For consumers
(1300 633 424)
Mon-Fri | 9am-5pm AEST
Your call will be answered by healthdirect Australia
For health professionals
Find out the active ingredient and other brand names of your medicines with the NPS Medicine Name Finder
For a medicinewise Australia
Independent. Not-for-profit. Evidence based.
Site Tools
Medicines – definition written & reviewed by Australian experts Medicines
Substances used to treat an illness or medical condition. A medicine can be available as a prescription medicine or over-the-counter and can include complementary medicines.
Medicines come in many forms, such as tablets, liquids, inhalers, drops, patches, creams, lotions, pessaries, suppositories and injections. Some are taken by mouth, while others are applied to parts of the body.
Date published: 2011-01-24 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
