Medicine labels glossary
Find out what some of those words on your medicine containers mean.
| Medicine terms | |
|---|---|
| Acute | New, immediate. Running a short course, such as a short-term illness. |
| Absorption | Transfer of a substance into another area, e.g. into the body through skin or mouth. |
| ACE inhibitor | Medicine used to treat heart and blood pressure problems. |
| Adsorption | Absorbed on to the surface of another substance. |
| Analgesic | Pain relieving medicine. |
| Antipyretic | Medicine that reduces fever. |
| Anti-tussive | Medicines that help stop coughing. |
| Candidiasis | Fungal infection commonly called thrush. |
| Chronic | Long-term medical condition. |
| Congestion | Nose, sinuses or chest blocked with mucus. |
| Diabetes mellitus | High blood glucose, which can cause serious heart, kidney, nerve and eye conditions if left untreated. |
| Emetic | A medicine that makes you vomit. |
| Expectorant | A medicine that loosens chest congestion. |
| First line therapy | First choice of medicine for treatment. |
| Gastro-oesophageal reflux | Acid stomach contents rising up to cause heartburn. |
| Heart failure | Heart disease. |
| Humectant | Adds moisture or dampness. |
| Hypertension | High blood pressure. |
| Hyperthyroidism | Over-active thyroid gland causing weight loss and nervousness. |
| Immunosuppression | Loss of the body's normal immune protection. |
| Keratolytic | Skin peeling agent. |
| NSAID | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, used for relief of pain, fever and inflammation. |
| Occlusive | Sealed, e.g. an occlusive dressing. |
| Opiate/opioid | Originating from or similar to morphine. |
| Papules | Red bumps on skin. |
| Pustules | Red bumps with pus, on skin. |
| Rhinitis | Inflamed, swollen lining of the nose. |
| Secondary infection | Infection that develops from an earlier condition. |
| Stools | Bowel motion. |
| Topical agent | Product applied to the skin. |
| Urinary retention | Unable to pass urine properly. |
| Vesicles | Little pimples with clear fluid. |
| Welt | Raised, pink, itchy patch on skin. |
Last Reviewed: 06 June 2002
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