CONVERSATION AT A PHARMACY

CONVERSATION AT A PHARMACY

the expressions below can be helpful. 

Expression		Response
What do you recommend for ( ...a   cold)?		You could try these COLD BE GONE   tablets. They work wonders.
Do you have anything for a ( ... sore   throat)?		Yes, these throat lozenges should work.
What do you suggest for ( ... an upset   stomach)?		You could try these antacid tablets.
I need something for a   ( ... headache)?		Why don’t you try aspirin?

What are over-the-counter medications?

     Over-the-counter medication is medication that does not require a doctor's prescription in order to be

     purchased. In many countries prescription drugs require a doctor’s orders before they can be

     purchased at a pharmacy. These drugs are usually very potent, may be addictive if not used properly,

     and may have numerous adverse side effects. Over-the-counter drugs, however, do not need a

     doctor’s orders to be purchased.

     There are a multitude of over-the-counter drugs that are used for the treatment of a

     wide variety of ailments and illnesses, including the following:

                   upset stomachs                               headaches

                        muscle aches and pain                   allergies

                        stuffy noses                                    persistent itching    

                        minor burns and scalds                 runny noses

                        disinfectants (for cleaning cuts and other minor wounds),

                        ointments or liquids (to remove warts and corns)

It is also helpful to know over-the-counter medication comes in variety of packages and forms. Look at the examples below.            

                                                 

                        Antacid tablets                                        

                        Allergy pills    

                        Cough drop lozenges                                     

                        Cold capsules 

                        Tube of muscle relaxant ointment        

                        Bottle of cough syrup

Dialogue

Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.

Pharmacist: Good morning, may I help you?

Customer: Yes, I need this prescription filled.

Pharmacist: OK, it’ll be ready in a few minutes.

Customer: I’ve also had a runny nose for a couple of days, can you recommend something?

Pharmacist: This decongestant is very effective, but be careful using it. It causes drowsiness and you shouldn’t drink any alcohol when taking this it.

Customer: OK, I’ll try it. I also need some band-aides and sun screen. Where are those? 

Pharmacist: The band-aides are on aisle 3, on the left and the sun screen is on aisle 2, on the top shelf.

Customer: Thanks

Pharmacist: Will that be all?

Customer: That should do it.

Pharmacist: That comes to $34.56.

Customer: That expensive! Why so much?

Pharmacist: The prescription medication is expensive. It cost $25.99. I may be able to get you a generic drug for about half that price, but I would have to consult your doctor first.

Customer: No, that’s OK. Don’t bother.

Pharmacist: Here’s your change. Have a good day.

After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: This dialogue is about a man at a pharmacy. He is ...This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.

1. Pair work- discussion

     When was the last time you when to a pharmacy? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for

     discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

·         when did you go

·         what was the problem

·         what medication did you get

·         did you talk to the pharmacists

·         did the medication help

2. Pair work- Role Play

     The situation: At a pharmacy

        Working with a partner, role play the situations, using the information below

     The roles: pharmacist, customer

                       

     The customer should ask for a recommendation for the problems below.

     The pharmacist should ask the following:  

                                   

                                 how long the symptoms have been present

                                 if the customer is allergic to any medicines

                                 why they have the symptoms (if known)

                                 the severity of the problem         

                        The problems

                        Stuffy/runny nose                    Fever                         

                        Sore muscles                         Headache                                     

                        Diarrhea                                  Constipation     

                        Insomnia                                 Severe Itching

                       Upset stomach                        Dandruff