UNIT 11

ANTIBIOTICS : WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW TO USE THEM.

When used correctly , antibiotics are extremely useful and important medicines. They fight certain
infections and diseases caused by bacteria. Well-known antibiotics are penicillin , tetracycline ,
streptomycin and chloramphenicol. In this book the sulfa drugs, or sulfonamides, are also
considered as antibiotics.

The different antiobitics work in different ways against specific infections. All antibiotics have
dangers in their use, but some are far more dangerous than others. Great care must be taken in
the choice and use of antibiotics.

There are many kinds of antibiotics, and each kind is sold under several “ brand names” . This can
be confusing . However , the most important antibiotics fall into a few major groups.

Notes:

+ Ampicillin is a types of penicillin that kills more kinds of bacteria than do ordinary penicillin.

+ If you have a brand-name antibiotic and do not know to which group is belongs, read the fine
print on the bottle or box. For example ,if you have some Paraxin “S” but do not know what is in
it, read the fine print . It says “chloramphenicol”.

+ Look up chloramphenicol in the GREEN PAGE . You will find it must be used only for a few
very serious illnesses, like typhoid , and is especially dangerous when given to the newborn.

+ Never use an antibiotic unless you know which group it belongs to , what diseases it fights
and the precautions you must take to use it safely.

+ confusing : nhầm lẫn.

+ fall into : rơi vào
+ ordinary : thông thường
+ major : chủ yếu

UNIT 12
SUBSTANCE DISCOVERY AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT.
A. Section 1 . /dosage/ /suppository/ /patch/ /drops/ /tables/ /pills/ /syrups/
1. Calculating the correct dosage for some patients isn’t always easy.
2. Children and older people often have trouble swallowing large pills or tables.
3. Wearing a patch may create problems for people with skin allergies.
4. Some medications are available in liquid form , such as drops or syrups.
5. We often use a suppository to administer medication to babies or other patients who are not
able to take drugs orally.
B. Section 2 .
1. A very small amount of liquid that forms a round shape – drops.
2. A smooth , thick substance to rub on the skin for healing – ointment.
3. An oily liquid to rub on painful body parts to reduce pain – liniment.
4. A medication on material or cloth placed on the skin – patch.
5. A small device with medicine to breathe in through the mouth – inhaler.
6. A container with a liquid that is administered in spray form – aerosol.
7. A liquid in which another substance has been dissolved – solution.
8. A solid medicine which melts slowly in the rectum or vagina – suppository.
9. A sweet , liquid medicine taken with a spoon or cup – syrup.
10.A small , round piece of medicine to be swallowed without chewing – pill.
C. Section 3.
How many drug categories do we need?
On the whole , countries esablish specific rules and regulations not only on the type of drugs made
available, but also on how they reach the consumer. On the one hand , medicine needs to be easily
accessible. This is , of course , a question of public health . On the other hand, these same products
can do harm if used incorrectly. This danger must be avoided.
For this reason, regulatory authorities in every country set the number of categories for drugs. For
example , in Canada , there are four:
1) Drug available only with a prescription
2) Those without a prescription , but only with the personal involvement of a pharmacist
3) Medicine which customers can pick off open shelves, but only in a pharmacy, and
4) Products which can be openly sold in any kind of retail outlet.
By contrast, the US only has two official categories: drugs needing a prescription and drugs that do
not. The former are prescription drugs and are available in pharmacies and only by prescription.
The latter are over-the-counter drugs which can be sold in any type of retail outlet the chooses to
stock them.
In general, in the US, medication must meet four criteria in order to obtain the status of a non-
prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) product. It must have :
- A large margin of safety.
- Low incidence of side effects.
- Low potential for misuse and abuse , and
- Labelling that provides adequate directions for sale and effective use.
At present, the Food and Drug Administration is reviewing its current policy on the number of
categories. Its is discussing the introduction of a new intermediate category for the US market
called “behind-the-counter” (BTC) medicine. Drugs of this type would need no prescription, but
would require a pharmacist’s intervention and resemble category in Canada. One reason is that
consumers in many Western countries have found this new category beneficial.
In Europe, the concept of BTC has been practised with great success for years. People can just go
to their local pharmacy and bescribe their medical need. The pharmacist simply recommends an
 appropriate drug without first requiring a doctor’s perscription. He or she can also suggesta less
expensive drug in generic form. The disadvantage , however, for many Europeans is that the cost if
these drugs of medications is not taken on by health insurance system.
Currently, the FDA is faced with a difficult decision. If it decides to add the category BTC, this will
have definete consequences for the pharmaceutical industry in the US. In the short term, this change
would immediately force the pharmaceutical companies to reoganize their marketing efforts. In the
long term , companies and research institutes would need to reassess their own potential and
reconsider which type of drugs are worth testing.

