ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

COLLEGE OF NURSING

NCM 0106 - PHARMACOLOGY

First Semester, Academic Year 2020 – 2021

Handout Number 4
DRUG NOMENCLATURE / DOSAGE FORMS / DRUG INTERACTIONS
OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the discussion, the students will be able to:
• Understand the drug nomenclature
• Identify the different forms of drugs
• Comprehend how drug interact with body system
• Comprehend the different abbreviations commonly used in drug administration

I. DRUG NOMENCLATURE
A system of naming drugs based on its chemical component and molecular entities
by the official governing bodies

1. CHEMICAL NAME – indicates the anatomic and molecular structure, given as

chemical formula or accompanied by a diagram
*This name is not suitable for routine use by medical
professionals or common people. However, this is very helpful for the
discovery of new compounds

Ex. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)

2. GENERIC NAME (scientific, officially approved) – describes the common name of

the drug; signifies a chemical derivation denoting the non-propriety
name of a compound used medicinally
*Non-proprietary name

Ex. Aspirin, Prednisone, Paracetamol

3. TRADE NAME (Trademarks, Brand Name, Propriety Name Commercial Name) –

used to identify the drugs manufactured by various drug companies

Ex. Ventolin (non-propriety name is salbutamol; company is Glaxo Smith

Kline)

A trade name frequently appears with the sign ® at its upper right corner
which indicates that the name is registered and its production is restricted to that
pharmaceutical company as sole owner. So, trade name refers to a particular
company.

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 There is great debate about the use of non-proprietary vs trade name in the
prescription. However, drugs sold under non-proprietary names are usually
cheaper than those sold under trade names.

DIFFERENT DOSAGE FORMS

TABLET- preparations of powdered drug, which are composed or molded into a
small disk with precise shape and sizes.
Cornstarch- disintegrating agent, which swell when it comes in contact with
fluid in the stomach causing the tablet to break into smaller particle, which
dissolves rapidly and release the active drug.
3 Types of Tablet
1. Scored- facilitates division into halves or even quarters.
2. Layered- different drug separated
3. Enteric coated- coated with substance that resist action of gastric juices thus
does not dissolve in the stomach but in the small intestine.

CAPSULE- a small globular or cylindrical shell or container made of some digestible

or soluble material as gelatin. It may be hard or soft.
a. Hard- two parts slide together that can be opened to mix content with food
or liquid or to be used/administered with tube feeding.
b. Soft- Encapsulated medicinal liquid that is completely sealed.

LOZENGES/TROCHES- are flat, round or rectangular preparation held in the mouth

until dissolved to release medication with either antiseptic or anesthetic effect on
tissues of the oral cavity or throat.

POWDERS- a preparation in the form of the fine particles either of a single drug or of
several drugs in combination. They are usually dispensed wrapped in a paper.

SUPPOSITORIES- dosage form that is shaped suitable for insertion into external
orifice of the body like the vagina, urethra or rectum. Once inserted, it either
dissolves slowly in the body fluids or melts at body temperature to release the
medicinal content.
Cocoa Butter- (vehicle or base) - waxy, solid at room or refrigerator
temperature but melts at body temperature.

SOLUTIONS- clear, liquid preparation, which contain one or more solvent water and
one or more dissolved component or solutes. Orally this is usually colored and
flavored.
Advantages: Easy to administer and doses can vary.

Types of Solution
1. Syrups- solutions that contain high concentration of dissolved sugar to mask
unpleasant taste of the drug.
2. Elixir- resolutions that contain a solvent mixture of alcohol and water as well
as other component. Usually employed as vehicle in dissolving substance,
which do not dissolve in water alone.

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 3. Tincture- solutions that contain alcohol as the primary solvent but which may
contain water as well.
4. Spirit- alcoholic solution of volatile drugs. Also called essence.

SUSPENSION- liquid dosage forms that contain solid drug particle that are
suspended in a suitable liquid medium. This should be shaken thoroughly prior to
administration.

EMULSION- dispersion of fine droplet of oil in water or water in oil.

CONFECTION- paste-like preparation made by boiling a vegetable or medicinal plant

with water and then straining the fluid,

DECOCTION- an aqueous preparation made by boiling a vegetable or medicinal

plant with water and straining the fluid.

