Types of Medicine
Medicines are chemicals or substances that cure, halt, or prevent disease; ease
symptoms; or help in the diagnosis of illnesses tech.easterntribunal. They can be made of natural
substances or synthetic chemicals. They come in many different types and can be
taken in many ways, including by mouth or put into a vein.
Drugs are used to treat a range of diseases and disorders and may be available in a
wide variety of doses. They can be given in different forms, such as tablets,
capsules, liquids, and creams or ointments.
Medications are prescribed by a health care provider, usually a doctor or nurse, for
the treatment of a medical condition. They can be given to you by mouth, by
infusion into a vein, or by drops that are put into the ears, eyes, or nose.
The most common medicines are antihistamines, antibiotics, pain relievers, and
antacids. Some medicines are only available on prescription from a health care
professional, while others can be bought over the counter at pharmacies and
convenience stores without a doctor’s prescription.
There are also many other types of medicines. These include vaccines, a type of
medicine that helps keep you from getting sick. These work by introducing small
amounts of an agent that resembles a specific germ or germs into your body, which
lets your immune system “remember” the germ and help fight off infection in the
future.
Vaccines are one of the most important types of medicines, as they prevent illness.
They are designed to immunize or protect your body against certain diseases, such
as measles, mumps, chicken pox, and polio.
Some medicines are called “steroids” because they help to regulate menstruation
and other women’s health problems. These drugs are sometimes prescribed for
cancer patients as well, and are often used in conjunction with other drugs to treat
the side effects of chemotherapy.
Other medications are used to treat specific conditions, such as angina (chest pain),
high blood pressure, or rheumatoid arthritis. These medicines are prescribed by a
doctor and can be taken by mouth or by injection into the thigh.
All medicines can have unwanted side effects, so it’s important to tell your health
care provider about any medicines you take. If you have any concerns about a
medicine, stop taking it immediately and call your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Non-medical use of medicines is the use of medicines for non-medical purposes,
such as to relieve pain or anxiety, without appropriate medical supervision and
outside of accepted medical practice. This can lead to serious and potentially life-
threatening harms.
Using medicines inappropriately or ignoring instructions can also increase your risk
of side effects and other health problems, such as addiction and dependence. It can
also lead to a greater chance of experiencing allergic reactions, which can lead to
serious problems like anaphylaxis or life-threatening infections.
Identifying, tracking and responding to the non-medical use of medicines is
challenging. This is because of the diversity of medicines and their users, as well as
variations between countries in prescribing practice and legal frameworks.
