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Medication types
Different types of meds
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Capsule | Powder or gel form of an active drug enclosed in a gelatinous container. Also called liquigel. |
Elixir | Medication in a clear liquid containing water, alcohol, sweeteners & flavors. |
Enteric coated | Tablet or pill coated to prevent stomach irritation. |
Extended release | Preparation of a medication that allows for slow and continuous release over a predetermined period, may also be referred to as CR, CRT, SR, SA, LA or TR. |
Liniment | Medication mixed with alcohol, oil or soap, which is rubbed on the skin. |
Lotion | Drug particles in a solution for topical use. |
Lozenge | Small oval, round, or oblong preparation containing a drug in a flavored or sweetened base, which dissolves in the mouth and releases the medication, also called a troche. |
Ointment | Semisolid preparation containing a drug to be applied externally; also called an unction. |
Pill | Mixture of a powdered drug with a cohesive material; may be round or oval. |
Powder | Single or mixture of finely ground drugs. |
Solution | Drug dissolved in another substance (eg. in an aqueous solution). |
Suppository | An easily melted medication preparation in a firm base such as gelatin that is inserted into the body (rectum, vagina, urethra). |
Suspension | Finely divided, undissolved particles in a liquid medium; should be shaken before use. |
Syrup | Medication combined in water and sugar solution. |
Tablet | Small, solid dose of medication, compressed or molded; may be any color, size or shape; enteric coated tablets are coated with a substance that is insoluble in gastric acids to reduce irritation by the drug. |
Transdermal patch | Unit dose of medication applied directly to the skin for diffusion through the skin and absorption into the bloodstream. |