I have to take medication
3. The various sorts of medication – Instructor

The form of a medication is called « galenic form » in memory of the greek antiquity doctor Galien.

We call the active substance of a medication the specific molecule it contains and which has a therapeutic action.

In addition to those mentioned previously there are other forms and methods of administration of medications :

• Injectable ampoules are injected in the muscles, under the skin, in the veins or the articulations.
• Rectally administrated suppositories ensure fast absorption of certain active substances. They are very useful when a child has difficulty swallowing tablets.
• Drinkable ampoules and drops are generally diluted in half a glass of water.
• Drops : eye-drops or ear-drops.
• Mouthwashes, mouth-sprays and aerosol sprays need to be applied at the back of the mouth to cure a mouth, larynx or pharynx infection.
• Transdermal patches are applied directly to the skin to allow the active substance to enter directly the blood stream.