Pharmaceutical & Medical Terminology for Pharmacy Technicians Acknowledgements
Winnipeg Technical College and the Department of Labour and Immigration of Manitoba
wish to express sincere appreciation to all contributors. Special acknowledgments are
The Citizenship and Multicultural Division,
Funding for this project has been provided by the Manitoba Labour and
Immigration Adult Language Training Branch.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Occupational Terminology Package ------------------------------ 4 Drug Names: Generic/Brand ---------------------------------------------------------------- 5 Classify: Drug Names / Treatment --------------------------------------------------------- 9 Medical Abbreviations / Acronyms -------------------------------------------------------- 10 Pharmacology ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Aseptic Technique----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Mathematics in the Medical Profession -------------------------------------------------- 11 Word Parts -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 Diagnostic Suffixes---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 Diagnostic Suffixes: Multiple - Choice Test --------------------------------------------- 14 Prefixes and Terminology ------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 Prefixes and Terminology: Activities ----------------------------------------------------- 16 Anatomy: Body Systems-------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 Anatomy: Body Systems Matching Activity--------------------------------------------- 18 Cardiovascular/Digestive Systems -------------------------------------------------------- 19 Endocrine System, Female Reproductive System and Lymphatic System ----- 20 Male Reproductive System, Musculoskeletal System, Nervous System -------- 21 Respiratory System, Skin and Sense Organs, Urinary System -------------------- 22 Answer Keys------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 23 References -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24
Introduction to the Occupational Terminology Package
To become a skilled pharmacy technician, you first need to learn the technical
vocabulary (language) of the medical profession. The sections in this booklet
introduce you to some of the basic terms of the medical language. Once you
understand the language of pharmacists, you will be prepared to interpret and
This guide mainly focuses on some of the essential terms in the medical
profession, specifically for pharmacy technicians. Self-tests and answer keys
have been included in this guide. The activities are meant to be completed after
you have studied the corresponding unit. After you have read and understood the
material you can try the tests yourself. If you score below 80% on the self tests, it
is recommended that you go back and review those areas.
If you would like to study more in depth, there is a list of recommended books
and websites at the back of this package.
If you have any questions/comments about this package, please contact:
Drug Names: Generic / Brand A drug entity has several types of names. It can be expressed by its chemical name, its empirical formula, its generic name or one of its brand names. The chemical name and the empirical formula are useful to chemists but too confusing for most other people. Drugs are usually referred to by their common (generic) name or by the brand (trade) names assigned to them by the companies that make them. The following section will focus on generic and brand names of drugs. The generic name is owned by no person or company. An international naming organization assigns generic names based on criteria it has selected for naming drugs that belong to certain chemical families. A generic name is a common noun and should be spelled beginning with a lower case letter.
An example of a generic name is acetaminophen.
Brand names are names given to the generic entity by the company that manufactures it - often a "catchy" name that will help customers or physicians remember it or what it is used for. A generic entity may be sold by many companies, and therefore have many brand names. The brand name is proprietary and no one but the company who registered it as a Trademark (denoted by the symbol ®) can use it. Brand names are always written starting with an upper case letter. Shown below are some of the brand names foracetaminophen, and the companies which make each brand. Brand Name Manufacturer
Some drug manufacturers are known as "generic" drug houses because they do not innovate drugs but copy them once the originator's patent has expired. They often don't bother giving catchy brand names to their products, but form a brand name from the generic name or a shortened version of it, combined with their company name. Examples are:
Brand Name Generic Name Manufacturer
Most drug generic names are actually two-part names - the active ingredient (drug) and an inactive part to which it is attached for better absorption or transport throughout the body. Except where it is important, the second part of the drug name is not included in this list. There are thousands of drugs on the Canadian market. You are being asked to memorize the brand names for approximately eighty most common. It is absolutely essential that you know these names and recognize when generic substitutes are used. Your pharmacy preceptors on practicum will expect you to know these, as will potential employers, who often quiz on drug names as part of their interview process.A pharmacy technician cannot function properly without knowing these names and being able to match them.
List of Drug Names Note: This is an introductory list of drug names; it is not the full list. List 1: Analgesics, Muscle Relaxants, Migraine Therapy, Anesthetic, Gout and Gastrointestinal drugs.
