Principles of medicine management: how medicines work

This article provides an insight and understanding regarding the ways in which medicines work. The article aims to provide healthcare assistants and assistant practitioners with a guide to how the body processes medicines and therapeutic uses of common medications. The criteria used to classify drugs are discussed, including their structure, therapeutic use, mode of action and regulatory status. The common compositions and preparations of medications are outlined along with the various routes of administration. Finally, the importance of understanding the needs of specific groups, mainly older people and children, is highlighted.