Drugs I Need

Drugs I Need

Drugs I Need, also known as Medication or Pharmaceutical drug, is a substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. Drug therapy (pharmacotherapy) is an important part of the medical field and relies on the science of Pharmacology for continual advancement and on Pharmacy for appropriate management.

Types of Drugs

Drugs are classified in multiple ways. One of the key divisions is by level of control, which distinguishes prescription drugs from over-the-counter drugs. Another key distinction is between traditional small-molecule drugs, usually derived from chemical synthesis, and biopharmaceuticals, which include recombinant proteins, vaccines, blood products used therapeutically, gene therapy, and cell therapy.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs (also called Rx drugs) are medications that require a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. These drugs are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are used to treat a variety of conditions, from high blood pressure to cancer.

Over-the-Counter Drugs

Over-the-counter drugs (OTC drugs) are medications that can be purchased without a prescription. They are typically used for minor health issues, such as colds, allergies, and minor aches and pains.

Biopharmaceuticals

Biopharmaceuticals are medical drugs produced using biotechnology. They include proteins (including antibodies), nucleic acids (DNA, RNA or antisense oligonucleotides) and living cells used in cell therapy.

Drug Development and Approval

The development and approval of drugs is a complex process. It begins with drug discovery, where new drugs are identified and their potential benefits and risks are assessed. This is followed by preclinical research, where the drug is tested in the lab and in animals. If the results are promising, the drug moves on to clinical trials, where it is tested in humans. If the drug is found to be safe and effective, it can be approved by the FDA and marketed to the public.

Side Effects and Interactions

All drugs have the potential to cause side effects, which are unwanted or unexpected effects of the drug. These can range from mild (such as drowsiness or nausea) to severe (such as allergic reactions or liver damage). Some drugs can also interact with other drugs, foods, or supplements, which can increase the risk of side effects or change the way the drug works.

See Also

• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy
• Prescription drug
• Over-the-counter drug
• Biopharmaceutical
• Food and Drug Administration