Drug Dictionary
With the number and varieties of medications on the market
today, coupled with the illegal street drugs being used by
millions; having a comprehensive reference tool such as a
drug dictionary is essential to health care providers. A
drug dictionary lists all medications approved by the FDA,
as well as their generic counterparts, chemical formulas,
treatments, and possible side effects and interactions. This
valuable resource tool is utilized by nurses, physicians
and home health care providers as a guide to any medications
a patient may currently be taking. A drug dictionary can
help prevent harmful drug interactions, diagnosis side effects
and gives the chemical compounds for each so it will be easier
to foresee and prevent an allergic reaction in individual
patients.
A drug dictionary may also list illegal drugs and narcotics, as well as listing
the presenting symptoms of being under the influence of each. In the event that
a patient is experiencing an adverse reaction to an illegal drug but is unwilling
to cooperate or is unresponsive, a health care provider may be able to identify
which drug was taken and therefore, the best possible course of treatment. A
drug dictionary will also list the possible long term side effects of certain
drugs, so that monitoring and prevention tactics may be utilized whether it is
an illegal or prescribed drug.
With the rise of herbal supplements and vitamins being self administered, some
drug dictionaries have began to list some of the most commonly used supplements
and the effects they may have upon an individual. Some herbal supplements or
vitamins may also effect the absorption rate and benefits of some prescribed
medications and therefore are listed in the drug dictionary to advise of such
interactions.
The use of a drug dictionary by various health care providers is an essential
part of conscientious individualized patient care and is an easy way to prevent
harmful side effects, allergic reactions and interactions.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article.
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