prípravok

Prípravok is a term used primarily in Slovak to denote any prepared or formulated substance intended for a specific purpose. It is a broad label that can refer to medicines, cosmetics, laboratory reagents, household products, or other formulated substances. The precise meaning depends on context: in medicine and pharmacy it usually designates a medicinal product or dosage form that contains active substances together with excipients and is manufactured under quality control for sale or distribution. In cosmetics and personal care, it refers to a cosmetic preparation designed for external application. In a laboratory setting, a prípravok can be a chemical or biological reagent prepared for experiments.

Etymology: from the verb pripraviť, meaning to prepare; the noun refers to the thing that has been prepared.

Types and examples: Pharmaceutical prípravky include tablets, capsules, syrups, injections, creams and ointments, each with defined composition and intended use to diagnose, treat or prevent disease. Cosmetic prípravky include moisturizers, cleansers, and sunscreens. Household or industrial prípravky include cleaning products and solvents. Veterinary, diagnostic and research preparations are also described as prípravky.

Regulatory and quality aspects: in formal use, a prípravok is subject to guidelines or regulations appropriate to its field; quality control, labeling, shelf life, and safety data apply.

See also: medication, dosage form, pharmaceutical preparation, cosmetic product, reagent.