Medications come in many different forms. The different forms and compositions of medications are due to the different active ingredients used in the medications.
Variety of choices in pharmacies
In addition to various tablet forms, ointments and drops, the following so-called dosage forms are also offered in pharmacies:
- Granules consist of small granules in which the active ingredient and excipients are incorporated. Depending on the type, they can be taken pure or dissolved in water.
- Syrup is a concentrated aqueous sugar solution that serves as a carrier for the active ingredients. It is usually – unlike fruit syrup – not diluted when taken.
- Suspensions are liquid. They contain non-soluble substances that settle to the bottom of the bottle. Therefore, suspensions must be shaken before each use to distribute the active ingredients evenly. They are used internally or externally.
- Suppositories are shaped like cylinders or torpedoes to make them easier to insert into the rectum or vagina. Their basic substance is a hard fat that dissolves at body temperature, releasing the active ingredient it contains. If possible, suppositories should be inserted with the pointed side first when the bowel is empty. Because suppositories dissolve already at body temperature, they must be stored in any case cool and dry.
- Teas are made from dried and usually crushed plant components, which are doused with hot water.
Teas with medicinal active ingredients
The medically important active ingredients dissolve in hot water from the plant components. Most teas are drunk hot, but there are exceptions.
For example, marshmallow root tea is made with cold water and steeped for 1 – 2 hours with frequent stirring. After straining, the tea is slightly warmed and drunk. The mucilaginous components of the two plants are particularly suitable for soothing a rough and attacked throat.
Bearberry leaf tea for bladder infections is also made with cold water. Bearberry leaves contain a lot of tannins that would dissolve in warm water and thus could upset the stomach. So, if you have a sensitive stomach, it is recommended to make the tea cold, and then boil it to kill bacteria before drinking.
The gentian root is poured over with about 150 ml of boiling water and strained after 5 to 10 minutes. The drug can also be prepared cold and boiled briefly. To stimulate appetite, drink a cup of cold or moderately warm tea half an hour before meals, and after meals for digestive problems.
You can find the right teas and all other medicines to relieve your symptoms at the pharmacy. Ask for them. Your pharmacy will give you friendly, knowledgeable advice.
