E

Ear care
Medicines used for the treatment of ear problems, including specific antiseptics, ear wax softeners & removers and antifungal preparations.

Emphysema
An abnormal condition of the lungs marked by decreased respiratory function; associated with smoking or chronic bronchitis or old age.

Ethical
Alternative term for a prescription medicine (q.v). Also Rx.

Expectorants
Medicines used to make coughs productive; often used for the treatment of chesty coughs.

Eye care
Medicines that treat minor eye problems, including eye washes, artificial tears and eye infection treatment.

F

FDA
Food & Drug Administration; US Federal Government agency responsible for the regulation of both Rx and OTC medicines.

Fedefarma
Federación Centroamericana de Laboratorios Farmacéuticos. Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Savador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama).

FIP, IFP
International Federation of Pharmacists.

FTC
Federal Trade Commission; US Federal Government agency responsible for regulation of OTC medicine advertising and scrutiny of mergers & acquisitions and other business dealings.

G

Gastrointestinals
Medicines used to problems associated with the digestive system, including antacids & antiflatulents, laxatives, antidiarrhoeals, antinauseants, digestive enzymes and liver & bile remedies.

Generics
Medicines produced by rival firms after patent expiry of originator products; a term often associated with unbranded products.

GP Farmasi
WSMI member association in Indonesia

Greek Proprietary Association
WSMI member association in Greece.

GSL
General Sales list; UK classification of OTC medicines which can be sold in any retail outlet and by self-selection.

H

H₂ antagonists (H₂RAs)
Antacids which block the production of stomach acids and offer sustained prevention and relief.

Herbal remedies
Medicines containing active ingredients of organic origin.

Homeopathy
Form of alternative medicine based on the principle of treating like with like, in which patients are given distilled dilutions containing minute quantities of active natural tinctures; recognized by many national regulatory bodies and widely available for self-medication.

Hungarian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (Magyosz)
WSMI member association in Hungary.

Hypnotics
Medicines used to help induce sleep.

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