UNIT 13
FORMS OF MEDICINES
1. LIQUID MEDICINES
Liquid ( drops, solution , suspention and syrup ) if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake
suspension well before use.
Children who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Clean the feeding tube before and after
this drug is given.
Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is
none , get an oral syringe, a dropper , a spoon, or a cup ( only for older children) from your
pharmacist.
Let your child drink lots of noncaffeine liquids every day unless told to drink less liquid by your
child’s doctor. There are some kinds of liquid medicines:
A. Cough syrup
B. Eye drops
C. Nasal drops
D. Ear drops.
E. Liquid medicines for injection
F. Kinds of vitamin in liquid form for good health.
Syrups,suspensions,tonics,and other liquid medicines are measured in milliliters.
Often liquid medicines are prescribed in teaspoons or tablespoons:
When instructions for a medicine say : Take 1 tsp, this means take 5 ml.
Many of the “teaspoons” people use hold as much as 8ml, or as little as 3ml. When using a
teaspoon to give medicine , it is important that it measure 5ml. No more. No less.

HOW TO MAKE SURE THAT THE TEASPOON USED FOR MEDICINE MEASURE 5ML
1. Buy a 5ml measuring spoon.
2. Buy a medicine that comes with a plastic spoon. This measures 5ml when it is full and many
also have a line that shows when it is half full(2,5ml). Save this spoon and use it to measure
other medicines.
 3. Fill any small spoon that you have at home with 5ml of water, using a syringe of something
else to measure, and make a mark on the spoon at the level of the liquid.
4. Take these drugs with a full glass of water(200ml).
Nghĩa từ vựng:
- Shake well before use : lắc đều trước khi dùng.
- Mark : đánh dấu
- Fill : đổ đầy

UNIT 14
HERBAL MEDICINE
1.What is the herbal medicine.
- Herbal medicine is also called Botanicals or Phytotherapy. A herb is a plan part used for its
scent, flavor of therapeutic proterties. Herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that
people take to improve their health. Many herbs have been used for a long time for claimed
health benefits. They are sold as tablets , capsules , powders , teas , extracts and fresh or dried
plants. However , some can cause health problems, some are not effective and some may interact
with other drugs you are taking . So you should remember the followings:
1. Use a herbal product as safely as possible.
2. Consult your doctor first.
3. Do not take a bigger dose than the label recommended.
4. Take it under guidance of a trained medical professional.
5. Be especially cautious if you are pregnant of nursing.
2. Ginkgo.
- The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest types of trees in the world. Ginkgo seeds have been used
in Traditional Oriental Pharmaco-medicine in ancient Vietnam , ( Korea , Japan, China etc.) for
thousands of years , and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten.
2.1 What Ginkgo Biloba is uesd for?
- Ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of ailmants and conditions including
asthama, bronchitis , fatigue, and tinnitus ( ringing or roaring in the ears).
- Today , people use ginkgo leaf extracts hoping to improve memory ; to treat or help
prevent Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia; to decrease intermittent claudication ( leg
pain caused by narrowing arteries); and to treat sexual dysfuntion , multiple sclerosis , tinnitus ,
and other health conditions.
2.2 How Ginkgo Biloba is used ?
- Extracts are usually taken from the ginkgo leaf and are used to make tablets, capsules , or teas
. Occasionally , ginkgo extracts are used in skin products.
2.3 Side effects and cautions.
- Side effects to gingko may include headache , nausea, gastriontestinal upset , diarrhea ,
dizziness, or allergic skin reactions.
 - Therefore , talk to a health care provider before using ginkgo . This is very important
because fresh gingko seeds contain large amounts of a chemical called ginkgotoxin, which can
cause serious adverse reactions – even serzures and death.
+ therapeutic proterties : đặc tính chữa bệnh.
+ dietary supplements : thực phẩm chức năng.
+ claim : xác nhận
+ benefit : lợi ích
+ tablet : viên thuốc
+ capsule : viên nhộng
+ effective : hiệu quả
+ interact : tương tác
+ as safely as possible : an toàn nhất có thể
+ recommended : đề nghị
+ cautious : cẩn thận
+ ancient : lâu đời
+ Traditional Oriental Pharmaco : phương Đông
+ variety of ailmants : nhiều loại bệnh
+ asthama : suyễn
+ bronchitis : viêm phế quản
+ fatigue : mệt mỏi
+ prevent : ngăn ngừa.
+ dementia = Alzheimer : bệnh mất trí
+ narrowing arteries : hẹp động mạch
+ sexual dysfuntion : rối loạn sinh dục
+ multiple sclerosis : đa xơ cứng
+ occasionally : thỉnh thoảng
+ Side effect : tác dụng phụ
+ serzures and death : dẫn đến tử vong.

UNIT 15
MEDICINES FOR CHILDREN
1. Kinds of medicines for children.
Keep all medicines in a cool , dry place,out of sight and reach of children.
Never use a medicine that is out of date.
- Many medicines that comes as pills or capsules also come in syrups or suspensions (special liquid
form ) for children. If you compare the amount of medicine you get, the syrups are usually more
expensive than pills or capsules. You can save money by making your own syrup in the following
way:
1) Grind up the pill very well or open the capsule.
 2) Mix the powder with boiled water (that has cooled) and honey or sugar.
Notes:
- You must add lots of honey or sugar when the medicine is very bitter.
- When making syrups for children from pills or capsules , be very careful not to give too much
medicine.
- To prevent choking , do not give medicines to a child while she is lying on her back , or if her
head is pressed back. Always make sure she is sitting up or that her head is lifted forward. Never
give medicines by mouth to a child while she is having a fit , or while she is asleep or
unconscious.
2. Some common diseases of children and treatment.
2.1 Asthma:
- Some children with asthma may see their symptoms get worse if they take ibuprofen. Consult
your pharmacist about this if your child has asthma. Ibuprofen should not be give to a child on
an empty stomach. Never give aspirin to a child under 16, because aspirin is linked to a rare
childhood disorder called Reye’s syndrome.
2.2. Cold and flu:
A. Symptoms: Headache , a raised temperature , tiredness, running nose, sneezing.
B. Treatment :
* Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
* Paracetamol will help to lower temperature and reduce headache.
* Resting will help the children to recover.
* Consult your doctor if the cold gets worse.
REMEMBER : They resolve themselves within a few days without medical treatment.
2.3. High temperature( or high fever).
- When your child’s temperature raises higher 37.5OC that means he or she has a fever.
Always contact your doctor , health visitor , practice nurse or nurse practitioner.
- To know exactly the body’s temperature, measure with a thermometer under the arm or under the
tongue.
Treatment:
 Give children a lot of water vitamin C.
 Give them EFFERALGAN according to the age dosage.
 If the child has a high temperature you should use a cold towel to put on his/her forehead or
clean the body by a towel with warm water.
2.4. Coughing:
- It’s convenient for you use cough-syrup to give your child. But remember to read the instruction
carefully before use. If your child has a thick cough, you should consult the doctor.

