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How to give medicines
How to give medicines
Medicine names
Medicines usually have 2 names. The generic
(or scientific) name is the same everywhere in the
world. Some companies that make medicines give
each medicine they make a
brand name. The same medicine
brand
made by 2 different companies
name
will have 2 different brand names.
In this book, we use generic
generic
names. If you need a certain
name
medicine, any brand will do.
Some brands cost much less than others.
We don’t sell that
brand. This one is
just as good.
You may substitute
one medicine for
another if the
generic names
are the same.
Forms of medicines
Medicines come in different forms:
• Tablets, pills, capsules, and liquids are usually taken by mouth. Sometimes
they may need to be inserted in the vagina or rectum.
• Inserts (suppositories, pessaries) are put into the vagina or the rectum.
• Injections (see page 345) are given with a needle — into a large muscle (IM),
under the skin (intradermal or subcutaneous injection), or into the blood (IV).
• Liquids and syrups that are taken by mouth.
• Creams, ointments, or salves that contain medicine are applied directly to the
skin or in the vagina.
In this book, we use pictures to show how a medicine should be given.
Inject
medicines
when we show
this picture.
Give tablets, pills,
capsules, or inserts
when we show
this picture.
Use ointment
or cream when
we show this
picture.
Give drops
when we
show this
picture.
Give syrup
when we
show this
picture.
Often, the same medicine can be given in different forms. For
example, many medicines can be given by mouth or given by an
injection. Usually, it is best to give medicines by mouth, because
injecting can have risks. But in an emergency, injecting the
medicine may be better, because it will usually work more quickly.
In this book, we recommend the most effective ways to give each medicine, but you
may be able to give a medicine in another form. We do not explain how to give
medicines by IV (in the vein), because this method has more risk.
A Book for Midwives (2010)
467