Brand name drugs - drugs that are researched, invented, developed, patented, manufactured, and distributed by a pharmaceutical drug manufacturer

Generic drugs - drugs labeled by their official (chemical) name and manufactured by a drug firm after the original patent expires

Consultation (with respect to pharmacy) - an occurrence in which a pharmacist gives correct information about a drug to a patient

Count & pour - the act of preparing medicine by either 'counting pills' or 'pouring liquid drugs into bottles/vials'

Dispensing - the process of preparing, checking, and delivering prescribed medication and associated information under pharmacist supervision.

External-use medication - medications which are for external use only. Examples would be a cream, ointment, and/or lotion

Formulary - a list of drugs covered by a third party (i.e. insurance company, medication program, government program)

Injectables - a drug injected into the body by means of a needle and syringe or an infusion control pump

Inventory - a complete listing of all drugs and their amounts in stock at a particular point in time

Narcotics - a class of drug which is often used as a pain killer which may cause drowsiness

Oral medication - medication taken through the mouth. Examples are capsules, tablets, and syrup

OTC drugs - OTC is an acronym from the words "over-the-counter" These drugs can be purchased without a prescription.

Prescriber - a person in health care who is permitted by law to order drugs that legally require a prescription; includes physicians, physician assistants, podiatrists, and dentists

Prescription - permission granted orally or in writing form from a physician for a patient to receive a certain medication on an outpatient basis that will help relieve or eliminate the patient's problem

Third party - a pharmacy term referring to a private insurance company or government healthcare coverage program