Novice Support: Drug Calculations and Handling

Glossary of Terms

Pharmacy

Dispensary

Suspension

Medication is mixed in the liquid, but does not dissolve in it, thus it must be thoroughly mixed before each use.

Solution

Medication is dissolved within the liquid, so mixing is less important before each use.

Capsule

Tablet

Enteric coated

Tablets or capsules that are coated to prevent dissolution in the stomach so that medication is released further down the intestinal tract.

Scheduled Drug

Drugs and chemicals classified into one of 5 categories or ‘schedules’ based upon the potential for addition and abuse.

Controlled Drug

A drug whose manufacture, possession or use are regulated by the government.

Over-the-counter (OTC)

Medications and therapies that are sold without the requirement of a prescription.

BID

Bis in die, two times a day.

TID

Ter in die, three times a day.

EOD

Every other day.

QD

Quaque die, once a day.

Q

Every

Per Os (PO)

By mouth

Laws and Regulations

(Coming soon)