{ENGLISH} CHAPTER 1 PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURE FACILITIES – PART 1

CHAPTER 1 PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURE FACILITIES – PART 1

 

About Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical, also called “medicine” or “drug”, can be divided into:

1. Prescription-only drugs
Prescription-only drugs can be defined by purposes of use as the following:

For doctors (physician, dentist, veterinarian). Used as prescribed or instructed by the doctor.

2. Nonprescription drugs
Nonprescription drugs are also known as “OTC” (Over-The-Counter) drugs”.

Can be purchased freely and directly over the counter from pharmacies. There are also medicines called “OTC switch” with proven high safety. Used for self-medication.

According to an investigation by MHLW in Japan in 2012, the total sales revenue of drug products is JY6,894 billion. Approximately 90% (JY6,194 billion) of that is for prescription-only drugs, and 9.8% (JY677 billion) is for non-prescription drugs.

Pharmaceuticals have various forms, such as powder, tablets and liquid, etc. It can be classified into dosage form categories. Dosage form refers to the shape of a drug product that is determined based on the purpose, application or efficacy, and so on.  As an example, for Internal Drugs (tablets, chewable tablets, capsules, granules, liquid, etc.), External Drugs (ointment, nasal drop, transdermal patch etc.), Other Drugs (injection)

1) Internal drugs

2) External drugs

3) Other drugs

 

We will explain “Pharmaceutical Manufacture Facilities” on the next issuance.

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Author: Shigehiro Tahara; Editor: Lanny…