Medication 180121 225872962 2008-07-15T20:16:07Z Literaturegeek 4779547 /* For euthanasia */ Title pluralised on barbiturate page, changing to reflect this {{articleissues|article=y|cleanup=November 2007|refimprove=February 2007|expert=Medicine}} [[Image:Assorted pharmaceuticals by LadyofProcrastination.jpg|thumb|Assorted medications]] Medication, also referred to as '''medicine''', is usually a '''[[drug]]''' or any other substance used to prevent or cure disease or to relieve [[pain]], [[anxiety]] or any form of perceived [[discomfort]], such as [[hunger]]. '''[[Medication]]''' is often used to mean the act of administering medicines or drugs. Other synonyms include '''[[pharmacotherapy]]''', '''pharmacotherapeutics''', drug treatment. Drug treatment, that is: The administration of drugs with therapeutic intention, usually characterizes and distinguishes the practice of Medicine (and the Medical Specialties) from the art of Surgery (and its derived Surgical Specialties). This practical (more than theoretical) distinction if deeply rooted in the [[History of Medicine]]. The science of administering drugs to humans in the clinical setting is termed '''[[clinical]] [[pharmacology]]'''. The emphasis on drug treatment plays an essential role in distinguishing medical from surgical practice and patient practice. == Classification == Medication can be usually classified in various ways, e.g. by its chemical properties, mode of administration, or [[biological]] system affected. An elaborate and widely used classification system is the [[Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System]] (ATC system). Types of medicines: #[[Antipyretics]] : reducing fever (pyrexia) #[[Analgesics]] : [[painkillers]] #[[Anti-malarial]] drugs : treating [[malaria]] #[[Antibiotics]] : inhibiting germ growth #[[Antiseptics]] : prevention of germ growth near [[burns]], cuts and wounds == Types of medications (type of pharmacotherapy)== === For the gastrointestinal tract or digestive system === * Upper [[digestive tract]]: [[antacid]]s, [[reflux suppressant]]s, [[antiflatulent]]s, [[antidopaminergic]]s, [[proton pump inhibitor]]s, [[H2-receptor antagonist]]s, [[cytoprotectant]]s, [[prostaglandin analogue]]s * Lower digestive tract: [[laxative]]s, [[antispasmodic]]s, [[antidiarrhoeal]]s, [[bile acid sequestrant]]s, [[opioid]]s === For the cardiovascular system === * General: [[beta-receptor blocker]] or [[beta blocker]], [[calcium channel blocker]]s, [[diuretic]]s, [[cardiac glycoside]]s, [[antiarrhythmic]]s, [[nitrate]], [[antianginal]]s, [[vasoconstrictor]], [[vasodilator]], peripheral activator * Affecting [[Antihypertensive|Blood pressure]]: [[ACE inhibitor]]s, [[Angiotensin II receptor antagonist|angiotensin receptor blockers]], [[alpha blocker]] * Coagulation: [[anticoagulant]], [[heparin]], [[antiplatelet drug]], [[fibrinolytic]], [[Factor VIII|anti-hemophilic factor]], haemostatic drugs * Atherosclerosis/cholesterol agents: [[hypolipidaemic agent]]s, [[statin]]s. === For the central nervous system === {{see also|Psychiatric medication}} [[hypnotic]], [[anaesthetics]], [[antipsychotic]], [[antidepressant]] (including [[tricyclics|tricyclic antidepressants]], [[monoamine oxidase inhibitor]], [[lithium salt]], [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor]]), [[anti-emetic]], [[anticonvulsant]] and [[antiepileptic]], [[anxiolytic]], [[barbiturate]], movement disorder drug, [[stimulant]] (including [[amphetamine]]s), [[benzodiazepine]], [[cyclopyrrolone]], [[dopamine antagonist]], [[antihistamine]], [[cholinergic]], [[anticholinergic]], [[emetic]], [[cannabinoids]], 5-HT antagonist === For pain & consciousness (analgesic drugs) === {{further|[[Analgesic]]}} The main classes of painkillers are [[NSAIDs]], [[opioid]]s and various orphans such as [[paracetamol]], [[tricyclic antidepressant]]s and [[anticonvulsant]]s. === For musculo-skeletal disorders === [[NSAID]]s (including [[COX-2 selective inhibitor]]s), [[muscle relaxant]], neuromuscular drug<br> [[anticholinesterase]] === For the eye === * General: adrenergic neurone blocker, [[astringent]], ocular lubricant * Diagnostic: [[topical anesthetic]]s, [[sympathomimetic]]s, [[parasympatholytic]]s, [[mydriatic]]s, [[cycloplegic]]s * Anti-bacterial: [[antibiotic]]s, [[topical antibiotic]]s, [[sulfa drugs]], [[aminoglycosides]], [[fluoroquinolones]] * Anti-viral: * Anti-fungal: [[imidazole]]s, [[polyene]]s * Anti-inflammatory: [[NSAID]]s, [[corticosteroids]] * Anti-allergy: [[mast cell|mast cell inhibitors]] * Anti-glaucoma: adrenergic agonists, [[beta-blocker]]s, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors/[[hyperosmotic]]s, [[cholinergic]]s, [[miotic]]s, [[parasympathomimetic]]s, prostaglandin agonists/prostaglandin inhibitors. [[nitroglycerin]] === For the ear, nose and oropharynx === [[sympathomimetic]], [[antihistamine]], [[anticholinergic]], [[NSAID]]s, [[steroid]], [[antiseptic]], [[local anesthetic]], [[antifungal]], cerumenolyti === For the respiratory system === [[bronchodilator]], [[NSAID]]s, anti-allergic, [[antitussive]], [[mucolytic]], [[decongestant]]<br>[[corticosteroid]], [[beta-receptor antagonist]], [[anticholinergic]], [[steroid]] === For endocrine problems === [[androgen]], [[antiandrogen]], [[gonadotropin]], [[corticosteroid]], [[growth hormone]], [[insulin]], [[antidiabetic]] ([[sulfonylurea]], [[biguanide]]/[[metformin]], [[thiazolidinedione]], [[insulin]]), [[thyroid hormone]]s, antithyroid drugs, [[calcitonin]], [[diphosponate]], [[vasopressin analogue]]s === For the reproductive system or urinary system === [[antifungal]], alkalising agent, [[quinolones]], [[antibiotic]], [[cholinergic]], [[anticholinergic]], [[anticholinesterase]], [[antispasmodic]], 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, selective alpha-1 blocker, [[sildenafil]], [[fertility medication]] === For contraception === *[[Hormonal contraception]] *[[Ormeloxifene]] *[[Spermicide]] === For obstetrics and gynecology === [[NSAID]]s, [[anticholinergic]], haemostatic drug, antifibrinolytic, [[Hormone Replacement Therapy]], bone regulator, beta-receptor agonist, [[follicle stimulating hormone]], [[luteinising hormone]], [[LHRH]]<br> [[gamolenic acid]], gonadotropin release inhibitor, [[progestogen]], [[dopamine agonist]], [[estrogen|oestrogen]], [[prostaglandin]], [[gonadorelin]], [[clomiphene]], [[tamoxifen]], [[Diethylstilbestrol]] === For the skin === [[emollient]], [[antipruritic|anti-pruritic]], [[antifungal]], [[disinfectant]], scabicide, pediculicide, tar products, [[vitamin A derivatives]], [[vitamin D analogue]], [[keratolytic]], [[abrasive]], [[systemic antibiotic]], [[topical]] [[antibiotic]], [[hormone]]s, desloughing agent, exudate absorbent, [[fibrinolytic]], [[proteolytic]], [[sunscreen]], [[antiperspirant]], [[corticosteroid]] === For infections and infestations === [[antibiotic]], [[antifungal]], [[antileprotic]], [[antituberculous drug]], [[antimalarial]], [[anthelmintic]], [[amoebicide]], [[antiviral]], [[antiprotozoal agent|antiprotozoal]] === For immunology === [[vaccine]], [[immunoglobulin]], [[immunosuppressant]], [[interferon]], [[monoclonal antibody]] === For allergic disorders === anti-allergic, [[antihistamine]], [[NSAID]]s === For nutrition === tonic, iron preparation, [[electrolyte]], parenteral nutritional supplement, [[vitamin]]s, [[anti-obesity drug]], anabolic drug, haematopoietic drug, food product drug === For neoplastic disorders === [[cytotoxic drug]], [[sex hormone]]s, [[aromatase inhibitor]], somatostatin inhibitor, recombinant [[interleukin]]s, [[Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor|G-CSF]], [[erythropoietin]] === For diagnostics === [[contrast media]] === For euthanasia === An euthanaticum is used for [[euthanasia|euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide]], see also [[Barbiturate#Other non-therapeutical uses|barbiturates]]. Euthanasia is not permitted by law in many countries, and consequently medicines will not be licenesed for this use in those countries. == Legal considerations == Medications may be divided into [[over-the-counter drug]]s (OTC) which may be available without special restrictions, and [[prescription only medicine]] (POM), which must be prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner. The precise distinction between OTC and prescription depends on the legal [[jurisdiction]]. The [[International Narcotics Control Board]] of the [[United Nations]] imposes a world law of [[prohibition]] of certain medications. They publish a lengthy list of chemicals and plants whose trade and consumption (where applicable) is forbidden. OTC medications are sold without restriction as they are considered safe enough that most people will not hurt themselves accidentally by taking it as instructed. Many countries, such as the [[United Kingdom]] have a third category of pharmacy medicines which can only be sold in registered pharmacies, by or under the supervision of a [[pharmacist]]. == Other/related topics == [[Polypharmacy]]: suggests that multiple use of prescribed and non-prescribed medications, (use of 5 or more), can have adverse effects on the recipient. [[Zoopharmacognosy]]: Animal usage of drugs and non-foods. ==Blockbuster drug== <!