2.5. Diarrhea and vomiting.

- To avoid this disease you should keep your house clean and hygienic.
- Most cases resolve themselves within a few days , without the need for medical treatment. If your
child has a mild case of gastroenteritis, you can continue with their usual daily diet. Ensure that
they drink plenty of water or other liquids so that they do not become dehydreated. If the
gastroenteritis persists, get advice from a health professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist , about
giving oral dehydration salts.

3. How much medicine should you give to children when you only have the instructions
for adults.
- Gerenally , the smaller the child, the less medicine he needs. Giving more than needed can be
dangerous.
- If you have information about the doses for children, follow it carefully. If you do not know the
dose, figure it out by using the weight or age of the child. Children should generally be given the
following portions of the adult dose:
- For the infants , consult a doctor or pharmacist.
+ compare : so sánh
+ Grind up : nghiền nhỏ
+ choking : ngạt thở
+ lying : nằm ngửa
+ pressed : ngửa
+ lifted forward : hướng về trước
+ having a fit : ngất
+ unconscious : bất tỉnh
+ empty stomach : bụng đói
+ disorder : rối loạn
+ sneezing : hắt xì
+ resolve themselves : tự giải quyết.
+ contact : liên hệ
+ according to the age dosage : theo liều lượng độ tuổi
+ convenient : thuận tiện
+ vomiting : nôn ói
+ Ensure : đảm bảo
+ persist : kéo dài
+ figure : đoán
 UNIT 16
HOW TO TAKE MEDICINES
1. The importance of taking medicines.
It is important to take medicines more or less at the time recommended . Some medicines
should be take only once a day , but others must be taken more often. If you do not have a clock, it
does not matter. If the directions say “1 pill every 8 hours”, take 3 a day: one in the morning,one in
the afternoon , and one at night. If they say : “1 pill every 6 hours” , take 4 each day : one in the
morning , one at midday , one in the afternoon, and on at night. If the directions are “1 every 4
hours” , take 6 a day , allowing more or less the same time between pills.
Whenever you give a medicine to someone else , it is a good idea to write the instructions and
also to have the person repeat to you how and when to take the medicine. Make very sure he
understands.
To remind people who cannot read when to take their medicine ,you can give them a note like
this.
In the blanks at the bottom draw the amount of medicine they should take and carefully
explain what it means.
2. Something you should know when taking a certain medicine.
“ Keep the medicine out of reach of children” and
“ Carefully read the patient information leaflet or package insert before use”
2.1 Your medicine
- Do not share your medicine with other people. It may not be suitable for them and
may harm them. The pharmacy label on your medicine tells you how much medicine you should
take. It also tells you how often you should take your medicine. This is the dose that you and
your prescriber have agreed you should take. You should not change the dose of your medicine
unless you are told to do so by your prescriber.
2.2 Whether the medicine is suitable for you.
- The medicine you are taking is not suitable for everyone and some people should
never use it.
- Other people should only use it with special care. It is important that the person
prescribing the medicine knows your full medical history.
2.3 Cases interact with certain medicines
- Alcohol : Alcohol can interact with certain medicines. You should check with your
doctor and your pharmacist whether it is suitable for you in the case of your medicine.
- Diet : Medicines can interact with certain food.
- Driving and operating machinery : When taking any medicine you should be aware
that it might interfere with your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
- Family planning and pregnancy : Most medicines , in some way , can affect the
development of a baby in the womb. You should only take the medicine during pregnancy if
your doctor thinks that you need it.
 - Breast-feeding : Certain medicines can pass into breast milk and may reach your
baby through breast-feeding.
- Taking other medicines : If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact
with each other.
Note : Side effects
- Everyone’s reaction to a medicine is different. The important thing is to tell your
prescriber or pharmacist if you are having problems with your medicine.
+ allow : cho phép
+ matter : vấn đề
+ explain : giải thích
+ prescriber : người kê toa
+ be aware : hiểu rằng
+ interfere : tương tác
+ in some way : một cách nào đó
+ womb : bào thai
+ pass into : vào trong
+ reach : đến

