Medication

A medication is a licenced drug taken to cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical condition.

Related Topics:
Drug - Illness

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Medications are generally divided into two groups -- over the counter (OTC) medications, which are available in pharmacies and supermarkets without special restrictions, and Prescription only medicines (POM), which must be prescribed by a physician. Most OTC medication is generally considered to be safe enough that most persons will not hurt themselves accidentally by taking it as instructed.

Related Topics:
Over the counter - Pharmaci - Prescription only medicine - Physician

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However, the precise distinction between OTC and prescription depends on the legal jurisdiction.

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Medications are typically produced by pharmaceutical companies and are often patented. Those that are not patented are called generic drugs.

Related Topics:
Patented - Generic drug

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