Most medications are available in a variety of forms or kinds. But remember that certain medications only come in one type, especially those uncommon or unique. Additionally, some people might perform better in one category than another.
Preparations
Medicines frequently come in the following formulations in the UK:
Liquid
To facilitate administration or improve absorption, the liquid component of the medication is mixed with the active ingredient. Other names for a liquid include “mixture,” “solution,” and “syrup.” Today, many standard drinks come without any added sugar or colouring.
Tablet
A round or oval solid is formed once the active component and another substance are mixed. There are various tablet varieties. Tablets that are soluble or dispersible can be safely dissolved in water.
Capsules
The plastic shell that protects the medication’s active ingredient in the stomach slowly dissolves. You can open up a few capsules and combine the insides with your child’s favourite dish. Others must be consumed whole, delaying the absorption of the medication until the stomach acid dissolves the capsule shell.
Other medical treatments:
Topical drugs
These are used topically on the skin as creams, lotions, or ointments. Depending on the type of medicine, they come in tubs, bottles, or tubes. The medicine’s active ingredient is combined with another material to make it simpler to apply to the skin.
Suppositories
To fit into the bottom, the medicine’s active ingredient is mixed with another substance and formed into a “bullet shape.” Suppositories shouldn’t be consumed whole.
Drops
These are frequently used when the medication’s active ingredient needs to contact the affected area directly to operate. They are typically used for the nose, ears, or eyes.
Inhalers
Under pressure, the medication’s active component is released into the lungs. A “spacer” device may be required for effective medication administration in young children. Your pharmacist will demonstrate how to use inhalers because they might be challenging to use at first.
Injections
There are various forms of injection in terms of where and how they are injected. SC injections are administered directly below the skin’s surface. Injections are administered intramuscularly (IM) into a muscle. Injections are administered intrathecally into the spinal fluid. Injections into a vein are administered intravenously, or IV. While certain injections can be administered at home, most are done in a hospital or at your doctor’s office.
Patches or implants
These medications, such as contraceptive implants or nicotine patches to aid in quitting smoking, are absorbed via the skin.
Pills that you don’t ingest (known as buccal or sublingual tablets or liquids)
Although they resemble regular tablets or liquids, you shouldn’t ingest these. To ensure the mouth lining gets the active ingredient, buccal medications are held in the cheek. The same principles apply to sublingual medicines, which are used below the tongue. Usually, only very particular situations call for administering buccal and sublingual medications.
Further advice
Remember to inquire about the many formats available when we are providing medication. Please let us know if you have an experience that your child prefers tablets over liquids. Every effort will be made to prescribe the medicine in a way that will be simple for your child to take. You can also talk about this with your pharmacist when you turn in the prescription.