UNIT 17
WHEN SHOULD MEDICINE NOT BE TAKEN
- Many people have biliefs about things they should not do or eat when taking medicines . For this
reason they may stop taking a medicine they need . In truth, no medicine causes harm just
because it is taken with certain foods – whether pork, chili, pepper , guava , oranges , or any
other food . But foods with lots of grease or spices can make problems of the stomach or gut
worse – whether or not any medicine is being taken. Certain medicines will cause bad reactions
if a person drinks alcohol.
- There are situations when , without a doubt , it is best not to use certain medicines:
1. Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding should avoid all medicines that are not
absolutely necessary. ( However , they can take limited amounts of vitamins or iron pills
without danger. Also , pregnant or breastfeeding women with HIV should take medicines to
prevent spreading HIV to the baby.)
2. With newborn children , be very careful when using medicines. Whenever possible look for
medical help before giving them any type of medicine . Be sure not to give too much.
3. A person who has ever had any sort of allergic reaction – hives , itching , etc – after taking
penicillin , ampicillin , a sulfonamide , or other medicines , should never use that medicine
again for the rest of his life because it would be dangerous.
 4. Persons who have stomach ulcers or hearburn should avoid medicines that contain
aspirin. Most painkillers and all steroids make ulcers and acid indigestion worse . One
painkiller that dose not irritate the stomach is acetaminophen.
5. There are some medicines that are harmful or dangerous to take when you have a specific
illness. For example , persons with hepatitis should not be treated with certain antibiotics or
other strong medicines, because their liver is damaged , and the medicines are more likely to
poison the body.
6. Persons who are dehydrated or have disease of the kidneys should be especially careful with
medicines they take . Do not give more than one dose of a medicine that could poison the
body unless ( or until) the person is urinating normally. For example , if a child has high
fever and is dehydrated, do not give him more than one dose of acetaminophen or aspirin
until he begins to urinate . Never give sulfa to a person who is dehydrated.
7. One of the first duties of the physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine.
8. Your medicine will not work as well as or may cause side effect if it’s not taken properly.
+ grease : dầu mỡ
+ spices : gia vị
+ situation : tình huống
+ doubt : nghi ngờ
+ absolutely : chắc chắn
+ spreading : sự lây lan
+ as well as : cũng như
+ hives : phát ban
+ itching : ngứa
+ stomach ulcers : loét dạ dày
+ hearburn : ợ nóng.
+ indigestion : sự khó tiêu
+ irritate : kích thích
+ educate : giáo dục
+ masses : quần chúng
+ properly : đúng
Many people have biliefs about things they should not do or eat when taking medicines
One of the first duties of the physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine.
Your medicine will not work as well as or may cause side effect if it’s not taken properly.
Persons who have stomach ulcers or hearburn should avoid medicines that contain aspirin
With newborn children , be very careful when using medicines
Persons with hepatitis should not be treated with certain antibiotics
Never give sulfa to a person who is dehydrated.
 UNIT 18
RIGHT AND WRONG USES OF MODERN MEDICINES
- Some medicines sold in pharmacies or village stores can be very useful. But many are of no
value. Of the 60,000 medicines sold in most countries, the World Health Organization says that only
about 200 are necessary.
- Also , people sometimes use the best medicines in the wrong way, so that they do more harm
than good. To be helpful , medicine must be used correctly.
- Many people, including most doctors and health workers, prescribe far more medicines than
are needed – and by so doing cause much needless sickness and death.
- There is some danger in the use of any medicine.
- Some medicines are much more dangerour than others. Unfortunately, people sometimes use
very dangerous medicines for mild sicknesses. ( I have seen a baby die because his parents gave him
a dangerous medicine, Chloramphenicol , for a cold.) . Never use a dangerous medicine for a mild
illness.
GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF MEDICINE:
1. Use medicines only when necessary.
2. Know the correct use and precautions for any medicine you use.
3. Be sure to use the right dose.
4. If the medicine does not help , or causes problems ,stop using it.
5. When in doubt , seek the advice of a health worker.
Note :
- Some health workers and many doctors give medicines when none is needed, often because
they think patients expect medicine and will not be satisfied until they get some. Tell your doctor or
health worker you only want medicine if it is definitely needed. This will save you money and be
safer for your health.
Only use a medicine when you are sure it is needed
and when you are sure how to use it.

