Explanation may include
- sources of medications
- natural
- plant (e.g., aspirin derived from willow bark)
- animal (e.g., insulin derived from the pancreas of pigs and cattle)
- mineral (e.g., Epsom salts derived from magnesium sulfate)
- chemical sources
- synthetic—created in a laboratory
- biotechnology (e.g., Humulin—a synthetic insulin)
- medication names
- generic—the official name of the active ingredient used by all manufacturers; nonproprietary
- trade—the brand or product name; proprietary; indicated by the symbol ®
- classification based on the body system affected by the medication
- cardiovascular
- respiratory
- gastrointestinal
- endocrine
- classification by the action of the medication in the body
- anticoagulant
- antihypertensive
- antihyperlipidemic
- antibiotic
- anticonvulsant
- hypnotic
- antianxiety
- antidepressant
- antimanic
- antipsychotic
- classification by the disease the medication is intended to treat
- osteoporosis
- pain
- dementia
- dispensing classification
- prescription medications
- Schedule I
- high potential for abuse
- no currently accepted medical use in the United States
- examples include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (commonly known as ecstasy or molly), mescaline, and methaqualone
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- Schedule II
- high potential for abuse
- accepted medical use with restrictions
- may lead to psychological or physical dependence
- examples include amphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and hydrocodone
- Schedule III
- potential for abuse
- accepted medical use
- may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence
- examples include anabolic steroids, buprenorphine, and ketamine
- Schedule IV
- low potential for abuse
- accepted medical use
- may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence
- examples include benzodiazepines, modafinil, and tramadol
- Schedule V
- low potential for abuse
- accepted medical use
- may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence
- examples include diphenoxylate, lacosamide, and pregabalin
- Schedule VI in Virginia
- have least potential for abuse
- require a prescription
- over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including herbal medications
- must have the HCP order to administer
- may be purchased without a prescription
- should be viewed in the same manner as prescription medications
- can cause harm, produce unwanted effects and medication interactions are possible
- classes regulated by the Controlled Substances Act
- narcotics
- depressants
- stimulants
- hallucinogens
- anabolic steroids.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are the sources of medications? What is an example of a medication derived from each source?
- What are the characteristics of chemical, generic, and brand names of specified medications?
- How do religious beliefs influence medication selection and sources?
- What are the potential risks when combining certain pharmaceuticals and the consumption of or exposure to certain plants (e.g., fox glove, poinsettia)?