PRINCIPLES OF MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION

Drugs have several names, and are most commonly referred to by their generic and trade names. generic name o which identifies the drug’s active ingredient, is the name assigned by the manufacturer that first develops the drug. trade name o also referred to as the brand name, is selected by the pharmaceutical company that sells the drug and is protected by trademark. A drug can have several trade names when produced by different manufacturers. Types of Drug Preparations o Drugs are available in many forms, or preparations. o The form in which the drug is prepared may determine the route of administration. o Drug preparations are available for oral, topical, and parenteral administration. o Some drugs may be prepared in only one form to be administered by a certain route. o Others may be supplied in several preparations, allowing them to be given through various routes. o One type of preparation may be desirable in a given situation. o For example, a liquid preparation of a medication would be indicated for a young child who cannot swallow solid preparations, such as tablets. o A suppository may be indicated to deliver a medication for a patient who cannot take anything by mouth.