FILL IN THE BLANK

- Some medicines which are sold in pharmacies or village stores can be very useful. Others
are no value . Also , people sometimes use the best medicines in the wrong way so that they do more
harm than good. To be helpful , medicine must be used correctly.
- Many people , including most doctors and health workers , prescribe far more medicines
than are needed – and by so doing cause much needless sickness and death. Some drugs are much
more dangerous than others. Unfortunately , people sometimes use very dangerous medicines for
mild sicknesses.
- Often some health workers and many doctors prescribe medicines when none is needed
because they think the patients expect to receive drugs and will not be satisfied unless they get some .
One must always remember that there is some danger in the use of any medicine. Tell your doctor
that you only want medicine if it is definitely necessary. This will save you money and will be safer
for your health . REMEMBER : MEDICINE CAN KILL
- Here are some guidelines for the use of medicine. Firstly, use medicines only when
necessary . Secondly, make sure you know the correct use and precautions for any medicine you use.
Also, be sure to use the right dose. If a drug does not help or causes problems, stop using it.
Whenever you are in doubt , seek the advice of a health worker.
- In summary , only use medicine when you are sure it is needed and when you are sure how
to use it.
+ of no value : không có lợi ích gì
+ wrong way : sai cách
+ needless : không cần thiết
+ seek : tìm
+ expect : yêu cầu
+ satisfied : hài lòng
+ definitely : chắc chắn

