There are at least four types of medications that we have today. While when try to go more specific, there will be several types of medicines that your doctors will prescribe for you. The medication type will have different rules on how to use them. And the pharmacist will give a special mark for each of them.

Types of Medications

The four types of medications that you need to know are Controlled Drugs, Prescription Only Medicines, Pharmacy Medicines, and also General Sales List.

When you give controlled drugs, it will be marked with CD or POM on its packaging. And this drug is categorized as the most serious type of drug. This type has similar functions to the Prescription Only Medicines, but after the Misuse of Drugs Act in 1971, these drugs were then listed as controlled ones. To use the drugs, you need prescriptions from medical professionals like a dentist or doctor, because the drugs have restrictions on how to store, dispense, or administer.

Prescriptions Only Medicines also have a similar role with the previous medications. It can cause addiction if one misuses it and results in harmful effects. These drugs are also types of medicines that need prescriptions from a dentist or doctor. On the packaging, you will find a mark POM as the sign of Prescriptions Only Medicines. And you will find these marks on insulin, sleeping medications, or anti-depressants medicines.

The third type is Pharmacy Medicines which are available behind the counter of a pharmacy store. Thus, if a pharmacist believes that this drug is not for you, they have the right to refuse the purchase. To identify the medicine, it will be marked with P on its packaging. The drugs including Viagra, stronger antihistamines, and also sleeping tablets.

The last type is the General Sales List of medicines. This type has few legal restrictions so that you can buy it almost everywhere. Since it can be found easily in every drug store, it doesn’t mean that the drugs are not dangerous at all. It still has risks and side effects that you have to consider. See further information before taking the medicines. The General Sales List medications including cold and flu remedies, paracetamol, and also vitamin supplements.

And if you get closer, the medicines that you’re taking might come in different formats. Some medicines only have one form or type, but others may come in several formats. Also, some medications are more effective in certain types than others.

Formats of Medicines

One of the popular types of medicines is capsules. In this format, the medicine will be put inside a plastic shell that will dissolve in your stomach slowly. The drugs will work if the stomach acid is breaking down the shell.

To consume it, you can take the capsules apart and mix the drugs with food. Yet, others choose to swallow the whole thing.

Another form is liquid medicine which the active part is combined with the liquid. The liquids sometimes come with sugar and coloring. And it becomes the favorite medicine for children.

Another popular form is a tablet, which is combined with other substances and pressed into an oval or round solid shape.