A substance that produces a biological effect by altering processes in an organism and that may be used medically or for other purposes.
In medicine, a drug is generally an active substance used to prevent, diagnose, treat, or control disease or modify a physiological process. Drugs can include medicines used therapeutically as well as substances used for non-medical purposes.
A drug is not necessarily the same thing as a finished medication: a medication is a formulated product intended for medical use and may contain one or more drugs along with other ingredients.
QUICK FACT
In pharmacology, drug is a technical term and does not inherently mean an illegal or harmful substance.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Medication: a formulated medical product containing one or more active substances and intended for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, control, or relief of a health condition.
SEE ALSO
- Medication
- Active Ingredient (Drug)
- Treatment
- Adverse Effect
- Polypharmacy
