Prescription drugs

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Prescription drugs

Prescription drugs (pronunciation: /prɪˈskrɪpʃən drʌɡz/) are medicinal substances that are regulated by legislation to require a medical prescription before they can be obtained. The term is used to distinguish it from over-the-counter drugs which can be obtained without a prescription. Different jurisdictions have different definitions of what constitutes a prescription drug.

Etymology

The term "prescription" comes from the Latin word "praescriptio," which means "to write before." This refers to the practice of physicians writing a "recipe" for a medication before it can be prepared and given to the patient. The term "drug" comes from the Old French "drogue," possibly derived from the Dutch word "droog" (meaning "dry"), as pharmacists historically stored and sold "dry" goods, such as medicinal herbs.

Related terms

  • Over-the-counter drugs: Medications that can be bought without a prescription.
  • Generic drugs: A medication that has the same active ingredient as a brand-name drug and is used at the same doses.
  • Brand-name drugs: A drug sold by a pharmaceutical company under a specific name or trademark.
  • Pharmaceutical company: A commercial business licensed to research, develop, market and/or distribute drugs, most commonly in the context of healthcare.
  • Pharmacology: The study of drugs and their effects on the body.
  • Pharmacy: A location where prescription drugs are dispensed, also the study and application of preparing and dispensing drugs.
  • Pharmacist: A healthcare professional who practices in pharmacy, the field of health sciences focusing on safe and effective medication use.

See also

External links

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