Medication vs drug

Question

Hi.How are medications different from drugs?Thanks in advance

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

Medication and drug are frequently used interchangeably, also with medicine.
They are used in different contexts.

A drug is swallowed or injected.
Drug often implies an illegal substance that can be abused.
Drugs are prescribed by physicians.
Drugs often refer to the active ingredient in a preparation.
Scientists are experimenting to find new anti-malarial drugs.

Medications are more general; there are topical medications. (Applied to the skin.)
Medications can be purchased over-the-counter with or without a doctor's prescription.
It is not used in an illegal context like street drugs.

Collocations:

drug smuggling
experimental drug
illicit drug

oral medication
pain relief medication
prescription medication
preventive medication

Medication vs drug

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