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lems that are only solved by prescribing more drugs. So how did we
get to be taking so many drugs? Some people say that our dependency
is partly because of aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical compa-
nies which artificially boosts our belief in their compounds and partly
due to the influence they have on doctors' prescribing decisions.
Drugs are tested before going on to the market. Firstly they are
tested on animals, and then on people. This is done in randomized
controlled trials which involve the random allocation of drugs to trial
participants in a procedure known as a double blind. In a double-blind
trial, neither the researcher nor the patient knows the details of the
treatment. They don't know who is getting the drug and who is getting
a harmless substitute. This is done because it is common for the sim-
ple administering of treatment to cure – the placebo effect.
Types of medication: capsules, injection, ointment, paste, pessary,
powder, solution, spray suppository, syrup, tablets, inhaler. Ointments
are greasier than creams and have a thicker texture. This makes them
adhere to the affected area longer. Creams are more acceptable cos-
metically and tend to be used on the face as they are less visible.
Pastes are stiffer preparations which contain more powdered solids.
Lotions are liquid and used in areas such as the scalp where an oint-
ment or cream would adhere to the hair.
2. Match the lay terms for medication with medical condi-
tions.
Medical conditions
1. analgesics
2. anti-depressants
3. anti-inflammatories
4. broncho-dilator
5. DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs).
6. diuretics
7. hypertension medication
8. hypnotics
9. oral contraceptives
Lay term
a. medicine to reduce swelling
b. water tablets
c. pain killers