TOPICAL DOSAGE FORMS- applied to skin surfaces to treat dermatological

disorder

Types of Topical Drugs

1. OINTMENTS- semi-solid preparations of medicinal substances in petrolatum.
(Vaseline or lanolin base, greasy and not water removable.)
2. CREAM- usually white, not generally greasy, semi-solid and can be removed
with water, employed on areas which are moist and or/ when absorbing
secretions from skin lesions.
3. PASTE- same as ointment but contain high powder content. Stiff in
consistency with a good protective quality. May be used in absorbing
secretions from skin lesion.
4. LOTION- liquid having varying viscosities. May be a clear solution,
suspension or emulsion. Best used for protection, astringent, cleansing or
anti-pruritic, especially on large areas with hairy portions.
5. GEL/JELLY- usually clear or translucent; semi-solid but liquefies upon
application to skin. Easily removed, with good lubricating effect.
6. AEROSOL FOAM- spreads drug over wide area. Usually applied into the
body like vagina or rectum or onto hairy areas of the body.
7. AEROSOL SPRAY- applied through an atomizer and deposits thin liquid to
powder film on area of application. Useful when applied to large areas or
when manual application would be painful (example: burns)
8. POWDER- can be shaken or blown onto the affected area. Promotes drying
and with lubricant properties. Useful on moist area and/or when friction is to
be reduced.
9. OIL- liquid and not-water soluble.
10. TAPE- drug uniformly released from tape. May have splitting action on area
of application. Useful when small, straight areas require drug application and
when occlusion is desirable.

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CATEGORIES OF DRUG ORDERS
CATEGORY/DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE

STANDING ORDER- Maybe an ongoing order maybe given for a

Amoxicillin 500 mg, IV q 6h
specific number of days or doses. May include PRN orders.

Methergine 100 mg IM after

ONE-TIME or SINGLE-DOSE- Given once and usually at specific Placental delivery.
time.
Dulcolax 1 tab at 10 PM
Paracetamol 325 mg Tab, 1 tab
PRN ORDERS- Given when necessary.
q4h for temp= 38 or higher.

D 50-50 1 vial IV stat

STAT ORDERS- Given once, immediately
Catapres 75 mcg SL now
Ferrous sulfate 1 tab OD x 30
days.
SELF-TERMINATING- Number of doses and the duration of
medication therapy have already been specified
Clindamycin 750 q12h IV for 3
days

For Injectable drugs:

1. Syringe

Needle Components: Parts:

Gauge - diameter of the needle Bevel – pointed open part
Length Shaft – long part
Hub – comes in contact with the tip of
the syringe

Types:
I. GENERAL PURPOSE- Plastic/Glass
II. TUBERCULIN- 1 mL slender syringe
III. INSULIN SYRINGE- 1 mL capacity measured in units
IV. PRE-FILLED CARTRIDGES & SYRINGE-needles are permanently attached

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ABBREVIATIONS COMMONLY FOUND IN DRUG ORDERS
DRUG MEASUREMENTS AND DRUG FORMS

Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning

cap capsule min Minim
cc cubic centimeter oz Ounce
dr Dram pt Pint
elix Elixir qt Quart
fl dr Fluid dram SR Sustained
release
fl oz Fluid ounce ss One-half
G, gm, G, GM gram supp Suppository
gr Grain susp Suspension
gtt drops T.O. Telephone order
kg Kilogram T, tbsp Tablespoon
L, l Liter U Units
m2 Square meter V.O. Verbal order
mcg microgram > Greater than
mEq Milliequivalent < Less Than
mg Milligram
mL, ml millimeter

ROUTES OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning

A.D., a.d. Right ear O.D., od Right eye

A.S., a.s. Left ear O.S.,o.s. Left eye
A.U., a.u. Both ears O.U.,o.u. Both eyes
ID Intradermal PO, po, os By mouth
IM Intramuscular R Right
IV Intravenous SC, subc,sc, SQ Subcutaneous
IVPB Intravenous piggyback SL, sl, subl Sublingual
KVO Keep vein open TKO To keep open
L Left Vag vaginal
NGT Nasogastric tube

TIMES OF ADMINISTRATION
Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning
AC, ac Before meals qh Every hour
ad lib As desired Q.i.d., q.i.d. Four times a day
B.i.d., b.i.d. Twice a day q.o.d. Every other day
C With s Without
Hs Hours of sleep SOS Once if
necessary, if
there is a need
Noct At night Stat Immediately
NPO Nothing per orem T.i.d., t.i.d. Three times a
(mouth) day
PC, pc After meals
PRN, p.r.n. Whenever necessary, as
needed
Q Every
QAM Every morning
qd, od Every day, once a day

