Medicines/Drugs
In this section you can find out about:
Medicines names - are categorised into three terms:-
- Generic name,- which is the official name of the basic active substance- this is decided by the Nomenclature Committee of the British Pharmacopoeia Commission
- Brand name- this is chosen by the manufacturer, memorable ,catchy that sort of thing
- Chemical name- which is the technical description
General names:
medicines are often grouped together for instance medicines for high blood pressure- antihypertensives or for sickness and vomiting –antiemetics there will be a lot of drugs within that category , and they can also have properties in them which mean that they are good in other illnesses too.
Legal classification:
This is where the medicines are divided into which can be sold over the counter at your pharmacy /chemist and the availability of them and to what degree these can be open to abuse. Medicines which are regulated are classified into how harmful they are when abused.
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Classes of drugs what are they?
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 prohibits activities relating to the sale production and possession of some drugs
- Class A - these are the drugs which have the most harmful effects - these include heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD
- Class B - these drugs are less dangerous than Class A ones, but they still are a threat if misused - Class B drugs include speed and other amphetamines
- Class C - these drugs are less dangerous to the user than Class A and Class B drugs. However, they are still illegal and can be harmful. Class C drugs include cannabis, GHB, GBH, Liquid Ecstasy and some tranquilisers
If you would like to look into the subject of drug misuse or have a problem with drugs there are organisations that can help here are some useful websites
 http://www.talktofrank.com – this website has a test for people to check out your knowledge regarding drugs – You can contact “Frank” confidentially if you or a friend have problems with drugs.
http://www.recovery.org.uk – Good drug information and help for all involved
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Important drug interactions - This is important if medicines are taken in combination with certain foods or alcohol or indeed other drugs can cause altered effectiveness –
- Altered absorption – some drugs –opioids –slow the digestion and therefore may affect the absorption rate of another drug.
- Enzyme effects – some drugs may increase or decrease the productions of enzymes in the liver which are necessary to affect the rate other drugs are activated or inactivated
- Excretion of drugs – sometimes some drugs reduce the effectiveness of the kidneys to excrete another drug raising the concentrated levels in the body
Medicines which depress the central nervous system:
Opioids, antihistamines, sleeping pills, alcohol = two or more of these will cause serious over sedation
Medicines which lower the blood sugar levels:
Sulphonamides + alcohol = Increased effectiveness of the sulphonamide dropping the blood sugar levels
Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
Cheese/chocolate/red wine/beer/herring or amphetamines and decongestants + MAOIs = severe increase in blood pressure
Most medicines are absorbed:
Systemic= general body
Oral:
Systemic effect - Medicine > stomach > small intestines > liver > general body circulation
Rectal:
Systemic and sometimes local effect - Medicine > rectum > blood stream > general body circulation
Inhalation:
Systemic or local effect -Medication > lungs >bloodstream >body/brain
Topical:
Localised >skin/lotions/inhalers/eye drops/bladder/vaginal
Injection:
Systemic or local:
- Intramuscular- into the muscle /upper thigh /upper arm/ buttock
- Intravenous – into vein drugs act more rapidly
- Subcutaneous – under the surface of the skin
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