GLOSSARY OF COMMON MEDICATIONS

GLOSSARY OF COMMON MEDICATIONS : The following guide includes only a fraction of the drugs used today. For a more complete listing, look online at www.medlineplus.gov and click on “Drugs and Supplements.” That site also has a helpful online tutorial on understanding medical jargon, a glossary of medical terms, and much other helpful information.

Many of the medications following are sold under various trade names; only some examples are listed. A short list like this one cannot include every possible side effect; there are many more that are not listed here. If you buy the medication over the counter, be sure to follow the dosing directions on the bottle. Just because a medication is sold without a prescription, there is no guarantee that it is safe. In general, the younger the child, the more cautious you need to be. The wisest course is to give medication only on the advice of a medical professional.

GLOSSARY OF COMMON MEDICATIONS

Acetaminophen

(over the counter) Trade names. Tylenol, Tempra.
Effects: See under Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Acetaminophen reduces fever and pain.
Side effects: In large overdoses, causes serious liver disease. Ask the doctor if you are giving it for more than a couple of days.

Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)

(over the counter) Trade names. Bayer, Ecotrin, many others.
Effects: See Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.
Side effects: Use only under doctor’s guidance. In children, aspirin can cause life-threatening liver disease (Reye’s syndrome).

Advil

(over the counter) See Ibuprofen.

Albuterol

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade names: Proventil, Ventolin.
Effects: See Bronchodilators.

Amoxicillin

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade names: Amoxil, Trimox.
Effects: See under Antibiotics. Amoxicillin is often the first-line treatment for ear infections.

Amoxicillin clavulanate

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: Augmentin.

Effects: See under Antibiotics. Often the second choice if amoxicillin fails because of drug resistance.
Side effects: More likely than amoxicillin to cause stomach upset, diarrhea.

Antivirals

(most are prescription only)
Effects: May shorten symptoms of some viral infections, such as oral herpes (cold sores) and influenza.
Side effects: Various, including stomach and intestinal upset, and allergic reactions that can be serious.

Augmentin

(prescription only in the U.S.) See Amoxicillin clavulanate.

Azithromycin

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name. Zithromax.
Effects: See under Antibiotics; this drug is very similar to erythromycin but requires fewer daily doses
(and costs much more).
Side effects: Stomach upset, mainly.

Bacitracin ointment

(over the counter) Trade names: Neosporin, Polysporin.
Effects: A mild antibiotic that can be applied to the skin (topical).
Side effects: Rare.

Beclomethasone nasal inhalation

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade names: Vancenase, Beconase.
Effects: See under Corticosteroids, inhaled. Nasal corticosteroids reduce symptoms of hay fever.
Side effects: Rare when used as directed.

Benzocaine

(over the counter) Trade name: Anbesol.
Effects: Dulls pain sensation (anesthetic). However, effects wear off with repeated use.
Side effects: Stinging or burning feeling. Overdose can cause heart rhythm disturbances.

Bisacodyl

(over the counter) Trade name: Dulcolax.
Effects: Stimulates the intestines to contract and propel feces forward.
Side effects: Cramping, diarrhea.

Brompheniramine

(over the counter) Trade names: Dimetapp, Robitussin.
Effects: See Antihistamines.

Bronchodilators

(prescription only in the U.S.)
Effects: Combat tightness of the bronchial tubes caused by asthma.
Side effects: Increase in heart rate and blood pressure, nervousness, jitters, anxiety, nightmares, and other
behavior changes.

Chlorpheniramine

(over the counter) Trade names: Actifed, Sudafed, Triaminic.
Effects: See Antihistamines.

Clemastine

(over the counter)
Effects: See Antihistamines.

Clotrimazole cream or ointment

(over the counter) Trade name: Lotrimin.
Effects: Kills the fungi that cause ringworm and some diaper rashes, as well as athlete’s foot.
Side effects: Rare.

Corticosteroids, inhaled

(prescription only in the U.S.)

Effects: Inhaled corticosteroids are the best medications for reducing inflammation in the lungs caused by asthma.
Side effects: With overuse or misuse, enough corticosteroid is absorbed into the body to produce serious side effects; talk with the doctor about how to avoid them.

Corticosteroids, topical

(over the counter or prescription)
Effects: Corticosteroid creams, ointments, and lotions reduce itching and inflammation of the skin; especially useful for eczema and some allergic reactions. There is a range of strengths.

Side effects: Thinning of the skin, lightening of pigment, absorption of medicine into the body; all are worse with stronger corticosteroids used over larger areas for longer periods of time. Use of lower strength preparations for short periods is usually safe.

Co-trimoxazole

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: Bactrim.
Effects: An antibiotic, often used for bladder infections; no longer used for ear infections (see Antibiotics).

Side effects: Stomach upset; call if paleness, rash, itching, or other new symptoms appear.

Cromolyn

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: Intal.
Effects: Reduces inflammation in the lungs in asthma; not as powerful as inhaled corticosteroids.
Side effects: Rare.

 

Decongestants

(over the counter) Trade names: Actifed, Triaminic, Sudafed; anything labeled “decongestant”

Effects: These medications cause blood vessels in the nose to contract, so the nose makes less mucus.

Side effects: Can be severe in young children under age four, or even deadly. Since these aren’t effective in any case, it’s best to avoid them, or use only on a doctor’s advice. These medications often cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure; nervousness, jitters, anxiety, nightmares, and other behavior changes. After a couple of days, the body often adjusts, so the medications no longer work. Be especially careful when taking with other medications that may have similar side effects, such as stimulants.

Dextromethorphan

(over the counter) Trade names: Robitussin Pediatric Cough, and many others.

Effects: Supposed to suppress the cough reflex, but effectiveness is slight or perhaps nonexistent.

