dokuyaku

Dokuyaku (毒薬) is a Japanese term meaning poison or poisonous drug. The word combines 毒 (doku, poison) and 薬 (yaku, medicine). It is used to describe substances that are toxic to humans and may be lethal, in contrast to medicines intended to treat illness.

In pharmacology and toxicology, dokuyaku refers to substances capable of causing harm in sufficient doses. Toxicity depends on dose, exposure route, and individual susceptibility. Some compounds can be medicinal at controlled, regulated doses yet are considered dokuyaku if misused, ingested inappropriately, or encountered accidentally.

Historically and in contemporary culture, the concept of dokuyaku appears in literature, film, and media as a plot element. In real-world practice, the identification, handling, and disposal of toxic substances are governed by safety and regulatory frameworks to prevent poisoning and misuse.

Regulation: In Japan, poisonous drugs and other toxic substances are subject to regulatory controls. Handling, sale, and distribution require appropriate licensing, labeling, and safety measures under national pharmaceutical and toxic substance laws. The distinction between dokuyaku and safer medications reflects the need to balance therapeutic potential with potential harm.

See also: Poison; Toxicology; Pharmacology; Poison control.