"Drug" vs. "medicine": what's the difference?

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 21/02/2025, 20:55

English.me team member

Drug and medicine. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "drug" and "medicine" refer to substances used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose diseases and affect the structure or function of the body.

What is different?

"Medicine" generally refers to drugs used specifically for medical purposes to treat illnesses, whereas "drug" is a broader term that can also refer to illegal or recreational substances. "Drug" may carry a negative connotation when associated with substance abuse.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Drug

The doctor prescribed a new drug to help lower blood pressure.
She was arrested for possession of illegal drugs.
Some people abuse prescription drugs for recreational purposes.

Medicine

He forgot to take his medicine this morning.
Advancements in medicine have increased life expectancy.
Traditional medicine often uses herbs to treat ailments.