--Blockbuster drug redirects here--> A blockbuster drug is a drug generating more than $1 billion of revenue for its owner each year. The search for blockbusters has been the foundation of the R&D strategy adopted by big [[pharmaceutical company|pharmaceutical companies]], but this looks set to change. New advances in [[genomics]], and the promise of [[personalized medicine]], are likely to fragment the pharmaceutical market. A recent report from Urch Publishing estimated that about one third of the pharma market by value is accounted for by blockbusters. About 100 products are blockbusters. The top seller was Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering medication marketed by [[Pfizer]] with sales of $12.2 billion. ===Leading blockbuster drugs=== {| class="wikitable sortable" !Medication !Trade name !Company |'''Sales'''<ref>''Pharmaceutical Market Trends, 2006-2010'', from Urch Publishing [http://www.urchpublishing.com/publications/general/pharma_trends_00] </ref> <ref>''Blockbuster Drugs 2006: Executive Overview'', from Report Buyer[http://www.reportbuyer.com/pharma_healthcare/prescription_drugs/blockbuster_drugs_2006_executive_overview.html] </ref> (billion $), year |- |[[atorvastatin]] |Lipitor |[[Pfizer]] |5.9 < |- |[[clopidogrel]] |Plavix |[[Bristol-Myers Squibb]] and [[sanofi-aventis]] |5.9 2005 |- |[[enoxaparin]] |Lovenox or Clexane |[[sanofi-aventis]] | |- |[[celecoxib]] |Celebrex |[[Pfizer]] |2.3 2007 |- |[[omeprazole]] |Losec/Prilosec |[[AstraZeneca]] |2.6 2004 |- |[[esomeprazole]] |Nexium |[[AstraZeneca]] |3.3 2003 |- |[[Fexofenadine]] |Telfast/Allegra |[[Aventis]] |1.87 2004 |- |[[quetiapine]] |Seroquel |[[AstraZeneca]] |1.5 2003 |- |[[metoprolol]] |Seloken/Toprol |[[AstraZeneca]] |1.3 2003 |- |[[budesonide]] |Pulmicort/Rhinocort |[[AstraZeneca]] |1.3 2003 (plus some fraction of the $0.6bn sales of [[Symbicort]]) |- |} == See also == * [[List of drugs]] * [[Bioburden]] * [[Child-resistant packaging]] * [[Compliance (medicine)|Compliance]] * [[Herbalism]] * [[Medical prescription]] * [[Medicinal chemistry]] * [[Medicine]] * [[Nocebo]] * [[Patient safety]] * [[Pharmaceutical company]] * [[Pharmacology]] * [[Placebo]] * [[Prescription drug]] * [[Use of biotechnology in pharmaceutical manufacturing]] * [[Vaccine]] == References== <references/> == External links == {{external links}} * [http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/en/ WHO Model List of Essential Medicines] * [http://www.psdh.gov.hk/eps/productSearchSimpleAction.do Database of registered pharmaceuticals in Hong Kong] * [http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/DrugSafety/DrugIndex.htm Consumer drug information from the FDA] * [http://dev.innovation.org/story/researcher-stories.php Innovation's list of important pharmaceutical discoverers since 1987] * {{dmoz|Health/Medicine/|Medicine}} * [http://www.medicines.ie IPHA Medicines Compendium] *[http://www.medicines.org.uk www.medicines.org.uk] Up-to-date medicines information from the pharmaceutical industry and other sources * [http://thepharmaguide.com The Pharma Guide of Pakistan] * [http://www.worldpharmanews.com/ World Pharma News] {{Major Drug Groups}} [[Category:Pharmacology]] [[Category:Food and Drug Administration]] [[af:Geneesmiddel]] [[als:Medikament]] [[ar:دواء]] [[ast:Melecina]] [[bs:Lijek]] [[ca:Medicament]] [[cs:Léčivo]] [[da:Lægemiddel]] [[de:Medikament]] [[es:Medicamento]] [[eo:Kuracilo]] [[eu:Farmako]] [[fa:دارو]] [[fr:Médicament]] [[ko:의약품]] [[io:Medikamento]] [[ia:Medicamento]] [[it:Farmaco]] [[he:תרופה]] [[lt:Vaistas]] [[hu:Gyógyszer]] [[nl:Geneesmiddel]] [[no:Legemiddel]] [[pl:Farmakoterapia]] [[pt:Medicamento]] [[qu:Hampi]] [[ru:Лекарственные средства]] [[scn:Fàrmacu]] [[simple:Medication]] [[sk:Farmakoterapia]] [[sl:Zdravilo]] [[sr:Лек]] [[fi:Lääke]] [[sv:Läkemedel]] [[th:ยา]] [[tr:İlaç]] [[yi:מעדיצין]] [[zh:藥物治療]]