Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals (pronunciation: /ˌfɑːrməˈsjuːtɪkəlz/) are substances used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease and for restoring, correcting, or modifying organic functions. The term is derived from the Greek words pharmakon (meaning "drug") and texhne (meaning "art or craft").

History

The history of pharmaceuticals can be traced back to ancient times. The first known pharmacy was established in the Islamic Golden Age, in Baghdad in 754 AD. The modern pharmaceutical industry began in the 19th century with the isolation of various compounds from medicinal plants, such as morphine from the opium poppy.

Types of Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals can be classified into several types based on their source, method of action, and therapeutic effects. Some of the common types include:

Antibiotics: These are used to treat bacterial infections.
Analgesics: These are used to relieve pain.
Antivirals: These are used to treat viral infections.
Antifungals: These are used to treat fungal infections.
Antipsychotics: These are used to treat mental disorders.

Regulation

Pharmaceuticals are regulated by various national and international agencies to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for the regulation of pharmaceuticals. In Europe, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) performs a similar role.

References

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Pharmaceuticals
Wikipedia's article - Pharmaceuticals

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Pharmaceuticals