4 topics with concise reviews: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
Pharmaceutical terminology is the foundation of prescription writing and competent medical practice. In this section, we break down how Latin drug names are constructed so that you won't get lost in a sea of pharmacy packaging and prescription forms.
The section covers general pharmaceutical nomenclature and the structure of drug names. The main focus is on International Nonproprietary Names (INNs). This is the universal language of doctors worldwide, allowing you to identify the active substance regardless of the trade name created by the manufacturer.
Practical classes and exams most frequently test your knowledge of common stems—specific morphemes (for example, -cillin-, -pyr-, -cor-). By learning them, you will be able to instantly determine the chemical composition or pharmacological group of a drug, even if you are seeing its name for the first time.
What is the difference between a medicinal substance and a medicinal product?
A medicinal substance is a general term for a substance approved for use. A medicinal product is a finished product: a dosed substance produced in a specific dosage form (for example, a tablet or an ampoule).
Chemical names are too complex and cumbersome. For example, a doctor would have to write "4-amino-N-(2,6-dimethoxy-4-pyrimidinyl)benzenesulfonamide" instead of a simple and understandable trivial name.
This excludes the possibility of rapid and safe communication between the doctor, pharmacist, and patient.
Who is responsible for developing and approving new nonproprietary names?
This task is performed by specialized experts of the World Health Organization (WHO). The approved lists are then sent to all states for review.
What do common stems reflect in the INN system?
They indicate the pharmacological action of the drug, the features of its chemical structure, or its natural source.
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