Type of Oral Medication

1. Lozenges (troches) - sweet medicinal tablet containing sugar that dissolve in the mouth so that the medication is applied to the mouth and throat

2. Tablets - a small disc or flat round piece of dry drug containing one or more drugs made by compressing a powdered form of drug(s)

3. Capsules - small hollow digestible case usually made of gelatin, filled with a drug to be swallowed by the patient.

4. Syrups - sugar containing medicine dissolved in water

5. Tinctures - medicinal substances dissolved in water

6. Suspensions - liquid medication with undissolved solid particles in it.

7. Pills and gargle - a small ball of variable size, shape and color some times coated with sugar that contains one or more medicinal substances in solid form taken in mouth.

8. Effervescence - drugs given of small bubbles of gas.

9. Gargle - mildly antiseptic solution used to clean the mouth or throat.

10. Powder - a medicinal preparation consisting of a mixture of two or more drugs in the form of fine particles.

Equipment
• Tray
• Towel
• A bowl of water for used mediation cup
• Measuring spoon
• A Jug of water (boiled water)
• Chart and medication card
• Ordered medication
• Straw if necessary

Procedure
• Prepare your tray and take it to the patient's room
• Begin by checking the order
• Read the label 3 times
• Place solution and tablets in a separate container.
• If suspension, shake the bottle well before pouring
• Take it to the pt's bedside
• Keep the medication in site at all time
• Identify the patient carefully using all identification variables. (Pt’s name, bed number…)
• Remain with the pt. until each medicine is swallowed
• Offer additional fluid as necessary unless contra-indicated
• Record the medication given, refused or omitted immediately.
• Take care of the equipment & return them to their proper places.
• Wash your hands.

Note
1. Remember the 5 R's� Right patient� Right medicatio� Right rou� Rig� Right time
2. Always keep the bottle tightly closed.
3. Clean and keep the label of the bottle clear.
4. Keep medication away from light.
5. Cheek their expiration date.
6. Keep the rim of the bottle clean.
7. Give your undivided attention to your work while preparing and giving medications.
8. Make sure that a graduate nurse checks some potent drugs.
9. Never give medications from unlabeled container
10. Never return a dose once poured from the bottle.
11. Check your patient's vital sign may be necessary before and after administrating some drugs e.g. digitals, ergometrine.
12. Never give medicine that some one poured or drawn.
13. Never leave medicine at bed side of a patient and within reach of the children