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Medicine vocabulary · Prescriptions and Medication

Medication

Meaning in medicine, with examples

/ˌmedɪˈkeɪʃən/nounCore term

In medicine, medication means: A substance used to treat, prevent or relieve the symptoms of a disease; also the whole set of drugs a patient takes.

In Turkish: ilaç, ilaç tedavisi

How it is used

A neutral, professional word. Doctors ask 'Are you on any medication?' and 'What medications do you take?', and write a medication list or chart. Doctors also say 'drug', but with patients 'medication' or 'medicine' avoids sounding like illegal drugs.

Example sentences

  1. Can you bring all your medications with you to your next appointment?

  2. Her blood pressure is well controlled on her current medication.

Common collocations

  • be on medication
  • take medication
  • medication list
  • regular medication
  • stop a medication
  • prescriptionA doctor's written or electronic instruction saying which medicine a patient should get, how much, how often and for how long.
  • drug historyThe part of the history that lists every medicine a patient takes, including over-the-counter and herbal products, plus any drug allergies.
  • side effectAn effect of a medicine or treatment that is not the main one intended, and is often unwanted, such as drowsiness or an upset stomach.
  • adherenceHow closely a patient takes their medicines or follows a treatment plan in the way they agreed with their doctor.
  • doseThe amount of a medicine taken or given at one time, for example 500 mg, often stated together with how often it is taken.

More terms: Prescriptions and Medication

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.