Side effects: Can be severe in young children; not safe under age four; use only under doctor’s guidance in any child. Be aware, too, of other medications combined with the cough suppressant; all can have serious side effects.

Diphenhydramine

(over the counter or prescription) Trade names: Benadryl.
Effects: See Antihistamines.

Docusate

(over the counter) Trade names: Dulcolax, Colace.
Effects: A stool softener; not absorbed by the body.
Side effects: Diarrhea, vomiting, allergic reactions.

Erythromycin

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: EryPed.
Effects: An antibiotic, often used when penicillin allergy is present.
Side effects: Upset stomach, mainly.

Ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate

(over the counter or prescription) Trade names: many.
Effects: Iron preparations; combat anemia caused by iron deficiency.
Side effects: In overdose, iron is extremely dangerous, causing ulcers and other problems. Be careful with these medicines.

Flunisolide oral inhalation

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: AeroBid Inhaler.
Effects: See Corticosteroids, inhaled.

Fluticasone nasal inhalation

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: Flonase.
Effects: See Corticosteroids, inhaled.

Fluticasone oral inhalation

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: Flovent.
Effects: See Corticosteroids, inhaled.

Guaifenesin

(over the counter) Trade name: Robitussin, Sudafed.

Effects: An expectorant, supposed to loosen mucus to make it easier to cough up.
Side effects: Rare, but it is often combined with other medi cations (e.g., decongestants) that may have severe side effects.

Hydrocortisone cream or ointment

(over the counter) Trade name: Cortizone.
Effects: See Corticosteroids, topical. Hydrocortisone 0.5 percent and 1 percent are fairly weak, good for minor itching rashes, with few side effects.
Side effects: Like all corticosteroids, side effects increase with higher dose and longer use; check with the doctor.

Ibuprofen

(over the counter) Trade names: Advil, Motrin, Pediaprofen.
Effects: See under Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Ibuprofen is good for aches and pains.
Side effects: Stomach upset, especially in high doses. Overdose is dangerous.

Ketoconazole lotion or cream

(over the counter) Trade name: Nizoral.
Effects: Kills the fungi that cause ringworm and some diaper rashes.
Side effects: Rare.

Loperamide

(over the counter or prescription) Trade name: Imodium.

Effects: Reduces diarrhea by reducing contractions in the intestines.
Side effects: Bloating, stomach pains.

Loratadine

(over the counter) Trade name: Claritin.
Effects: See Antihistamines. Loratadine may cause less drowsiness than older (far cheaper) antihistamines.
Side effects: Rarely headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, or hyper behavior.

Metoclopramide

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: Reglan.
Effects: Reduces acid reflux from the stomach by strengthening the sphincter muscle that closes off the top of the stomach.
Side effects: Drowsiness, restlessness, nausea, constipation, diarrhea.

Miconazole

(over the counter) Trade name: Desenex
Effects: Kills the fungi that cause athlete’s foot and other rashes.
Side effects: Rare.

Montelukast

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: Singulair.
Effects: Reduces inflammation in the lungs in asthma.
Side effects: Headache, dizziness, upset stomach.

Motrin

(over the counter) See Ibuprofen.

Mupirocin

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: Bactroban.
Effects: Kills bacteria that commonly cause skin infections.
Side effects: Rare.

Naproxen

(over the counter or prescription) Trade name: Aleve.
Effects: See Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Naproxen is good for aches and pains.
Side effects: Stomach upset, especially at high doses. Dangerous in overdose. Take with food; talk to the doctor if taking for more than a day or two.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)

(over the counter or prescription) Examples include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others.
Effects: These medications reduce inflammation in muscles and joints, lower fever, reduce pain.
Side effects: All can cause stomach upset, especially at higher doses; overdose can be very dangerous.
Talk with your doctor if using at high doses or for long periods of time.

Oral rehydration solutions

(over the counter) Trade names: Pedialyte, Oralyte, Hydralyte, and others.
Effects: Used to prevent dehydration in children who are losing water through vomiting and diarrhea, these solutions consist mainly of water, salt, potassium, and different kinds of sugar in the right proportions, so that as much water as possible is absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream. Flavored varieties and ice pops work well, too.

Side effects: None. However, a child who is having a lot of vomiting and diarrhea should be under a
doctor’s supervision. It’s possible to become dehydrated even while taking one of these rehydration
solutions.

Penicillin (PEN)

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: Pen VK
Effects: See Antibiotics. Pen VK by mouth or penicillin by injection is the treatment of choice for strep
throat.

Side effects: Allergic reactions, usually a rash with little itchy bumps, are common; more serious allergic reactions are rare but do happen. Notify your doctor if you are allergic.

Phenylephrine

(over the counter) Trade names: Neo-Synephrine, Alka-Seltzer Plus.
Effects: See Decongestants.
Side effects: Not safe in young children; use only on doctor’s advice.

Polymyxin B

(over the counter) Trade name: Neosporin.
Effects: A mild antibiotic that can be applied to the skin (topical).
Side effects: rare.

Pseudoephedrine

(over the counter) Trade names: Pediacare products, Sudafed, others.
Effects: See Decongestants.
Side effects: Not safe in young children; use only on doctor’s advice.

Pyrethrum, pyrethrins

(over the counter) Trade names: RID, NIX, others.
Effects: These medications kill head lice.
Side effects: Rare.

Ranitidine

(over the counter) Trade name: Zantac.
Effects: Reduces stomach acid, reducing heartburn (a symptom of acid reflux).
Side effects: Headache, dizziness, constipation, stomach pain.

Triamcinolone oral inhalation

(prescription only in the U.S.) Trade name: Azmacort.
Effects: See Corticosteroids, inhaled.

Tylenol

(over the counter) See Acetaminophen.