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Medicines and pharmaceuticals – English vocabulary

51 words · English vocabulary · Created by Openquiz Team

51 English words with meanings: tablet, capsule, syrup, injection, ointment… Study them with flashcards, quizzes and AI speaking practice on OpenQuiz.

Part of the learning path: Basic Medical English

Word list

  1. tablet /'tæblɪt/ (noun) — solid medicine pressed into a flat shape
    Example: The patient took one tablet after breakfast.
    Synonyms: pill, caplet
  2. capsule /'kæpsju:l/ (noun) — medicine in a small shell that you swallow
    Example: Capsules are easier to swallow than tablets.
    Synonyms: pill, gelcap
  3. syrup /'sɪrəp/ (noun) — liquid medicine with a sweet taste
    Example: Children often take cough syrup for colds.
    Synonyms: solution, mixture
  4. injection /ɪn'dʒekʃən/ (noun) — medicine put into the body with a needle
    Example: The nurse gave the patient an antibiotic injection.
    Synonyms: shot, dose
  5. ointment /'ɔɪntmənt/ (noun) — medicine rubbed on the skin
    Example: Apply the ointment twice daily.
    Synonyms: cream, salve
  6. antibiotic /,æntɪbaɪ'ɒtɪk/ (noun) — medicine that kills bacteria
    Example: The doctor prescribed an antibiotic for the infection.
    Synonyms: antimicrobial, bactericide
  7. analgesic /,ænæl'dʒi:zɪk/ (noun) — medicine that eases pain
    Example: Analgesics help relieve mild pain.
    Synonyms: painkiller, anodyne
  8. antacid /ænt'æsɪd/ (noun) — medicine that lowers stomach acid
    Example: He took an antacid for heartburn.
    Synonyms: acid neutralizer
  9. antipyretic /,æntipaɪ'rɛtɪk/ (noun) — medicine that reduces fever
    Example: Paracetamol is a common antipyretic.
    Synonyms: fever reducer
  10. antiseptic /,æntɪ'sɛptɪk/ (noun) — substance that kills germs
    Example: Wipe the wound with antiseptic before dressing.
    Synonyms: disinfectant, cleanser
  11. antihistamine /,ænti'hɪstəmi:n/ (noun) — medicine that reduces allergy symptoms
    Example: She took an antihistamine for her allergies.
    Synonyms: allergy medicine
  12. anticoagulant /,æntikoʊ'æɡjələnt/ (noun) — medicine that prevents blood clots
    Example: Warfarin is an anticoagulant used to prevent clots.
    Synonyms: blood thinner
  13. antiviral /,æntivaɪrəl/ (noun) — medicine that fights viruses
    Example: Antiviral drugs can reduce flu symptoms.
    Synonyms: virus inhibitor
  14. antifungal /,æntifaŋɡəl/ (noun) — medicine that treats fungal infections
    Example: Use antifungal cream for athlete’s foot.
    Synonyms: fungicide
  15. antidepressant /,æntidɪ'prɛsənt/ (noun) — medicine that helps treat depression
    Example: Antidepressants are prescribed for depression.
    Synonyms: mood stabilizer
  16. diuretic /,daɪjʊ'rɛtɪk/ (noun) — medicine that helps the body remove extra water
    Example: Diuretics help remove excess fluid from the body.
    Synonyms: water pill
  17. bronchodilator /,brɒŋkoʊdaɪ'leɪtər/ (noun) — medicine that helps open the airways
    Example: A bronchodilator helps patients with asthma breathe easily.
    Synonyms: inhaler, reliever
  18. laxative /'læksətɪv/ (noun) — medicine that helps you have a bowel movement
    Example: The doctor prescribed a mild laxative.
    Synonyms: stool softener
  19. sedative /'sɛdətɪv/ (noun) — medicine that helps you relax or feel calm
    Example: A sedative was given before the operation.
    Synonyms: tranquilizer, calming agent
  20. vaccine /'væksi:n/ (noun) — medicine that helps prevent disease
    Example: The vaccine protects against measles.
    Synonyms: immunization
  21. ointment /'ɔɪntmənt/ (noun) — thick medicine put on the skin
    Example: Apply the ointment to the affected area.
    Synonyms: cream
  22. solution /sə'lu:ʃən/ (noun) — liquid medicine
    Example: This solution must be used within 24 hours.
    Synonyms: liquid, mixture
  23. suspension /sə'spɛnʃən/ (noun) — liquid medicine with small solid bits in it
    Example: Shake the suspension well before use.
    Synonyms: mixture, dispersion
  24. dose /doʊs/ (noun) — how much medicine to take
    Example: Take the prescribed dose twice daily.
    Synonyms: amount, portion
  25. prescription /prɪ'skrɪpʃən/ (noun) — a doctor's written order for medicine
    Example: You need a prescription for this drug.
    Synonyms: order, medication form
  26. over-the-counter /,oʊvər ðə 'kaʊntər/ (adj) — medicine you can buy without a doctor's note
    Example: You can buy over-the-counter medicine for headaches.
    Synonyms: nonprescription
  27. topical /'tɒpɪkəl/ (adj) — medicine used on the skin
    Example: Topical creams treat skin infections.
    Synonyms: external
  28. oral /'ɔ:rəl/ (adj) — medicine taken by mouth
    Example: Oral medication should be taken with water.
    Synonyms: by mouth
  29. intravenous /,ɪntrə'vi:nəs/ (adj) — given into a vein
    Example: The patient received intravenous fluids.
    Synonyms: IV
  30. intramuscular /,ɪntrə'mʌskjʊlər/ (adj) — given into a muscle
    Example: The vaccine is given by intramuscular injection.
    Synonyms: IM

…and 21 more words in this set.

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