PHARMACEUTICAL TERMINOLOGY: FROM LATIN TRADITION TO MODERN NOMENCLATURE TRENDS

Abstract

Abstract. The article presents a comprehensive study of the formation of terminological competence in future pharmacy specialists in the process of learning the Latin language, which serves as a fundamental basis for mastering the international pharmaceutical terminology system. The key principles, pedagogical approaches, and methodological tools aimed at developing students’ terminological awareness are analyzed, including the integration of practical Latin classes with professionally oriented courses. It is emphasized that the acquisition of pharmaceutical terminology is grounded in a thorough understanding of the phonetic, orthographic, morphological, and syntactic norms of Latin grammar, which ensures the formation of skills necessary to correctly interpret the structure of terms, their word-formation models, and semantic content. The main objectives of the Latin language course in medical higher education institutions are identified, including the development of skills in analyzing and reproducing international pharmaceutical vocabulary, as well as the ability to work with regulatory documentation, international pharmacopoeial standards, and medicinal product instructions. The article highlights that pharmaceutical terminology is an essential component of both the educational process and the professional activity of pharmacists, as the accuracy of terminology directly affects the quality of medical communication, pharmacotherapeutic decision-making, and patient safety. The necessity of unifying specialized pharmaceutical terminology in accordance with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia is substantiated, as such harmonization is a prerequisite for aligning national standards with international ones. It is noted that the main challenges in standardizing pharmaceutical terminology are related to polysemy, synonymy, and the influence of the English language on chemical nomenclature, which lacks a case system and is characterized by an analytical mode of word formation. Particular attention is drawn to discrepancies in the spelling of term elements and medicinal product names caused by the absence of unified transliteration rules and standardized approaches to foreign borrowings. To enhance and harmonize the pharmaceutical terminology system, the article proposes developing a universally accepted national standard for the formation, spelling, and practical use of conventional names of medicinal products, which will ensure consistency of the terminological space and improve the effectiveness of professional training for future pharmacists.