Generic Name Brand Name Analgesic
Tylenol, Tempra, Atasol, NovoGesic, generics
(In CPS is listed as acetaminophen/ caffeine/ codeine 8mg) acetaminophen compound with codeine
Entrophen, Asadol, Novasen, Enteric Coated ASA, Aspirin Daily Lo Dose (81mg)
Voltaren, Apo Diclo, Novodifenac, others Voltaren SR, Apo-Diclo SR, Novodifenac SR
Motrin, Novoprofen, Apo profen, Motrin IB, Advil
Toradol tabs, Apo-Ketorolac, others,Acular eye drops, Apo-Ketorolac, generics
Statex, Morphitec, MS IR, Ratio-Morphine MS IR, Ratio-Morphine MS Contin (sustained release), pms-Morphine Sulphate SR
Muscle relaxant
Flexeril, Novo-cycloprine, Apo Cyclobenzaprine, others
Migraine therapy
zolmitriptan Zomig Anesthetic
lidocaine Xylocaine Gout
Zyloprim, Purinol, Apo-Allopurinol, Novopurol
Gastrointestinal
5 aminosalicylic acid (mesalamine) Asacol bisacodyl Dulcolax,
Colace, Regulex, pms-Docusate Sodium, generics
rabeprazole Pariet ranitidine
Zantac, ratio-Ranitidine, others Zantac 75, others
List 2 Antibiotic/Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antimalarial drugs.
Classify: Drug Names / Treatment Directions: First study the lists of drug names. Use the drug names listed below, write the drug name in the correct category. (When you are finished, check your answers.) Analgesics Muscle Relaxants Migraine Therapy Anesthetic Gout Gastrointestinal Antibiotic/Antibacterial Antifungal Antimalarial
• Clotrimazole, Nizoral, terbinafine, Lamisil
• Hydroxychloroquine, Apo-hydroxyquine, Plaquenil
• azithromycin, Suprax, erythromycin base, Neosporin
• dimenhydrinate, Gravol, domperidone, Motilium
• sumatriptan, Imitrex, zolmitriptan, Zomig
• cyclobenzaprine, Flexeril, Novo-cycloprine, apo Cyclobenzaprine
• acetaminophen, Aspirin, morphine M.O.S, Morphitec, MS-IR
Medical Abbreviations / Acronyms
Helpful Websites
1.) This website has an extensive list of medical Abbreviations.
http://www.flash-med.com/Abbreviation.asp
2.) This website has an extensive list of medical Acronyms.
http://www.geocities.com/~mlshams/acronym/acr.htm
Pharmacology This website is an excellent website for studying basic pharmacology. http://www.flash-med.com/Rx_1.asp Web-Based Activity
1.) What medications are prescribed for depression?
__________________________________________________________.
2.) How many anti-biotics are listed on the site? ______________________.
3.) MS-IR is a pain medication; what do the letters “MSIR” stand for?
__________________________________________________________.
4.) What can be used to treat high cholesterol?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
Aseptic Technique Admixture – The product that results from adding a drug to a parenteral solution for administration to a patient. Aseptic – free of micro-organisms. Aseptic technique – procedures conducted under controlled conditions to minimize the chance of contamination. The ability of personnel to manipulate sterile preparations, sterile packaging components and sterile administration devices in such a way to avoid the introduction of viable micro-organisms. Batch Preparation – Compounding of multiple units of the same item. Not for immediate use. Mathematics in the Medical Profession
As a pharmacy technician, you must be very exact. Therefore, excellent communication and mathematical skills are essential in this profession. As a pharmacy technician, you will also need to be familiar with Roman numerals, fractions, the metric system, weights/measurement, ratio, proportion, percent, milli equivalents, Latin abbreviations as well as enlarging or reducing formulas. Try these Math questions 1.) 1 is to 8 as 6 is to x, the value of the unknown x is: 2.) In the proportion 2/5 = 7/x, the value of the unknown x is: 3.) 0.3 x 0.2 = ________ 4.) If the physician writes a prescription that directs a patient to: “Take 1
tablet 3 times daily for 7 days”, how many tablets would you dispense?
5.) The numereric equivalent of the Roman Numeral “viii” is__________. 6.) The percent 25% expressed as a ratio is _______________________. Helpful Websites: Mathematics
1) Roman Numerals. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_numerals 2) Metric System. http://lamar.colostate.edu/~hillger/common.html 3) Latin Abbreviations. http://www.herbdatanz.com/pharmaceutical_latin_abbreviations.htm 4) Practice with all math problems! Fractions, ratios, percentages, etc. http://www.321know.com/fra.htm WORD PARTS
Word Root: The foundation of a medical term. (A word root usually refers to the part of the body condition that is being treated, studied or named by the term.)
Combining Form: A combination of the word root and vowel. A vowel may be added to the end of the word root to make it easier to form medical words.
Combining Vowel: Connects roots to suffixes and roots to other roots, the vowel is often “o”.
Prefix: A word part added to the beginning of a word to change or add to its meaning.
Suffix: A word part added to the end of a word to change or add to its meaning
Abbreviation: A shortened form of a word, usually letters.
HEMAT+O+LOGY = (Word Root + Combining Vowel + Suffix) Diagnostic Suffixes
These suffixes describe disease conditions or their symptoms. Noun Suffix Terminology -sclerosis These adjective suffixes describe a part of the body, process, or condition. Adjective Suffix Terminology -al , -ar, -ary, –eal or -ic Pertaining to
Vascular Pulmonary Chronic The following suffixes describe procedures used in patient care.