UNIT 19
THE MOST DANGEROUS MISUSE OF MEDICINE
Here is a list of the most common and dangerous errors people make in using modern medicines.
The improper use of the following medicines causes many deaths each year. BE CAREFUL!
1. Chloramphenicol.
The popular use of this medicine for simple diarrhea and other mild sicknesses is extremely
unfortunate, because it is so risky. Use chloramphenicol only for very severe illnesses, like
typhoid. Never give it to babies younger than 1 month old.
2. Oxytocin(Pitocin), Ergonovine ( Ergotrate) , and Misoprostol ( Cytotec).
Unfortunately, some midwives use these medicines to speed up childbirth or “ give strength” to the
mother in labor. This practise is very dangerous. It can kill the mother or the child. Use these
medicines only to control bleeding after the child is born.
3. Injections of any medicine.
The common belief that injections are usually better than medicine taken by mouth is not true.
Many times medicines taken by mouth work as well as or better than injections . Also , most
medicine is more dangerous injected than when taken by mouth. Injections given to a child who
has a mild polio infection ( with only signs of a cold ) can lead to paralysis. Use of injections
should be very limited.
 4. Penicillin
Penicillin works only against certain types of infections . Frequent use of penicillin for sprains ,
bruises or any pain or fever is a great mistake. As a general rule , injures that do not break the skin,
even if they make lagre bruises, have no danger of infection ; they do not need to be treated with
penicillin or any other antibiotic.
Penicillin is dangerous for some people . Before using it , know its risks and the precautions you
must take.
5. Injections of Penicillin with Steptomycin.
These medicines are used too much , and often for the wrong thing. They should not be used for
colds,for three reasons:
- They do not work against colds and flu.
- They can cause serious problems – sometines deafness or death.
- Their overuse makes it more difficult to cure tuberculosis or other serious illness.
6. Vitamin B12 and liver extract.
These medicines do not help anemia or “weakness” except in rare cases. Also , they have certain
risks when injected. They should only be used when a specialist has prescribed them after testing
the blood. In nearly every case of anemia, iron pill will do more good.
7. Other vitamins.
As a general rule, DO NOT INJECT VITAMINS. Injections are more dangerous, more expensive,
and usually no more effective than pills.
Unfortunately, many people waste their money on syrups, tonics and “elixirs” that contain
vitamins. Many lack the most important vitamins. But even when they contain them, it is wiser to
buy more and better food. Body-building and protective foods like eggs, meat, fruit, vegetables,
and whole grains are rich in vitamins and other nutrients. Giving a thin, weak person good food
more often will usually help him far more than giving him vitamin and mineral supplements
A person who eats well does not need extra vitamins
Food > Medicine > Vitamin > Injection
8. Calcium.
Injecting calcium into a vein can be extremely dangerous. It can quickly kill someone if not
injected very slowly. Injecting calcium in the buttocks sometimes causes very serious abscesses or
infections.
Never inject calcium without first seeking medical advice!
9. “Feeding” through the veins ( Intravenous or “I.V.” solutions).
In some areas, persons who are anemic or very week spend their last penny to have a liter of I.V.
solution put into their veins. They believe that this will make them stronger or their blood richer.
But they are wrong! Intravenous solution is nothing more than pure water with some salt or sugar
in it. It gives less energy than a large candy bar and makes the blood thinner, not richer. It does not
help anemia or make the weak person stronger.
Also when a person who is not well trained puts the I.V. solution into a vein, there is danger of an
infection entering the blood. This can kill the sick person.
Intravenous solution should be used only when a person can take nothing by mouth, or when she is
badly dehydrated
If the sick person can swallow, give her a liter of water with sugar ( or cereal) and salt. It will do as
much for her as injecting a liter of I.V. solution. For people who are able to eat, nutritious foods do
more to strengthen them than any type of I.V fluid.
10.Laxatives and purges.
It is always dangerous to give a laxative or purge to a baby or to anyone who is very weak,
dehydrated of has severe pain in his belly. Unfortunately, people often believe that purges bring
back heath or clean the bad things out of the body. Purges or laxatives nearly always do more
hamr than good.
+ improper : không đúng
+ risky : nguy hiểm
+ polio : bệnh bại liệt
+ sign : dấu hiệu
+ lead : dẫn đến
+ paralysis : bệnh bại liệt
+ against : chống lại
+ Frequent : thường xuyên
+ sprains : bong gân
+ bruises : bầm tím
+ great mistake : sai lầm lớn
+ injures : vết thương
+ danger : nguy cơ
+ overuse : lạm dụng
+ rare : hiếm
+ specialist : chuyên gia
+ except : ngoại trừ
+ wiser : thông minh
+ thinner : loãng