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ABBREVIATIONS OF SOLUTIONS
Intravenous Solution Abbreviation
5% Dextrose in Water D5W, 5% D/W
10% Dextrose in Water D10W, 10% D/W
0.9 Sodium Chloride 0.9 NaCl
Normal Saline Solution NSS
0.45% Sodium Chloride, ½ NSS 0.45 NaCl, ½ NSS
5% Dextrose in 0.95 sodium chloride D5NSS, 5% D/NSS
5% Dextrose in Lactated Ringers Solution D5LRS
Balance Multiple Replacement Solution with 5% D5NM
Dextrose or Eurosol-R in D5 Water
Balance Multiple Maintenance Solution with 5% D5IMB
Dextrose or Eurosol-M in D5 Water
Balance Multiple Replacement Solution with 5% D5NR
Dextrose or Normosol-R in D5 Water
Lactated Ringers Solution Plain LRS, PLRS
Balance Multiple Maintenance Solution with 5% D5MK
Dextrose or Eurosol-MK in D5 Water with Light
Potassium

DRUG INTERACTION - is altered or modified action or effect of a drug as a result of

interaction with one or more drugs. When one drug administered in combination with
or shortly after another drug alters the effect of one or both drugs

A. Types of Drug Interaction

1. ADDITION – the response elicited by combined drugs is EQUAL TO the combined
response of the individual drugs. (1+1 = 2)
2. SYNERGISM – the response is elicited by combined drugs is GREATER THAN
the combined responses of the individual drugs. (1+1 = 3)
3. POTENTIATION – a drug that has no effect enhances the effect of a second drug.
(0+1 = 2)
4. ANTAGONISM – a drug inhibits the effect of another drug. (1+1 = 0)
5. INCOMPATIBILITY – occurs when two drugs mixed together in a syringe produce
a chemical reaction, so they cannot be given.

Nursing Responsibilities for Drug incompatibilities:

1. Under NO circumstances should such a mixture be administered to the patient
until the safety of the mixture can be assured.

2. Before combining two drugs/solutions, every attempt must be made to ascertain

the stability and safety of the mixture with the pharmacist/drug info/package
insert.

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B. Drug Interaction and Pharmacokinetics
1. Altered Absorption – drugs may inhibit absorption of other drugs across
biologic membranes by:
a. Change in the gastric emptying time
b. Change in the gastric pH
2. Altered Distribution – administration of two or more drugs that are highly
protein bound.
3. Altered Metabolism – induction or competition for metabolizing enzymes.
4. Altered Excretion – drugs may act on the kidneys to reduce excretion of
specific agents.

C. Drug and Food Interaction

1. Food also interacts with drugs by increasing or decreasing drug absorption.
2. Food also interacts with drugs to dangerous adverse effects.

D. Drug and Serum Electrolyte Interactions

Plasma levels of some electrolytes may affect the capacity of some drugs to
reach toxic levels producing toxic effects.

PEDIATRIC AND GERIATRIC CONSIDERATIONS IN PHARMACOLOGY

I. PEDIATRIC PHARMACOLOGY
A. Pharmacokinetics
1. Absorption
- decreased gastric acid production
- slow gastric emptying time (enhanced absorption)
- skin is thin and drugs pass rapidly/readily, hence absorption of topical
drugs is enhanced.

2. Distribution
- decreased BP effects blood flow to tissues, liver and brain and kidneys.
- 65 to 75% of total body weight is comprised of water hence, a relatively
“larger” dose is needed to achieve intended drug effect/compared to
adults whose body water is relatively decreased in relation to TBW.
- Decreased plasma CHON binding sites (longer half-life).
- Blood-brain barrier is relatively developed.

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 3. Metabolism
- immature liver, decreased activity of liver enzymes, half-life may be
prolonged (first pass system is less effective).

4. Excretion
- immature kidneys, until after the first year of life.
- decreased blood flow to kidneys; GFR is 30-40% of adults rate (longer
half-life and possible toxicity).

B. Pharmacodynamics

- immature organs affect drug action and drug dosage frequently needs to
be adjusted.
- rapidly developing tissues of infants and small kids can be more sensitive
to certain drugs.
e.g.: tetracycline can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth if given
during the last trimester and early childhood.
- Corticosteroid therapy can result in suppression of growth.

II. GERIATRIC PHARMACOLOGY

Physiologic Changes in the Older Adult

SYSTEM PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGE

GIT  Increased gastric pH
 Decreased peristalsis and gastric
emptying time
Cardiac / Circulatory  Decreased cardiac output/ blood
flow
 Decreased protein binding
Hepatic  Decreased enzyme production
 Decreased total liver function
Renal  Decreased functioning nephron
 Decreased GFR
Tissue Level  Increase portion of fat
 Decrease Muscle mass

Prepared by: Noted by:

Pharmacology Instructors Jennie C. Junio, RN, MAN Level 2 Coordinator

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