ENGLISH FOR PHARMACISTS | Topic: Pharmacy-related words/expressions (basic) - vocabulary matching 1
💬 Professional English in practice
Register: Apply (v.) in a pharmacy context means to put on the skin — "apply twice daily", "apply to the affected area." Aseptic is strictly clinical — patients won't know this word, so use "germ-free" or "sterile" when counselling. Nausea is the clinical term; patients usually say "feeling sick" or "queasy."
Collocations: Dehydration → severe/mild dehydration, signs of dehydration, treat dehydration. Rash → skin rash, develop a rash, itchy rash. Antibiotic → prescribe/take/complete a course of antibiotics.
Pronunciation: Nausea — NAW-zee-uh (common mispronunciation: naw-ZEE-uh). Diarrhea — die-uh-REE-uh. Aseptic — ay-SEP-tik.
Register: Apply (v.) in a pharmacy context means to put on the skin — "apply twice daily", "apply to the affected area." Aseptic is strictly clinical — patients won't know this word, so use "germ-free" or "sterile" when counselling. Nausea is the clinical term; patients usually say "feeling sick" or "queasy."
Collocations: Dehydration → severe/mild dehydration, signs of dehydration, treat dehydration. Rash → skin rash, develop a rash, itchy rash. Antibiotic → prescribe/take/complete a course of antibiotics.
Pronunciation: Nausea — NAW-zee-uh (common mispronunciation: naw-ZEE-uh). Diarrhea — die-uh-REE-uh. Aseptic — ay-SEP-tik.
READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!
Match each definition with the letter of one of the following:
a - allergy (n.)
b - apply (v.)
c - migraine
d - antibiotic
e - aseptic
f - bandage (n.)
g - dehydration
h - nausea
i - rash (n.)
j - diarrhea
1. free of microorganisms → ✓
2. medicine that kills bacteria → ✓
3. a strip of material such as gauze used to protect, immobilize, compress, or support a wound → ✓
4. severe headache → ✓
5. an excessive loss of body fluid → ✓
6. to put on one's skin, hair, etc. → ✓
7. loose or liquid bowel movements → ✓
8. a feeling like one wants to vomit/throw up → ✓
9. a physical (usually negative) reaction to taking a medicine → ✓
10. a change of the skin which affects its color, appearance or texture → ✓
BACK TO LIST OF EXERCISES
VOCABULARY REVIEW: Pharmacy
Need to review common terms in used by pharmacists in English? We've got you covered!
Brand name
Definition: The trademarked name under which a drug is marketed.
Example: The brand name is more familiar, but the generic is just as effective.
Refill
Definition: Authorization to receive more of the same medication without a new prescription.
Example: The patient requested a refill for their blood pressure medication.
Administration
Definition: The method by which a medication is taken or given.
Example: Oral administration is preferred for long-term treatment.
Storage conditions
Definition: Recommended environmental requirements to maintain drug effectiveness.
Example: This medication requires refrigeration for proper storage.
Expiration date
Definition: The date after which a medication should not be used.
Example: Always check the expiration date before dispensing medication.
Therapeutic effect
Definition: The intended beneficial outcome of a medication.
Example: The therapeutic effect should appear within 30 minutes.
Dosage form
Definition: The physical form in which a medication is produced (tablet, capsule, liquid).
Example: The dosage form was changed to a liquid for easier swallowing.
Patient counseling
Definition: Providing guidance to patients on proper medication use.
Example: Patient counseling helps prevent misuse of medications.
Allergy
Definition: An immune response to a substance, including medications.
Example: The patient has a known allergy to penicillin.
Substitution
Definition: Replacing a prescribed drug with an equivalent alternative.
Example: Generic substitution is allowed under pharmacy regulations.
Need to review common terms in used by pharmacists in English? We've got you covered!
Brand name
Definition: The trademarked name under which a drug is marketed.
Example: The brand name is more familiar, but the generic is just as effective.
Refill
Definition: Authorization to receive more of the same medication without a new prescription.
Example: The patient requested a refill for their blood pressure medication.
Administration
Definition: The method by which a medication is taken or given.
Example: Oral administration is preferred for long-term treatment.
Storage conditions
Definition: Recommended environmental requirements to maintain drug effectiveness.
Example: This medication requires refrigeration for proper storage.
Expiration date
Definition: The date after which a medication should not be used.
Example: Always check the expiration date before dispensing medication.
Therapeutic effect
Definition: The intended beneficial outcome of a medication.
Example: The therapeutic effect should appear within 30 minutes.
Dosage form
Definition: The physical form in which a medication is produced (tablet, capsule, liquid).
Example: The dosage form was changed to a liquid for easier swallowing.
Patient counseling
Definition: Providing guidance to patients on proper medication use.
Example: Patient counseling helps prevent misuse of medications.
Allergy
Definition: An immune response to a substance, including medications.
Example: The patient has a known allergy to penicillin.
Substitution
Definition: Replacing a prescribed drug with an equivalent alternative.
Example: Generic substitution is allowed under pharmacy regulations.
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