Medicinal drugs
Medicinal Drugs
Medicinal drugs (pronunciation: /mɛdɪˈsɪnəl drʌɡz/), also known as medicines or pharmaceuticals, are substances used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases. The term "drug" originates from the Old French "drogue", possibly derived from the Dutch word "droog" (meaning "dry"), as medicinal herbs were often dried for use.
Types of Medicinal Drugs
Medicinal drugs can be broadly classified into two categories: Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Drugs. Prescription drugs are those that require a healthcare professional's prescription before they can be obtained, while over-the-counter drugs can be bought without a prescription.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study of drugs and their effects on the body. It includes understanding the properties, effects, mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses of drugs.
Drug Development and Approval
The process of Drug Development involves a series of stages, including drug discovery, preclinical research, clinical trials, and FDA review and approval. Once a drug is approved, it is monitored for safety in the post-marketing phase.
Drug Interactions
Drug Interactions occur when a drug interacts, or interferes, with another drug, food, or some dietary supplements. This can change the way the drug works in the body, and potentially lead to harmful effects.
Adverse Drug Reactions
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are unwanted or harmful reactions experienced following the administration of a drug or combination of drugs under normal conditions of use.
See Also
References
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