Lijek

Lijek is a term used in Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, and other South Slavic languages to denote a medicine or drug. In everyday use it refers to substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease in humans, and also to veterinary medicines in some contexts. Etymology traces to Proto-Slavic roots related to healing.

Medicines are typically categorized by use: prescription medicines (require authorization from a healthcare professional), over-the-counter medicines (available without prescription), and specialized categories such as biologics, vaccines, or generics. They are formulated into various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, injections, topical preparations, inhalants, and liquids.

Regulation and safety: Medicines are regulated by health authorities to ensure safety, efficacy, and quality. This includes requirements for testing in clinical trials, manufacturing standards, labeling, and pharmacovigilance to monitor adverse effects after market release. Patient information leaflets provide dosing, interactions, contraindications, and warnings.

Historically, the development of medicines spans from traditional remedies to modern pharmacology. Key advances include isolation and characterization of active compounds, standardization of dosages, and advances in biotechnology leading to vaccines and biologic therapies.

In contemporary healthcare, access to medicines and responsible use are central concerns. Issues include affordability, counterfeit or substandard products, and the need for safe storage and proper disposal of medicines. See also pharmacology, pharmacovigilance, and drug regulation.