f. Drug. A drug is any substance, or mixture of substances, which affects living
protoplasm. Often, the terms drug and medication are used interchangeably.
g. Elixir. An elixir is a clear, sweetened, hydroalcoholic solution designed for
oral use.
h. Emulsion. An emulsion is a two-phase system consisting of one immiscible
liquid uniformly dispersed in another liquid.
i. Enema. An enema is a rectal injection most often used to evacuate the
bowel.
j. Expectorant. An expectorant is an agent that removes mucous from the
upper respiratory tract.
k. Gargle. A gargle is an aqueous solution used to treat a disease of the mouth
or throat.
l. Liniment. A liniment is an oily, alcoholic, soapy, or emulsified external
preparation intended to be applied with rubbing.
m. Lotion. A lotion is a liquid suspension or dispersion intended to be applied
externally without rubbing.
n. Mixture. A mixture is an aqueous liquid preparation containing suspended
insoluble materials intended for internal use.
o. Ointment. An ointment is a soft, semisolid preparation containing a
medicinal agent intended to be applied externally with or without rubbing.
p. Paste. A paste is an ointment-like external preparation consisting of a large
q. Pharmaceutical Necessity. A pharmaceutical necessity is a substance of
little therapeutic value (if any) but useful in compounding preparations.
r. Preservative. A preservative is a substance added to food products or
organic solutions to preserve them from chemical or bacterial action.
s. Solution. A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
t. Spirit. A spirit is an alcoholic or hydroalcoholic solution of a volatile
substance.
u. Suppository. A suppository is a solid medicated dosage form intended for
insertion into the rectum, vagina, or urethra.
MD0809
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