Basic word order and grammar
On labels and in prescriptions, a drug's name always begins with the dosage form (e.g., solution, ointment, tablets, powder, tincture). It is used in the nominative case (Nominativus). The singular form is typically used, but some forms, such as tablets, characteristically take the plural (Pluralis).
Next comes the name of the drug substance or herbal medicinal material. It functions grammatically as an unagreed attribute. For this reason, the active component is put into the genitive singular (Genetivus) and must always be capitalized. This strict word order helps pharmacists instantly comprehend the prescription.
Examples:
- Solutio Imizini — imizine solution;
- Suspensio Zymosani — zymosan suspension;
- Linimentum Streptocidi — streptocide liniment;
- Unguentum Aceclidini — aceclidine ointment;
- Tabulettae Analgini — analgin tablets (plural form is used);
- Pulvis Ampicillini — ampicillin powder.
Nuances of translation into Russian
A Latin noun in the genitive case indicating the active drug component can be translated into Russian in two grammatically equivalent ways.
- As a genitive noun. This is a literal translation that preserves the original Latin structure of the phrase. For example, Tinctura Valerianae — tincture of valerian.
- As an adjective. In this case, the noun transforms into an agreed attribute. The same Tinctura Valerianae will translate as valerian tincture.
Both variants are grammatically correct and widely used in medical and pharmaceutical practice. The difference lies solely in established tradition for specific drug classes.
Other examples:
- Unguentum Streptocidi translates both as streptocide ointment and streptocidal ointment;
- Unguentum Novocaini — novocaine ointment or novocainic ointment;
- Sirupus Althaeae — althaea syrup or marshmallow syrup;
- Oleum Vaselini — vaseline oil or liquid paraffin;
- Oleum Helianthi — sunflower oil or helianthus oil.
Combination medicinal products
If a medicinal product consists of several active components and is manufactured under its own proprietary name, the grammatical structure changes slightly. Such a name functions as an unagreed apposition to the dosage form itself.
The brand name is placed in quotation marks and written in the nominative case (Nominativus), regardless of the case of the dosage form. At the same time, the fundamental rule placing the dosage form (solution, ointment, syrup, tablets, etc.) first is strictly observed.
Formatting examples:
- Tabulettae "Urosalum" — "Urosal" tablets;
- Unguentum "Calendula" — "Calendula" ointment.
Position of the agreed attribute in the name
Sometimes a dosage form needs additional qualification (for example, specifying that a solution is alcoholic or oily, an ointment is homeopathic or gray, and a herbal extract is dry). Adjectives that grammatically agree with the dosage form are used for this purpose.
The main and most crucial rule here is: the agreed attribute is always placed at the very end of the multi-word phrase, immediately after the name of the active substance or the brand name.
Typical examples:
- Extractum Belladonnae siccum — belladonna extract dry;
- Solutio Synoestroli oleosa — synestrol oily solution (in oil);
- Solutio Tannini spirituosa — tannin alcoholic solution;
- Unguentum Hydrargyri cinereum — mercurial (mercury) ointment gray;
- Tabulettae Tetracyclini obductae — tetracycline coated tablets;
- Unguentum "Aesculus" homoeopathicum — "Aesculus" homeopathic ointment.
The "Form — Substance — Adjective" rule. First write what the preparation is (Form), then what it is made of (Substance), and only at the very end — its characteristic (Adjective).
Class and exam questions
In which case is the plant name written after the word Extractum or Tinctura?
In the genitive case (Genetivus). It answers the question "of what?" — extract (of what?) of calendula (Extractum Calendulae).
Why is the adjective placed at the end in Tabulettae Tetracyclini obductae?
This is a strict word order rule in pharmaceutical Latin. The agreed attribute characterizing the dosage form (in this case, coated) is always placed at the very end of the name.
Are drug names in quotation marks, such as "Urosal", declined?
No, proprietary names of combination products in quotation marks function as an apposition and always remain in the nominative case (Nominativus).
What else to study on this topic
- Declension patterns of nouns designating dosage forms
- Glossary of the most common medicinal plants and substances
- Spelling of complex chemical names in prescriptions
- Rules for Latin abbreviations in pharmaceutical practice
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Other topics in the "Dosage Forms" section
Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.