ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE - (OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS) ---((EASY_ - Essay Example

Over the Counter Drugs Order No. 273606 No. of pages: 2 1st 6530 Definition - A substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication. It is a substance as recognized or defined by the U.S. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.list 5 categories of over the counter drugs Anesthetic, antibiotics, diuretics, narcotics, intoxicants.give 5 examples of over the counter drugs--((example,, pain relievers= tylenol ect.)a) pentoxifylline, Trental - a drug (trade name Trental) used to treat claudication; believed to increase the flexibility of red blood cells so they can flow through the blood vessels to the legs and feet b) Feosol - trade name of a drug rich in iron; used to treat some kinds of anemia c) Fergon- trade name of a drug rich in iron; used to treat some types of anemia d) Lorfan - drug (trade name Lorfan) that is related to morphine but that counteracts the respiratory depression produced by morphine poisoning but without affecting its analgesic effects e) Narcotic - a drug that produces numbness or stupor; often taken for pleasure or to reduce pain; extensive use can lead to addiction (part #2) Definition – Household chemicals are substances “with a distinct molecular composition that is produced by or used in a chemical process at home.

List 5 categories and define the 5 categories 1. Explosive – undergoes rapid chemical change when heated or struck.2. Reactant - a chemical substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction.3. Fertilizer - any substance such as manure or a mixture of nitrates used to make soil more fertile.4. Fumigant - chemical substances that are used in fumigation.5. Congener - minor chemical constituents that give wine or liquor its distinctive character.Give 5 examples-Bleach, fluoride, sodium chloride, conditioner and fertilizers. (part #3) Disposal of expired medication.

Drugs are useful as long as they are within the date of expiry which makes them safe to use, but if the date has expired one should not take them but get rid of them. There are many ways to get rid of them such as – incineration or burning or even flushing them out. Some bury medication in landfills, but this is dangerous as it slows drug seepage. These in turn pollute the water. A U.S Geological survey made headlines when traces of drugs such as painkillers, estrogen and anti-depressants were found in water samples in thirty different states.

This seepage would adversely affect the ecology and cause an imbalance.Therefore crushing the leftover medication and putting them in bags and disposing them in the garbage is the best way advocated. The FDA is asking pharmacies to take back their left over drugs for incineration.ReferencesOver the counter drugs - definitionwww.thefreedictionary.com/Over-the-counter+drugsHousehold Chemicals - definitionwww.thefreedictionary.com/Household+chemicalDisposal of Expired Medicationswww.foxchasepediatrics.

com/News%20Pages/Disposal%20of%20Old%20Medications%209-8-03.htm