What Is a Drug? Broadly speaking, a drug is any substance other than food intended to affect the structure or any function of the body (1). Drug As a Medication According to the United States Federal Drug Agency (FDA), a drug is an article (substance) intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation (lessening), treatment or prevention of disease, recognized in the official United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) (2), Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or official National Formulary (1). In United States, every product has to get FDA approval before it is allowed to be marketed as a drug. Terms medication or medicine are commonly used for drugs used in medicine to prevent confusion with illegal drugs. NOTE: A term drug is also used for personal hygienic items, like toothpaste or shampoo, available in drug stores, which, obviously, are not the same as pharmacies – shops that sell medications. 1. Prescription Drugs Prescription drugs can be obtained in a doctor’s office, hospital or pharmacy, only when prescribed by a doctor (physician). Example: tetracycline, an antibiotic, available as capsules. 2. Non-Prescription, Over The Counter (OCT) Drugs Non-prescription, over the counter (OCT) drugs are available in pharmacies and food stores without prescription. … Continue reading Drug (Medication), Supplement and Home Remedy