medication

Definition of medication

medication

(MEH-dih-KAY-shun)
A dosage form that contains one or more active and/or inactive ingredients. Medications come in many dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, and patches. They can also be given in different ways, such as by mouth, by infusion into a vein, or by drops that are put into the ear or eye. The form with the active ingredient is used to prevent, diagnose, treat, or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. A medication that does not contain an active ingredient and is used in research studies is called a placebo. Also called drug product.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms