DRUG
drug,n.1. A substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, treatment, or prevention of
disease. 2. A natural or synthetic substance that alters one’s perception or consciousness. See
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. [Cases: Controlled Substances 9.]
addictive drug.A drug (such as heroin or nicotine) that, usu. after repeated consumption,
causes physical dependence and results in well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.
[Cases: Controlled Substances 9.]
adulterated drug.A drug that does not have the strength, quality, or purity represented or
copycat drug.See generic drug.
dangerous drug.A drug that has potential for abuse or injury, usu. requiring a label warning
that it cannot be dispensed without a prescription. [Cases: Controlled Substances 9.]
designer drug.A chemical substance that is created to duplicate the pharmacological effects of
controlled substances, often by using the same chemicals contained in controlled substances, but
manipulating their formulas. [Cases: Controlled Substances 9, 43.]
ethical drug.A drug that can be dispensed only with a doctor’s prescription. Cf. proprietary
generic drug.A drug containing the active ingredient of but not necessarily the same excipient
substances (such as binders or capsules) as the pioneer drug marketed under a brand name. —
Also termed copycat drug. See pioneer drug. [Cases: Health 319.]
new drug.A drug that experts have not recognized as safe and effective for use under the
conditions prescribed. 21 USCA § 321(p)(1). • The Food and Drug Administration must approve
all new drugs before they can be marketed. [Cases: Health 317.]
orphan drug.A prescription drug developed to treat diseases affecting fewer than 200,000
people in the United States (such as a rare cancer) or whose developmental costs are not
reasonably expected to be recovered from the drug’s sales. 21 USCA § 360bb. [Cases: Health
319.]
pioneer drug.The first drug that contains a particular active ingredient that is approved by the
FDA for a specified use.
precompounded prescription drug.A drug that is distributed from the manufacturer, to the
pharmacist, and then to the consumer without a change in form.
proprietary drug.A drug that is prepared and packaged for the public’s immediate use. •
Proprietary drugs may be sold over the counter. Cf. ethical drug.
DRUG ABUSE
drug abuse.The detrimental state produced by the repeated consumption of a narcotic or other
potentially dangerous drug, other than as prescribed by a doctor to treat an illness or other medical
condition. [Cases: Chemical Dependents 1; Controlled Substances 38. C.J.S. Chemical
Dependents §§ 2–3.]
DRUG ADDICT
drug addict.See ADDICT. [Blacks Law 8th]