Prescription drugs

Pharmaceutical substances, or drugs that available by prescription by a licensed healthcare provider are called prescription drugs as opposed to over the counter drugs that do not usually require a prescription.

Prescription required

Prescription drugs are pharmaceutical substances that, in many jurisdictions, can only be procured with a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. This differentiates them from over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, which can be purchased without a prescription. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the characteristics, usage, regulation, and potential issues related to prescription drugs. Prescription drugs constitute an essential component of modern healthcare. They are used to manage, treat, or prevent a wide array of health conditions. The necessity for a prescription ensures that these drugs are used under medical supervision, which is particularly crucial for substances that can cause significant side effects or are at risk of misuse or addiction.

Classification and Usage

Prescription drugs span a broad range of classes, from antibiotics and antivirals to pain relievers, antipsychotics, and antineoplastics, among others. Their usage depends on the patient's specific health condition, and the prescribing healthcare professional is responsible for selecting the appropriate drug and determining the optimal dosage and duration of therapy.

Regulation

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the approval and regulation of prescription drugs, ensuring their safety and efficacy. Other countries have similar regulatory bodies, such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Europe and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia.

Potential Issues

While prescription drugs play a vital role in healthcare, their use can also pose certain challenges, including the risk of side effects, drug interactions, misuse, and addiction. Additionally, the high cost of some prescription medications can make them inaccessible to certain patient populations.

Also see

• Over the counter drugs
• Controlled substances
• Glossary of prescription drugs

Prescription drugs Resources
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