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. In United States, these drugs also require FDA approval before marketing and are, as such, considered as effective and safe.

Example: aspirin, a pain-killer, available as tablets.

Supplement

A nutritional supplement (from Latin supplere= to complete) is a substance intended to enhance the diet or to replace a deficient nutrient. Supplements are available as over the counter drugs or remedies.

Example: vitamin C tablets, iron pills.

Remedy

Remedy is a non-prescription healing aid that may or may not have a treating effect. There are no clear rules about which product can be marketed as a remedy.

Examples: honey, a wrist splint.

Street Drugs

Street drugs or illegal drugs are substances that cause a marked change in mood, sensations, emotions or consciousness.

Examples: cocaine, heroin, LSD, marijuana.

References:

  1. Drug definition (fda.gov)
  2. United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) (usp.org)

Further Reading :
  • Some effective steps to avoid drug errors