Arzneimittels

Arzneimittel, in English often translated as medicines or pharmaceuticals, are substances or combinations of substances intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of disease, or to affect the structure or function of the body. In German, the base form is Arzneimittel; the form Arzneimittels is a genitive inflection (des Arzneimittels) and is not generally used as a standalone term. Arzneimittel encompass a broad range of products, including chemical drugs, biologics, vaccines, radiopharmaceuticals, and diagnostic agents used for therapy.

Classification and forms vary by purpose and regulation. Medications can be prescription-only or over-the-counter, and may be small-molecule drugs or biologics such as proteins and monoclonal antibodies. They are produced in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injections, infusions, creams, transdermal patches, and inhalants. Administration routes include oral, topical, parenteral, and inhalational.

Development, approval, and quality control are tightly regulated. Before market entry, Arzneimittel undergo preclinical and clinical testing to establish safety and efficacy. In the European Union, the European Medicines Agency coordinates assessment; in other regions, national authorities perform approval processes. Manufacturing adheres to good manufacturing practice (GMP); quality is governed by pharmacopoeias and product specifications. Post-marketing surveillance, or pharmacovigilance, monitors adverse effects and informs risk management.

Impact and access vary globally. Many countries maintain essential medicines lists to guide coverage and prioritization. Pricing, reimbursement, and intellectual property considerations influence availability, while ongoing research aims to improve safety, effectiveness, and accessibility of Arzneimittel.