and Diabetics
Medication in Those With Kidney Problems
13. How to Dispose of Unneeded Medications Safely
14. Natural Living
15. Appendix
Common Medications by Brand Name
Common Medications by Use
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