Drug

From the Greek (φάρμακον) is all purified chemical used in the treatment, prevention or diagnosis of a disease, or to prevent an unwanted disease process.

WHOdefines it as the”pharmaceutical product used to prevent, diagnose and treat a disease or for modifying physiological systems for the benefit of the person to whom it is administered.”In practical terms active ingredient or drug is also considered synonymous with the term drug.

Pharmaceutical formis the final state under which a drug is presented for practical use, for the consideration of maximum therapeutic benefit for the individual and minimizing undesirable side effects. It can be in the form of injection, tablets, capsules, powders, syrups and others. It is important to remember that in pharmaceutical form there may be several active ingredients  i.e. several drugs.

Dr. Juan Sabater-Tobella

European Specialist in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4)Member of the Pharmacogenomics Research NetworkMember of the International Society of Pharmacogenomics and Outcomes ResearchPresidente de EUGENOMIC®

Last modified: Nov 20, 2018 @ 5:26 pm