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Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs. Mr. Ramos. Lesson 1: Following Guidelines for the Use of Medicine. Objectives: Explain how to identify the two basic groups of medicine. Describe the various prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
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Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs Mr. Ramos
Lesson 1:Following Guidelines for the Use of Medicine • 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.
Types of Medicines • 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.
Types of Medicines • 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.
Types of Medicines • 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.
Types of Medicines • 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.
How Medicines are Purchased • 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.
How Medicines are Purchased • 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.
Using Medicines Safely • 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
Using Medicines Safely • 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
Using Medicines Safely • 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.
Using Medicines Safely • 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.
Using Medicines Safely • 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.