What does the term 'medication' refer to?

The term 'medication' specifically refers to a substance that is used for the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of a disease or to relieve the symptoms of a condition. This definition encompasses a wide range of substances, including both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, which are utilized to improve health outcomes for individuals experiencing various health issues.

While vitamins and supplements are important for overall health, they are not classified as medications unless they have a specific therapeutic purpose recognized in medical practice. Therefore, they do not fit the term 'medication' in the same way that substances that treat or prevent diseases do. Additionally, diagnostics or mixtures used solely for diagnostic purposes do not qualify as medications since they do not serve the primary function of treatment.