Medicament Basics

Medicaments are available in tablets, capsules, liquids, suppositories, injections, trans-dermal patches, aerosol inhalants and topical forms such as drops, sprays, creams, ointments and lotions.

Speaking about medicaments we should mention the following: generic or brand name of the medicament. Generic name is the scientific name for a medicament. Brand name is chosen by a medicament manufacturer to market a medicament. Brand name is usually shorter and easier to remember then the generic name. For example, Celexa is the brand name for the antidepressant medicament with the generic medicament name citalopram.

Most medicaments contain inert, or inactive, ingredients that are fillers, dyes or solvents for active ingredients. Manufacturers choose inert ingredients that preserve the medicament without interfering with the action of the active ingredients.

Inert substances are listed on labels of nonprescription medicaments. They do not appear on prescription medicaments. Your pharmacist can tell you all active and inert ingredients in a prescription medicament.

Occasionally, a tablet, capsule or liquid may contain small amounts of sodium, sugar or potassium. If you are on a diet that severely restricts any of these, ask your pharmacist or doctor to suggest another form.

Some liquid medications contain alcohol. Avoid them if you are susceptible to the adverse effects of alcohol consumption.

A medicament habit can be physical or psychological. Either leads to medicament dependence. Dependence occurs when there is a strong or compelling desire to continue taking the medicament to experience its effects or to avoid the symptoms caused by its withdrawal. Psychological dependence does not cause dangerous withdrawal effects. It may cause stress and unwanted behavior changes until the habit is broken.

Medicaments that possess similar chemical structures or similar therapeutic effects are grouped into classes. Most medicaments within a class produce similar benefits, side effects, adverse reactions and interactions with other medicaments and substances. For example, all the generic medicaments in the narcotic medicament class will have similar effects on the body.

Adverse reactions or side effects are symptoms that may occur when you take a medicament. They are effects on the body other than the desired therapeutic effect. The term side effects implies expected and usually unavoidable effects of a medicament. Side effects have nothing to do with the medicament's intended use.

For example, the generic medicament paregoric reduces intestinal cramps and vomiting. It also often causes a flushed face. The flushing is a side effect that is harmless and does not affect the medicament's therapeutic potential. Many side effects disappear in a short time without treatment.

The term adverse reaction is more significant. For example, paregoric can cause a serious adverse allergic reaction in some people. This reaction can include hives, rash and severe itch. Some adverse reactions can be prevented. Most adverse reactions are minor and last only a short time. With many medicaments, adverse reactions that might occur will frequently diminish in intensity as your body adjusts to the medicine.

The majority of medicaments, used properly for valid reasons, offer benefits that outweigh potential hazards.

Another important thing about medicaments: do not stop them abruptly. Some patients stop taking a medicament when symptoms begin to go away, although complete recovery may require longer treatment. Other patients continue taking a medicament when it is no longer needed.  Some medicaments cause symptoms days or weeks after they have been discontinued.

What to do if you must take two or more medicaments at the same time? Many of these medicament combinations have the potential to interact adversely. Fortunately, this adverse reaction occurs in only a small proportion of people who take the interacting combinations. Medicaments interact in your body with other medicaments, whether prescription or nonprescription. Interactions affect absorption, metabolism, elimination or distribution of either medicament. Other factors that can influence medicament interactions are the patient's age, state of health and the way the medicaments are administered: time taken, how taken, dosage, dosage forms and duration of treatment.

Testing has not been done on all possible medicament combinations. It is important to let your doctor or pharmacist know about any medicaments you take, both prescription and nonprescription.

Always remember: read the label carefully. Check that both the name of the medicament and the disorder are specified. Ask the pharmacist to give you printed information sheets about the medicaments prescribed for you. If you are taking more than one medicament, be sure that the label of each container includes the name of the medicament and the condition it treats.

Prescription medicament - Safety

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicament - Safety

Generic medicament

How the medicament does its job

Making choice

Medicament allergies

Vaccination and immunization

Antibiotics / Use and abuse / Bacterial Resistance

Steroids

Glossary

Major medicament groups

Allergy
Brain and Nervous System
Eyes and Ears
Gastrointestinal Tract
Heart and Circulation
Hormones and Endocrine System
Infections and Infestations
Malignant and Immune Disease
Muscles, and Joints
Reproductive and Urinary Tracts
Respiratory System
Skin

Medicaments in alphabetical order