I. Name of the Drug

Each drug has got three names. First is the generic name which is the official medical name for the basic drug chosen by scientists, pharmacologists and doctors. The main heading of the drug profile is the generic name of the drug. Rarely does a drug have two generic names - for example, paracetamol is also known as acetaminophen. In such a case, the less commonly known generic name is listed under 'Other Names'.

Then there is the brand (or proprietary) name of the drug, Thus there are different brands by different manufacturers but of the same generic drug, available in the market. The differences between various brands are very little. A drug may be available as a generic, as a brand name product, or both. Some brand name products contain more than one generic drug. They are combination products. We do not for the most part give the equivalent brand name products (single and combination, if any) of generic drugs covered in this book, unless they are really well known by non-doctors. Examples of irrational combinations will be found in Chapter 3, Appendix 1, along with reasons for their irrationality.

Example:	Brand	Generic
	Crocin	Paracetamol
	Brufen	Ibuprofen

Finally, there is the chemical name of a drug which describes it technically, for example, the chemical name of aspirin is acetyl salicyclic acid.

We have not mentioned chemical names in the drug profiles of this book.

Drug Class: Drugs may be classified in different ways. One way is to classify them according to their chemical similarity, for example, the benzodiazepines. Then, another way is to classify them according to their use, for example, Antimalarials; or according to biological effect, for example, Diuretics. Besides these ways, they can also be classified according to their legal status, for example, Schedule H drugs, Schedule X drugs, etc.

In this book, we have classified the drugs accordingly to their use. Most drugs fit into one class. For those drugs which have multiple uses, all the drug-classes into which they fit are mentioned, for example, for metronidazole, the following drug classes are mentioned: Antiprotozoal, Antibacterial.

One must recognise the class of the drug, one is taking because many properties, effects, interactions with other drugs, etc., are often shared by drugs of the same class.

Almost all drugs given in this book are prescription drugs, that is they require a doctor with a minimum of an MBBS degree to prescribe them. Non-prescription drugs are also called OTC (over-the-counter) drugs. For more discussion on OTC drugs, see the box below.

Drugs available on prescription, or prescription drugs, are to be used under medical supervision. They are listed under Schedules H and X of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945. Your doctor may write the generic name or brand name of a drug in your prescription. Generic products are usually cheaper than brand products.

It is not legal for doctors of one system of medicine to prescribe medicines of another system of medicine. Prescription by allopathic doctors of Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha or homeopathic drugs shall render such doctors liable to prosecution under both civil and criminal laws resulting in cancellation of registration and/or heavy fine and/or imprisonment.

Prescription Terms: Below is the list of terms which are usually used by a doctor while writing a prescription:

ac	: before meals	pc	: after meals
ad lib	: freely	PM	: evening
AM	: morning	bid	: twice a day
po	: by mouth	prn	: once a day
c	: with	qds	: four times a day
cap	: capsule	s	: without
cc	: cubic centimetre	sig at diet	: take as directed
ext	: for external use	stat	: at once
ftt	: drops	tab	: tablet
mg	: milligrams	tds	: three times a day
ml	: millilitre	top	: apply topically
node	: at night	x	: times

OTC Drugs

These are drugs for which a prescription is not needed, and which are widely available at provision stores as well as at chemist shops. These medicines are usually used for self-treatment and hence should be used only as directed, because, like all medicines, they can be harmful, if misused.

One must follow the directions given on the label properly and consult the doctor if the symptoms persist even after taking these drugs. It is also advisable to consult your doctor before buying OTC drugs for children. Try to buy a single drug product as far as possible. (Only 12 combination products are rational according to WHO - see Chapter 3).

The phrase OTC Drugs has no legal recognition. To quote a retired Commissioner of Drugs of Gujarat, "OTC Drugs have to be identified by reductio ad absurdum logic. It may be said that the current drug laws specify prohibitions - drugs which must not be given without a valid prescription....What is not prohibited is permitted." (See the box.)

Formulations containing drugs not mentioned in Schedules G (to be taken only under medical supervision), Schedule H (list of prescription drugs) and Schedule X (list of narcotic drugs) would appear to deserve the title of OTC drugs. (Schedules refer to the Drug and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.)