Common Abbreviations & Dosage Forms in Medicine

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Questions and Answers

Which type of tablet is designed to dissolve and absorb in the intestines instead of the stomach?

Controlled-release Tablet

Effervescent Tablet

Sugar Coated Tablet

Enteric-coated Tablet (correct)

What is the main characteristic of a Controlled-release Tablet?

Dissolves quickly in water

Contains more than one drug formulation

Gradually releases active ingredients over time (correct)

Releases medication immediately

What distinguishes Buccal tablets from Sublingual tablets?

Buccal tablets are designed for longer absorption time. (correct)

Buccal tablets dissolve under the tongue.

Sublingual tablets are placed between the gums and cheek.

Sublingual tablets are larger in size.

Which type of tablet requires more than one compression cycle in its preparation?

Multiple Compressed Tablet Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about molded tablets is true?

They are very soft and dissolve rapidly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between film-coated tablets and sugar-coated tablets?

Film-coated tablets are coated with polymer, while sugar-coated tablets use sugar. Signup and view all the answers

What purpose do Effervescent Tablets serve when added to water?

They produce carbonation and act as an antacid. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tablet is referred to as a gelcap?

Gelatin-coated tablet Signup and view all the answers

What does the abbreviation 'b.i.d.' refer to in a medical prescription?

Twice a day Signup and view all the answers

Which abbreviation signifies 'right ear' in prescriptions?

a.d. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the abbreviation 'C&S' in a medical context?

Culture and Sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

Which abbreviation is used to indicate 'before meals'?

a.c. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'apap' refer to in medication terminology?

Acetaminophen Signup and view all the answers

How is 'discontinue' abbreviated in medical prescriptions?

d.c. Signup and view all the answers

What does the abbreviation 'NG' refer to?

Nasogastric Signup and view all the answers

Which abbreviation is commonly used for 'hydration therapy' in medication orders?

H2O Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of oral powders?

To be mixed with water or soft food before administration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about effervescent powders is correct?

They release carbon dioxide when mixed with water. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes dusting powders from other powdered forms?

They are applied locally to various parts of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of douche powders?

To be dissolved in water for antiseptic or cleaning use Signup and view all the answers

Which dosage form encloses unit doses of drugs in a gelatin shell?

Capsules Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a use case for insufflations?

For introducing powders into body cavities such as ears or nose Signup and view all the answers

How are dentifrices typically prepared?

As bulk powder containing soap or detergent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms refers to a quantity of medication sufficient to meet a specific requirement?

q.s.ad Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Common Abbreviations Used in Prescriptions & Medication Orders

Abbreviations are used to shorten words and phrases in prescriptions.
GI: gastro-intestinal
gr: grain
gtt/gtts: drop/drops
d: day
a.c.: before meals
a.d.: right ear
a.m.: morning
a.s.: left ear
a.u.: each ear
b.i.d.: twice a day
BM: bowel movement
BP: blood pressure
BS: blood sugar
etc. (many more abbreviations listed)

Dosage Forms

Solid Dosage Forms: Capsules, Tablets, Compressed Tablets (sugar-coated, film-coated, enteric-coated, multiple compressed).
Semisolid Dosage Forms: Ointments, Creams, Gels. Additional types include: Powders and Granules (oral, effervescent, dentifrices, douche), Inserts (suppositories), Pills, Cachets, Pellets — lozenges/troches/pastilles, lollipops.
Molded Tablets: Very soft and soluble, used for rapid dissolution. Also, dispensing tablets are used for compounding prescriptions. Hypodermic tablets are used for extemporaneous parenteral solutions, but are no longer available.

Powders and Granules

Oral powders are finely divided powders or granules.
Effervescent powders dissolve in water, releasing CO2. This can mask the taste of unpleasant medication.
Dentifrices are bulk powders containing soap/detergent with mild abrasive and anti-cavity effects.
Douche powders are soluble powders dissolved in water, used as an antiseptic or cleaning agent, most commonly for vaginal use.
Dusting powders are applied locally to the body as absorbents, antiseptics, antipruritic, astringents, and antiperspirants.
Insufflations are finely divided powders for ears, nose, throat, teeth sockets and vagina. Powder blower/insufflator is used.

Compressed Tablets

Sugar-coated tablets have a colored/uncolored sugar layer.
Film-coated tablets have a thin polymer layer to form a skin-like film..
Enteric-coated tablets pass through the stomach unchanged to disintegrate and dissolve in the intestines.
Multiple compressed tablets (MCT) are made by more than one compression cycle. Often contain incompatible ingredients that are physically or chemically compatible. This can prolong or repeat the drug's effect.
Controlled-release tablets (CRT) release the active ingredient gradually over time.
Gelatin-coated tablets (gelcaps) have a capsule shape, and are about one-third smaller than capsules filled with an equivalent amount of powder.

Other Dosage Forms

Buccal tablets are placed between the gums and cheek lining (buccal pouch) to dissolve and be absorbed.
Sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue for immediate dissolution and absorption into the bloodstream.
Effervescent tablets dissolve in water.
Chewable tablets have a smooth disintegration when chewed or dissolved in the mouth.
Immediate release tablets disintegrate and release medication without special rate controlling features, such as special coatings.

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Description

This quiz covers essential abbreviations frequently used in prescriptions and medication orders, along with various dosage forms. Test your knowledge on terms like 'b.i.d.' and identify the different solid and semisolid dosage forms used in pharmacology. Enhance your understanding of medication communication!