Tag: Medical grade oxygen

Oxygen is the most abundant element by mass in the Earth's crust, but this essential component of our air has a complex identity. For those in healthcare and scientific fields, the question "does oxygen count as a substance?" leads to a nuanced answer that depends heavily on the context, particularly within the realms of chemistry and pharmacology.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies medical-grade oxygen as a prescription drug, a fact many people find surprising given that it's a vital part of the air we breathe. However, in higher concentrations for therapeutic use, is oxygen considered a drug, and why is it regulated with the same scrutiny as other medications? This article will explain the pharmacological and regulatory reasons for this classification.