Farmakopöa

Farmakopöa refers to an official publication containing a list of medicinal drugs, with directions for their identification, quality standards, and assay, along with information on their preparation and uses. These compendia are established and revised by authoritative bodies, often governmental or professional organizations, to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of pharmaceutical products. The term originates from the Greek words "pharmakon" meaning drug, and "poieo" meaning to make.

The primary purpose of a farmakopöa is to set standards for medicines. This includes specifying the acceptable limits for impurities, the potency of active ingredients, and the physical characteristics of dosage forms. By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can ensure that their products are consistent and reliable, protecting public health. Pharmacopoeias also often include monographs for individual drugs, detailing their chemical structure, methods for testing purity and strength, and recommended storage conditions.

Historically, pharmacopoeias were developed to standardize the compounding of medicines by apothecaries. Today, they play a crucial role in pharmaceutical regulation and international trade, providing a common reference point for drug quality. Major pharmacopoeias include the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), and the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP). These compendia are regularly updated to reflect scientific advancements and emerging public health needs.