Drug vs Medicine: What Is the Difference?

People often use “drug” and “medicine” as if they mean the same thing, but they are not identical. A drug is any substance that changes how the body functions. It may be therapeutic, experimental or recreational. Examples include paracetamol, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and heroin. A medicine is a drug that is specifically prepared and used to prevent, treat or manage a disease, condition or symptom. For example, paracetamol is a medicine when used appropriately for mild pain or fever. In short, every medicine is a drug, but not every drug is a medicine. Drugs can have helpful or harmful effects, while medicines are intended for treatment when used correctly.

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