Prescription medicine

Prescription Medicine

Prescription medicine refers to the medicinal drugs that require a medical prescription to be dispensed. These drugs are regulated by legislation to require that they be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist following the receipt of a valid prescription from a healthcare professional, such as a physician or nurse practitioner.

Overview

Prescription medicines are typically used to treat conditions that require a healthcare professional's supervision due to their potential for side effects, interactions with other drugs, or misuse. They are distinguished from over-the-counter drugs, which can be obtained without a prescription.

Regulation

The regulation of prescription drugs varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the safety and efficacy of prescription drugs. In the European Union, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) performs a similar role.

Prescription Process

The prescription process involves a healthcare professional diagnosing a patient's condition and determining the appropriate medication. The prescription is then written and given to the patient, who takes it to a pharmacist. The pharmacist verifies the prescription, dispenses the medication, and provides the patient with instructions on how to take it.

Types of Prescription Medicines

Prescription medicines can be categorized into several types, including antibiotics, analgesics, antidepressants, antivirals, antifungals, antihypertensives, and chemotherapy drugs, among others.

Risks and Misuse

While prescription medicines are essential for treating many conditions, they also carry risks. These include side effects, drug interactions, and the potential for misuse or addiction, particularly with certain types of drugs such as opioids and benzodiazepines.

See Also

• Pharmacy
• Pharmacology
• Drug discovery
• Clinical trial