VITAMIN C OR ASCORBIC ACID
Deficiency symptoms or signs include: Scurvy or an ailment characterized by general debility, swelling of joints and gums, loosening of the teeth and hemorrhages.
Principal food sources include:
• Citrus fruits
• potatoes, cabbage
• tomatoes
• green pepper
• most of fresh vegetables.
Note: Cooked vegetables render little vitamin C because heat destroys this vitamin.
"Medicines and/or drugs" broadly refers to any substance used for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. In the Philippines, as in most countries, these can be categorized in several ways, including by their legal classification (prescription vs. over-the-counter) or by their therapeutic class (what condition they treat).
Here's a general overview of medicines and drugs in the Philippines:
I. Classification by Legal Status:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines: These can be purchased without a doctor's prescription. They are typically used for common ailments and have a wide margin of safety.
Examples of common OTC drugs in the Philippines include:
Pain relievers/Fever reducers: Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), Ibuprofen, Mefenamic Acid. Brands like Biogesic, Efferalgan, Medicol, Alaxan.
Cough and Cold Preparations: Medications containing ingredients like Carbocisteine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Chlorphenamine Maleate. Brands like Solmux, Ascof, Decolgen, Bioflu.
Antihistamines: For allergies, e.g., Loratadine, Cetirizine. Brands like Allerta, Claritin.
Antacids/Anti-ulcerants: For indigestion and heartburn, e.g., Aluminum Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide. Brands like Kremil-S, Maalox.
Anti-diarrheals: Loperamide. Brands like Diatabs.
Vitamins and Supplements: A wide range of vitamins (e.g., Vitamin C, B-complex) and mineral supplements.
Topical medications: Creams for skin conditions, antiseptic solutions, medicated oils (like Efficascent Oil for muscle pain).
Prescription Medicines: These require a doctor's prescription and are dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. They often treat more serious conditions or have a narrower safety margin.
Examples of commonly prescribed drugs in the Philippines include:
Antibiotics: For bacterial infections (e.g., Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, Cephalexin).
Antidiabetic agents: Metformin, Glibenclamide (for Type 2 Diabetes).
Antihypertensives: For high blood pressure (e.g., Losartan, Amlodipine, Metoprolol, Captopril).
Antiasthmatics: Salbutamol (inhalers or tablets) for asthma.
Drugs for CNS conditions: Anxiolytics (e.g., Alprazolam), Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Anticonvulsants.
Other specialized medications: For cardiovascular diseases, hormonal imbalances, cancer, etc.
Dangerous Drugs: These are strictly regulated substances due to their potential for abuse and addiction. They are listed under specific schedules by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Examples include certain opioids, hallucinogens, stimulants, and cannabis. Prescription and dispensing of these drugs are highly controlled and require special forms and licenses.
II. Classification by Therapeutic Class (examples):
The MIMS Philippines database, a common drug reference, categorizes drugs extensively. Some major categories include:
Gastrointestinal & Hepatobiliary System: Antacids, anti-ulcerants, laxatives, anti-diarrheals, antiemetics.
Cardiovascular & Hematopoietic System: Cardiac drugs, anti-hypertensives, diuretics, anti-coagulants, anti-platelets.
Respiratory System: Anti-asthmatics, cough and cold preparations, nasal decongestants.
Central Nervous System: Analgesics (pain relievers), antipyretics (fever reducers), NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), anxiolytics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants.
Anti-Infectives (Systemic): Antibiotics (Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Macrolides, Quinolones), antifungals, antivirals, anti-TB agents.
Hormones: Corticosteroids, insulin preparations, thyroid hormones.
Vitamins and Minerals: Various supplements.
Important Notes for the Philippines:
Generics: The Philippines has a strong generics law, promoting the use of more affordable generic versions of medicines. Many common drugs are available in both branded and generic forms.
Drugstores: Major drugstore chains like Mercury Drug, Watsons, and Southstar Drug are prevalent across the country, including Bacolod City. Generic drugstores like The Generics Pharmacy (TGP) are also widely accessible.
Importing Medicines: If you are a visitor bringing prescription drugs into the Philippines, it's advisable to carry a letter from your physician stating your condition, the medication, and the dosage. The quantity should be sufficient only for the duration of your stay.
If you have specific numbers like 532 or 534 and need to identify a medicine, you would typically need to refer to a specific drug database, product catalog, or pharmaceutical company's listing, as those numbers are likely internal codes rather than universally recognized drug identifiers.
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