Drugs

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Also called medications, drugs are substances that are taken to treat any condition, disease or disorder. The term drugs is also used to refer to substances that are taken for recreation such as Marijuana, cocaine, heroine etc.

Definition

Medications are substances that are used to treat, cure, or prevent diseases and other health conditions. They are typically prescribed by a healthcare provider and can be administered in a variety of ways, including orally (by mouth), intravenously (through a vein), or topically (applied to the skin).

Types

There are many different types of medications, including prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

  1. Prescription medications are only available with a prescription from a healthcare provider and are typically used to treat more serious or chronic health conditions.
  2. OTC medications, on the other hand, are available without a prescription and are typically used to treat milder conditions or symptoms.

Mechanism of action

Medications work by interacting with the body's natural processes to either inhibit or stimulate certain functions. For example, some medications may block the action of certain enzymes or chemicals that are involved in the development of a disease, while others may stimulate the production of certain chemicals or hormones to help the body heal.

Follow the instructions

It is important to follow the instructions for taking medications as directed by a healthcare provider. This may include the dosage, frequency, and timing of the medication. It is also important to be aware of potential side effects or interactions with other medications, and to report any concerns to a healthcare provider.

Summary

In conclusion, medications are substances that are used to treat, cure, or prevent diseases and other health conditions. They are available by prescription or over-the-counter and work by interacting with the body's natural processes to either inhibit or stimulate certain functions. It is important to follow the instructions for taking medications as directed by a healthcare provider and to be aware of potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article. Template:Commons category Template:Major drug groups Template:Recreational drug use Template:Receptor/signaling modulators Template:Pharmacomodulation