UNIT 20
ANTIBIOTICS
I.Guidelines for the use of all antibiotics.
1. If you do not know exactly how to use the antibiotic and what infections it can be used for, do
not use it.
2. Use only an antibiotic that is recommended for the infection you wish to treat.
3. Know the risks in using the antibiotic and take all the recommended precautions.
 4. Use the antibiotics only in the recommended dose – no more, no less. The dose depends on
the illness and the age or weight of the sick person.
5. Never use injections of antibiotic if taking them by mouth is likely to work as well. Inject only
when absolutely necessary.
6. Keep using the antibiotics until the illness is completely cured , or for at least 2 days after
the fever and other signs of infection have gone. ( Some illnesses, like tuberculosis and
leprosy, need to be treated for many months or years after the person feels better. Follow the
instructions for each illness.)
7. If the antibiotic causes a skin rash, itching, difficult breathing, or any serious reactions, the
person must stop using it and never use it again.
8. Only use antibiotics when the need it great. When antibiotics are used too much, they begin
not to work as well.
II. Guidelines for the use of certain antibiotics
1. Before you inject penicillin or ampicillin, always have ampules of Adrenalin(epinephrine)
ready to control an allergic reaction if one occurs.
2. For people who are allergic to penicillin, use another antibiotic such as erythromycin
or sulfa
3. Do not use tetracycline, or another broad-spectrum antibiotic, for an illness that can probably
be controlled with penicillin or another narrow-spectrum antibiotic.
4. As a rule, use chloramphenicol only for typhoid fever. It is a dangerous drug. Never use it
for mild illnesses. And never give it to newborn children ( except perhaps for whooping
cough).
5. Never inject tetracycline or chloramphenicol. They are safer, less painful, and do as much or
much better when taken by mouth.
6. Do not give tetracycline to pregnant women after the fourth month or to children
under 6 years old.
7. As a general rule, use streptomycin, and products that contain it, only for tuberculosis – and
always together with other anti – tuberculosis medicines. Streptomycin in combination with
penicillin can be used for deep wounds to the gut, appendicitis and other specific infections
when ampicillin is not available, but should never be used for colds, flu and common
respiratory infections.
8. Eating yoghurt or curdled milk helps to replace necessary bacteria killed by antibiotics
like ampicillin and to return the body’s natural balance to normal.
III. What to do if an antibiotic does not seen to help.
For most common infections, antibiotics begin to bring improvement in a day or two. If
the antibiotics you are using do not bring any improvement, it is possible that:
1. The illness is not what you think. You may be using the wrong medicine. Try to find out
more exactly what the illness is – and use the right medicine.
2. The dose if the antibiotic is not correct. Check it.
 3. The bacteria have become resistant to the antibiotic being used ( they no longer are
harmed by it). Try another one of the antibiotics recommended for that illness.
4. You may not know enough to cure the illness. Get medical help, especially if the condition is
serious or getting worse.
Antibiotics do no good for the common cold.
Use antibiotics only for injections they are known to help.

+ depends : phụ thuộc

+ leprosy : bệnh phong
+ skin rash : nổi đỏ ( phát ban )
+ probably : hoàn toàn
+ whooping cough : ho gà
+ less painful : ít đau
+ combination : sự phối hợp
+ wound : vết thương = injures
+ appendicitis : viêm ruột thừa
+ improvement : hiệu quả

UNIT 22
TO STUDENTS
- If you sell medicines in your store, people probably ask you about which medicines to buy
and when or how to use them. You are in a position to have an important effect on people’s
knowledge and health.
- This book can help you to give correct advice and to see that your customers buy only those
medicines they really need.
- As you know, people too often spend the little money they have for medicines that do not
help them. But you can help them understand their health needs more clearly and spend their money
more wisely. For example:
 If people come asking for cough syrups, vitamin B12 or liver extract to treat simple anemia,
for pinicillin to treat a sprain or ache, or for tetracycline when they have a cold, explain to them that
these medicines are not needed and may do more harm than good. Discuss with them what to do
instead.
 If someone wants to buy a vitamin tonic, encourage him to buy eggs, fruit or vegetables
instead. Help him understand that these have more vitamins and nutritional value for the money.
 If people ask for an injection when medicine by mouth would work as well and be safer –
which is usually the case – tell them so.
  If someone wants to buy a “cold tablets” or some other expensive combination of medicines
for a cold, encourage him to save money by buying plain aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen tablets
and taking them with lots of liquids.
- Above all, sell only useful medicines. Stock your store with the medicines that are important
for common illness in your area. Try to stock low cost generic products or the least expenssive
brands. And never sell medicines that are expired, dameged, or useless.
- Your store can become a place where people learn about caring for their own health. If you
can help people use medicines intelligently, making sure that anyone who purchases a medicine is
well informed as to its correct use and dosage, as well as the risks and precautions, you will provide
an outstanding service to your community. Good luck!
+ explain : giải thích
+ plain : thông thường
+ Above all : trên hết
+ Stock : dự trữ
+ generic products : sản phẩm thông dụng
+ stock low : giá trị thấp
+ least : kém
+ brand : thương hiệu
+ useless : vô ích