### What is Medication?
Medication, simply put, is a substance given to cure or treat a disease or condition. More formally, drugs or medicines are used to modify and control how the body responds to medical conditions and illnesses, and can be used to diagnose, treat, mitigate, or prevent a variety of ailments. This includes the detection of particular diseases, the treatment of symptoms, and management of chronic disease.

### Types of Medication
The five common types of medication are prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and herbal products.

**Prescription Medications** – These are medications that can only be dispensed through a prescription from a healthcare professional. They are often either a pill, capsule, ointment, injection, aerosol, cream, or patch. Prescriptions must be filled at a pharmacy.

**Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications** – These are medications that may be bought over-the-counter from a pharmacy or drug store without the need for a prescription. OTC medications are generally sold in the form of tablets, liquids, or creams.

**Dietary Supplements** – These are substances that are ingested with the intention of getting extra nutrients or for medicinal or therapeutic effect. These include vitamins, minerals, proteins, herbal and botanical products, and other nutritional supplements.

**Nutraceuticals** – Nutraceuticals are products that are derived from food sources and are thought to provide health and medical benefits, such as prevention and/or treatment of disease. Examples of nutraceuticals include fish oils, probiotics, glucosamine, green tea, and omega-3 fatty acids.

**Herbal Products** – Herbal products are derived from plants and are used to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. These products can come in many forms including capsules, tablets, extracts, teas, creams, tinctures, and salves.

### How Medication Affect the Body
When medicine is taken, it is absorbed by the body, converting it into a form that is suitable for cellular membranes, proteins, and other molecules. Once inside the body, drug molecules create changes by binding to specific receptors and communicating with cells. This communication with cells helps to regulate and mediate the biochemical and physiological activities associated with the illness or condition.

The changes created by a drug often lead to desirable outcomes, such as improved quality of life, reduced disease symptoms, and better management of medical conditions. However, the effects of a drug can sometimes create undesirable side effects that include nausea, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness.

### Monitoring Medication
It is important that the effectiveness and safety of a medication be monitored to ensure the desired outcome is reached and that any adverse events are addressed appropriately. The process of monitoring medication should include regular check-ups with a physician, following the doctor’s medication instructions, and keeping track of any changes in the patient’s condition.

Additionally, patients should educate themselves on the risks associated with the medications they are taking. This includes understanding the active ingredients, common side effects, interactions with other medications, and any drug allergies that could be present.

### Real-World Applications

Medication is widely used in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions and diseases. Examples of diseases being treated with medication include diabetes, cancer, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, infections, and allergies.

In addition to the treatment of disease, medications are also used to improve quality of life. This includes using medicines to aid in the management of conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

### Resources For Further Study
**Websites and Articles**
– Mayo Clinic – Medication Management
– NIH – Medication Safety
– Healthline – How Does Medicine Work?
– Harvard Health – Understanding Pharmacy and Prescription Drugs
– UpToDate – Types of Medications

**Books**
– Dispensing for Pharmaceutical Students by Robert A. Holt
– Pharmaceutical Care by Jody Phung
– Clinical Pharmacy Practice by Christopher Mahuri
– Medication Management by Anne Menke
– Understanding Medicine by Stephen Brody

**Courses**
– Pharmaceutical Principles and Practice Course by Johns Hopkins University
– Medication Safety and Quality Course by Harvard University
– Principles of Pharmacology Course by The Open University
– Pharmacy Practice Course by University of North Carolina
– Pharmacy Management Course by University of Illinois

### Key Takeaways
– Medication is a substance that is used to cure or treat a disease or condition.
– There are five common types of medication: prescription medications, OTC medications, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and herbal products.
– When medicine is taken, it is absorbed by the body and creates changes by binding to specific receptors and communicating with cells.
– It is important to regularly monitor medication in order to ensure effectiveness and safety.
– Medications are used to treat a variety of acute and chronic conditions, as well as to improve quality of life.

What is the purpose of taking medication?

The purpose of taking medication is to treat illnesses, infections, and other medical conditions by reducing symptoms, preventing further complications, and improving the overall health of the patient. Medications can be used to treat acute conditions such as a headache or an infection, as well as chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or depression. Medications may also be taken to prevent disease or to improve symptoms that are associated with certain conditions.

What is the difference between prescription and over-the-counter medication?

Prescription medications are medications that must be prescribed by a doctor. They tend to be more potent and require more intensive monitoring by the doctor and pharmacist. Over-the-counter medications are medications that can be purchased without a prescription. They are usually lower strength and have less stringent monitoring requirements.

What is the difference between a prescription drug and an over-the-counter drug?

A prescription drug is a medication that can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription. Prescription drugs are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and typically have more serious conditions or side effects associated with them.

An over-the-counter (OTC) drug is a medication that can be purchased without a prescription. OTC drugs are generally considered safe and effective, but they are not as closely regulated by the FDA as prescription drugs. OTC drugs are also generally more mild and have fewer risks or side effects associated with them.

What are some examples of prescription and over-the-counter drugs?

Prescription drugs:

– Levothyroxine (for thyroid disorders)

– Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (for pain relief)

– Metformin (for diabetes)

– Prednisone (for inflammation)

– Clopidogrel (for heart disease prevention)

Over-the-Counter drugs:

– Acetaminophen (for pain relief)

– Antacids (for heartburn)

– Ibuprofen (for inflammation)

– Benadryl (for allergies)

– Cough and cold medication (for symptom relief)

What is the difference between prescription and over-the-counter drugs?

Prescription drugs are medicines that can only be obtained by a doctor’s written prescription. These drugs are carefully monitored for safety and effectiveness, and may have more significant side effects and interactions than over-the-counter drugs. Over-the-counter drugs are medicines that are available without a prescription and are not subjected to the same scrutiny as prescription drugs. They are usually available in drug and grocery stores and are meant to treat minor medical conditions and symptoms. Over-the-counter drugs are generally safe when taken as directed, but they may have fewer treatment options and fewer safety features than prescription drugs.