Question

name
drugs
drugs are chemical substances that change the way the body works. drugs that are used as medicine help treat, prevent, or diagnose illness. there are two types of medicinal drugs: prescription drugs and over - the - counter drugs. prescription drugs can only be obtained with a doctors order. over - the - counter drugs can be obtained by anyone. illegal drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, are harmful, and their use is against the law.
drugs can enter the body in four ways. they can be taken orally (pills or liquids taken by mouth), injected (put into a vein, or into muscle tissue with the use of a needle), inhaled (breathed into the lungs), or absorbed (taken in after being applied to the skin).
the major types of medicinal drugs include drugs that fight bacteria, prevent certain infectious diseases, affect the heart, and affect the nervous system to prevent certain infectious diseases. antibiotics kill bacteria that cause infection in the body. people receive vaccines to prevent certain infectious diseases. some vaccines contain small amounts of disease - causing bacteria or viruses that have been killed. others contain a weakened form of the live germ. when these substances enter the body, the bodys immune system develops antibodies to fight the disease, making the person immune to it. some drugs benefit the heart by regulating or strengthening the heartbeat, easing blood flow, or reducing cholesterol in the body. drugs that affect the nervous system include painkillers, anesthetics (drugs that cause a loss of sensation), stimulants (drugs that increase a persons alertness and activity level), and tranquilizers (drugs that relax a person).
before taking a drug, be sure to read and follow the directions carefully. pay special attention to the amount that should be taken, how often it should be taken, and to any warnings on the label regarding side effects. if you experience any side effects, you should let your doctor know immediately.

1. what is a drug?
2. explain the various ways that drugs enter the body.
3. before taking any medication, why is it important to read the label on the container?

match each term below with its definition by writing the correct letter in the blank.

1. ___ antibiotic a. a drug that makes a person immune to an infectious disease
2. ___ vaccine b. a drug that increases a persons alertness and activity level
3. ___ stimulant c. a drug that relaxes a person
4. ___ tranquilizer d. a drug that kills bacteria

©2000 mcdonald publishing co. 20 health

Explanation:

1. The text defines drugs as chemical substances that change the way the body works, used as medicine to treat, prevent, or diagnose illness. There are prescription and over - the - counter drugs, and illegal drugs.
2. Drugs can enter the body orally, by injection, inhalation, or absorption through the skin.
3. Reading the label is important to know the correct amount to take, how often to take it, and to be aware of any side effects.
4. An antibiotic is a drug that kills bacteria, so 4. d.
5. A vaccine is a drug that makes a person immune to an infectious disease, so 5. a.
6. A stimulant is a drug that increases a person's alertness and activity level, so 6. b.
7. A tranquilizer is a drug that relaxes a person, so 7. c.

Answer:

1. Drugs are chemical substances that change the way the body works, used as medicine to treat, prevent, or diagnose illness. There are prescription, over - the - counter, and illegal drugs.
2. Drugs can enter the body orally (pills or liquids taken by mouth), by injection (put into a vein, under the skin, or into muscle tissue), by inhalation (breathed into the lungs), or by absorption (applied to the skin).
3. It is important to read the label to know the correct amount to take, how often to take it, and to be aware of any side effects.
4. d. a drug that kills bacteria
5. a. a drug that makes a person immune to an infectious disease
6. b. a drug that increases a person's alertness and activity level
7. c. a drug that relaxes a person