An example of the correct documentation of the generic and brand name of a
drug is: furosemide (Lasix). This drug is a diuretic used for many patients with
hypertension (high blood pressure) or cardiac (heart) disease.
Prescription versus Over-the-Counter Drugs
The 1952 Durham-Humphrey Amendment to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
requires that certain classifications of drugs be accessible only by prescription
from a licensed practitioner. These are commonly referred to as prescription
drugs or legend drugs because the drug label must display the legend “Caution:
Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription” on the label of the drug.
Drugs that fall under this classification are:
- Those given by injection.
- Hypnotic drugs (drugs that depress the nervous system).
- Narcotics (drugs that relieve pain, dull the senses and induce sleep).
- Habit-forming drugs.
- Drugs that are unsafe unless administered under the supervision of a
licensed practitioner. - New drugs that are still being investigated and not considered safe for
indiscriminate use by the public.
Non-prescription drugs are called over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and are
available to the public without prescription. Some over-the-counter drugs were
at one time available by prescription, but later were considered safe for use by
the public or reformulated for over-the-counter use. Some drugs can be sold in
lower doses over-the-counter (OTC) while higher doses of the same drug require
a prescription as per FDA requirements.
Drug Effects
Drugs have multiple effects on the body. Some effects are desirable and some
are not. The therapeutic effect is the intended physiological effect or the reason
the drug is being given. A therapeutic effect can be the drug’s action against a
CHAPTER 1 An Inside Look at Pharmacology^7