Farmaka

Farmaka is a term used in pharmacology and in several languages, notably Greek, to refer to medicines or pharmaceuticals. It designates chemical substances or preparations that have a therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive effect, including active ingredients and the finished drug products that contain them.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from the Greek pharmakon, meaning drug, remedy, or poison. The science of drugs is pharmacology (farmakologia). Farmaka covers a broad range of therapeutic agents, including small-molecule drugs, biologics, vaccines, and other regulated medicines. It includes both prescription and over-the-counter products, as well as generics and brand-name medicines. It does not generally include cosmetics or nutraceuticals unless they have demonstrable pharmacological effects.

History: Human use of medicines dates back to ancient times, with plant and mineral remedies described in early pharmacopoeias. The modern understanding of pharmacology emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, accompanied by advances in chemical synthesis, mechanistic insight, standardization, and regulatory oversight, culminating in contemporary drug development and safety monitoring.

Regulation and manufacturing: Drug development follows discovery, preclinical testing, and clinical trials (phases I–III), leading to regulatory review and approval. Production is governed by Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and rigorous quality control. After market entry, pharmacovigilance systems monitor safety, effectiveness, and potential risks.

Safety and issues: Farmaka offer clinical benefits but can cause adverse effects and drug interactions. Safety signals are managed through monitoring, risk management plans, and, where applicable, pharmacogenomic considerations. Counterfeit and substandard medicines pose ongoing public-health challenges.

Global context: Access, affordability, and supply chains affect the availability of farmaka. International cooperation and regulatory harmonization aim to balance timely access with robust safety and quality standards.