Pharmacy Technician Certification Flashcards

Key Pharmacy Abbreviations and Meanings

• ac: Refers to medication taken before meals.
• bid: Stands for "twice a day" indicating frequency of medication dosing.
• hs: Signifies taking medication at bedtime or at the hour of sleep.
• npo: Indicates "nothing by mouth," used before procedures or surgeries.
• pc: Denotes medication taken after meals.
• po: Means taking medication by mouth.
• pr: Refers to administration per rectum.
• stat: Implies that a medication should be administered immediately.

Common Medication Forms and Measurements

• amp: Short for ampuole, a container for liquid medications.
• cap: Refers to a capsule, a common form for oral medications.
• oint: Represents an ointment, a semi-solid preparation for topical use.
• tab: Indicates a tablet, solid form of medication.
• syr: Stands for syrup, a sweetened liquid dosage form.
• tsp: Abbreviation for teaspoon, a measurement used in dosing.
• tbsp: Refers to tablespoon, another measurement for dosing.

Drug Concentrations and Measurements

• mL: Milliliter, a unit of volume often used in liquid medications.
• mg: Milligram, a common unit of mass for medication dosages.
• mcg: Microgram, a smaller unit of mass than milligram.
• gr: Grain, an older measurement unit for medication which has mostly been replaced by grams.
• oz: Ounce, another volume measurement sometimes used in liquid medications.
• qt: Quart, a larger volume measurement.
• g: Gram, a standard unit of mass for medication.

Common Solutions and Infusions

• D5W: 5% dextrose in water, commonly used as a diluent.
• NS: Normal saline (0.9%), often used for intravenous hydration.
• 1/2 NS: 1/2 Normal Saline (0.45%), a less concentrated saline solution.
• D10W: 10% dextrose in water, used in various clinical situations.
• D5LR: 5% dextrose in lactated Ringer's solution, an IV fluid for hydration.

Healthcare Related Organizations and Acts

• APhA: American Pharmaceutical Association, a professional organization for pharmacists.
• FDA: Food & Drug Administration, responsible for regulating food and drug products.
• DEA: Drug Enforcement Agency, enforces the controlled substances laws.
• OSHA: Occupational Safety & Health Administration, ensures workplace safety.

Common Medical Terminology

• GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a digestive disorder.
• MI: Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack.
• HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, safeguards patient information.
• OTC: Over the counter, refers to medications available without a prescription.

Common Medications and Their Uses

• Lipitor: Atorvastatin, used for lowering cholesterol.
• Zithromax: Azithromycin, an antibiotic used to treat various infections.
• Xanax: Alprazolam, a medication for anxiety and panic disorders.
• Tenormin: Atenolol, used for high blood pressure and anxiety.
• Wellbutrin: Bupropion, an antidepressant often used for smoking cessation.

These study notes summarize essential pharmacy technician terminology and medication information, vital for understanding compacted medical communications.