Suffix Meaning Terminology -centesis
Surgical repair/correction Rhinoplasty-therapy Diagnostic Suffixes: Multiple - Choice Test
1.
Which of the following suffixes describes a condition of pain?
a) –oma b) –rrhagia c) –algia d) –osis
Which of the following suffixes refers to an inflammation?
a) –uria b) –ous c) –emia d) –itis
Which of the following suffixes refers to a flow or discharge?
a) –rrhea b) –rrhage c) –rrhagia d) –uria
Which of the following suffixes is used to describe an enlargement?
a) –ia b) –megaly c) –pathy d) –ory
Which of the following suffixes refers to a blood condition?
a) –emia b) –oma c) –uria d) -algia
Prefixes and Terminology Prefix Meaning Terminology Re- or Retro- Relapse, RetroperitonealPrefixes and Terminology: Activities A. Matching 1. Anti- C. against
4. Neo- D. four E. beyond F. excessive, too much G. surrounding H. within J. deficient, too little B. Fill in the Blank
1. The prefix Meta- refers to a _______________. 2. A prefix describing something fast is _____________. 3. The prefixes Mal- and Dys- both describe something that is ________. 4. The prefix Poly- is used when there are _____________ of something. 5. When there are __________ of something the prefix Bi- is used. 6. The prefix Hemi- refers to _________ of something.
Anatomy: BODY SYSTEMS
Helpful Anatomy & Physiology Websites 1.) This site has a detailed description of each system. At the end of each unit you can complete a quiz. http://training.seer.cancer.gov/module_anatomy/anatomy_physiology_home.html 2.) This web site has animated pictures of each system, with descriptions. http://www.innerbody.com/index.html 3.) This web site has self-assessment tests, as well as activities that match medical terms with lay terms. http://ec.hku.hk/mt/ Anatomy: Body Systems Matching Activity
Directions: In the space, write in the letter that matches the correct body system.
A. Reproductive System B. Respiratory System C. Cardiovascular System D. Musculoskeletal System E. Nervous System F. Urinary System G. Digestive System H. Endocrine System J. Lymphatic System
1. The __is the major controlling, regulatory, and communicating system in the
2. The ___acts through chemical messengers called hormones that influence
growth, development, and metabolic activities.
3. The ___ system consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons and
4. The____ includes the heart and the blood vessels. The heart pumps blood,
and the blood vessels channel and deliver it throughout the body. Arteries carry
blood filled with nutrients away from the heart to all parts of the body.
5. The ____ works with the circulatory system to provide oxygen and to remove
6. The ____returns excess interstitial fluid to the blood, absorbs fats and fat-
soluble vitamins from the digestive system and is a defense against invading
7. The _____produces egg and sperm cells.
8. ____ processes food into molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the
9. The principal function of the _____ is to maintain the volume and composition
10. _______ is an organ, made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissues that
Cardiovascular System Combining Form Terminology
Angi/o Vessel Angioplasty Aort/o Aorta Aortic Stenosis Arteri/o Artery Arteriosclerosis Arteriol/o Arteriole Arteriolitis Cardi/o Heart Cardiomyopathy Coron/o Heart
Ven/o Vein Intravenous Venul/o Venule Venulitis Digestive System Combining Form Terminology
Cholecyst/o Gallbladder Cholecystectomy Col/o
Esophag/o Esophagus Esophageal Gastr/o Stomach
Pancreat/o Pancreas Pancreatitis Pharyng/o Pharynx Pharyngeal Proct/o Anus/Rectum
Looking back to the suffixes and prefixes section, define the following:
1.) Angioplasty:_________________________________________________ 2.) Phlebotomy:_________________________________________________ 3.) Arteriolitis:__________________________________________________ 4.) Ileostomy:__________________________________________________ 5.) Gastralgia:__________________________________________________ 6.) Intravenous:_________________________________________________
Endocrine System Combining Form Terminology Hypophyseal, Hypopituitarism
Pancreat/o Pancreas Pancreatectomy Parathyroid/o Parathyroid
Female Reproductive System
Combining Form Terminology Hysterectomy, Endometrium, Uterine
Lymphatic System Combining Form Terminology
Splen/o Spleen Splenomegaly Thym/o Thymus
Looking back to the suffixes and prefixes section, define the following:
7.) Thymoma:___________________________________________________ 8.) Hysterectomy:________________________________________________ 9.) Splenomegaly:_______________________________________________ 10.) Hypophyseal:________________________________________________ 11.) Adrenopathy:________________________________________________ 12.) Lymphoma:__________________________________________________
Male Reproductive System Combining Form Terminology
Balan/o Penis Balanitis Orch/o, Orchi/o, Orchid/o Testis
Urethr/o Urethra Urethritis Vas/o Vas
Musculoskeletal System Combining Form Terminology
Arthr/o Joint Arthroscopy Chondr/o Cartilage Chondroma Cost/o Rib
Ligament/o Ligament Ligamentous My/o, Muscul/o
Oste/o Bone Osteomyelitis Pelv/o Pelvis,
Spondylosis, Intervertebral
Nervous System
Combining Form Terminology
Neur/o Nerve Neuropathy Looking back to the suffixes and prefixes section, define the following:
Combining Form Terminology
Adenoid/o Adenoid Adenoidectomy Alveol/o
Bronchiol/o Bronchiole Bronchiolitis Cyan/o Blue
Epiglott/o Epiglottis Epiglottitis Laryng/o Larynx Laryngeal Nas/o, Rhin/o
Pharyng/o Pharynx Pharyngitis Phren/o Diaphragm
Tonsillo Tonsils Tonsillitis Trache/o Trachea Tracheostomy Skin and Sense Organs
Combining Form Terminology
Skin Epidermis, Dermatology
Myringotomy, Tympanoplasty
Retin/o Retina Retinopathy Urinary System
Combining Form Terminology
Ureter/o Ureter Ureterectomy Urethr/o Urethra Urethritis Looking back to the suffixes and prefixes section, define the following:
19.) Alveolar:___________________________________________________ 20.) Otitis:_____________________________________________________ 21.) Pyelogram:_________________________________________________ 22.) Bronchoscopy:______________________________________________ 23.) Rhinorrhea:_________________________________________________
Answer Keys Classifying Drug Names: Check the list for answers. (pgs. 6 – 8) Pharmacology: Web-based activity
1.) c 2.) b 3.) a 4.) c 5.) 8 6.) 1:4 Diagnostic Suffixes Multiple Choice Test 1.c 2 2.d 3.a 4.b 5.a Prefixes Matching 1.c 2.i 3.f 4.a 5.d 6.h 7.j 8.g 9.e 10.b Fill in the Blank 1.change 2.tachy- 3.bad 4.many 5.two 6.half Body Systems: Matching 1.e 2.h 3.d 4.c 5.b 6.j 7.a 8.g 9.f 10.i Terminology Definitions (1-23) 1.) Angioplasty: Surgical repair of a blood vessel. 2.) Phlebotomy: Incision of a vein. 3.) Arteriolitis: Inflammation of small arteries. 4.) Ileostomy: Opening of the ileum 5.) Gastralgia: Stomach pain. 6.) Intravenous: Existing or taking place within the veins. 7.) Thymoma: A tumour or mass within the thymus gland. 8.) Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus. 9.) Splenomegaly: Enlargement of the spleen. 10.) Hypophyseal: Pertaining to the pituitary gland. 11.) Adrenopathy: A disease condition of the adrenal gland. 12.) Lymphoma: A tumour or mass within the lymph fluid.
13.) Myelodysplasia: A painful condition or disease of the bone marrow. 14.) Craniotomy: Incision of the skull. 15.) Neuropathy: A disease condition of the nerves. 16.) Arthroscopy: Process of visual examination of the joints. 17.) Medullary: Pertaining to the medulla oblongata. 18.) Intervertebral: Situated between vertebrae. 19.) Alveolar: Relating to an alveolus. 20.) Otitis: Inflammation of the ear(s). 21.) Pyelogram: A record of the renal pelvis. 22.) Bronchoscopy: Process of visual examination of the bronchial tube. 23.) Rhinorrhea: A flow or discharge from the nose. References
Acronyms and Initialisms for Health Information Resources, Retrieved on February 6, 2007, from http://www.geocities.com/~mlshams/acronym/acr.htm http://training.seer.cancer.gov/module_anatomy/anatomy_physiology_home.html
Anatomy & Physiology, Retrieved on February 6, 2007, from http://www.innerbody.com/index.html Atlas, Marie. (1998). Mathematics for the Health Sciences. 14th Edition. Pharmacy Tech Consultants, Caledon East, Ontario, ISBN 0-919469-04-3 Atlas, Marie & Faris, Audrey. Aseptic Technique Training Manual for Pharmacy Personnel. 8th Edition, Pharmacy Tech Consultants, Caledon East, Ontario, ISBN 0-9688427-0-4 Chabner, Dav-Ellen. (2005) Medical Terminology. 4th Edition. Elsevier Saunders, St.Louis, Missouri, ISBN 14160-0165-4 Flash-Med Pharmacology, Retrieved on February 6, 2007, from http://www.flash- med.com/Rx_1.asp Medical Terminology, Retrieved on February 6, 2007, from http://ec.hku.hk/mt/
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