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There are three broad categories of medicines: over-the-counter (OTC), prescription, and complementary.
(OTC) Over-the-counter drugs are medicines you can buy at pharmacies, convenience, and grocery stores without a prescription from your health care provider. These include aspirin and other pain relievers, antacids, laxatives, allergy, and cough and cold medicines. Suppose you’re deciding on the best option, with so many OTC products to choose from. In that case, it’s important that your decision be based solely on what condition or symptom each medicine treats. For example some antihistamine tablets can treat allergy symptoms, including sneezing & watery eyes but others only alleviate coughs–so make sure before taking any one tablet how they will work specifically for YOU!
Prescription medicines can help clear an ear or sinus infection, lower elevated blood pressure and treat many chronic conditions such as diabetes. These drugs require a doctor’s prescription but should only be taken exactly how they’re directed when shared with family members who have been granted permission by their licensed prescribing physician for this use alone – not outsiders unfamiliar with your medical background!
Carefully read the instructions that accompany every prescription medicine and ask your health care provider any questions before you begin taking medicine.
Complementary medicines are a great way to get the care you need without having an appointment with your doctor. These products include vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal remedies like ginseng tea or garlic bracelets that can be used at home in addition to traditional Western medicine such as prescriptions for pain relief drugs which might not work well on their own due to them being contraindicated while taking other medications.
What is your medicine called?
All medicines have two names:
A generic name
Each medicine has an approved name called the generic name. This name does not change. A group of drugs that work similarly often has similar-sounding generic names. For example, penicillin, ampicillin, amoxycillin, and flucloxacillin are the generic names for a group of antibiotics.
A brand name
Many medicines also have one or more brand names. This name is chosen by the company that makes it. Several companies may make the same medicine, each with its own brand name. Different brand names in different countries may also call a product from the same company. The brand name is usually written most clearly on any packaging. However, you will always see
the generic name on the packet. Some products contain a combination of medicines.
Combination products usually have one brand name. However, the individual ingredients will all be listed on the packet.
Check out https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/index. for a list of drugs and medications A-z.
