Tag: Pharmacology history

Archaeological evidence of medicinal plant use may date back 60,000 years, prompting the question: which is the oldest drug in the world? [1.7.1] The answer lies deep in our prehistoric and ancient past, with opium being a prime candidate. [1.2.1]

The origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be traced back over 3,000 years, with the use of substances from plants, animals, and minerals documented in early texts. As we explore this history, we examine what drugs were used in ancient China and how their pharmacological knowledge was applied.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), multiple serious medication errors occurred due to consumer confusion between different Maalox products, which ultimately played a significant role in **why has Maalox been discontinued**. This issue, combined with major manufacturing problems and corporate shifts, led to the brand-name antacid's withdrawal from many markets.

By 1978, over 2.3 billion Valium pills were sold in the U.S. alone, making Valium the most prescribed and widely used medication of the decade. Understanding **what was the most used drug in the 1970s** reveals a pivotal period in pharmacology, marked by the widespread acceptance of tranquilizers and the subsequent reckoning with their risks.

With more than 85 million prescriptions filled in 2023, metformin is a cornerstone of diabetes care, but its origins are rooted in a humble plant. The medication traces its lineage to the 'French lilac drug,' a traditional herbal remedy derived from the *Galega officinalis* plant.

Developed in the mid-20th century, oxazolidinediones were once used to treat certain types of epilepsy, particularly absence seizures. However, due to severe and life-threatening side effects, these medications, such as trimethadione (Tridione) and paramethadione (Paradione), are no longer used in modern medicine. The story of these drugs highlights significant advancements in pharmaceutical safety and the understanding of drug toxicity.

Emerging in the post-World War II era, narcosynthesis, also known as the sodium amytal interview, was a psychiatric technique developed to treat acute traumatic neurosis, particularly in soldiers. This procedure involved using intravenous drugs, primarily barbiturates, to help patients access and process repressed traumatic memories and emotions.

Based on the weight of a single grain of wheat or barley, the grain (gr) is an ancient apothecary unit of measurement that was once used to define the dose of a **grain tablet**. This system has been largely phased out in modern medicine due to its inconsistencies and the risk of medication errors.

For decades in the mid-20th century, APC tablets were a popular over-the-counter remedy for common aches and pains. While the APC drug may no longer be available, its history serves as a cautionary tale in the world of pharmacology and drug regulation.

With archaeological evidence pointing to human use of psychoactive plants dating back over 10,000 years, the question of **what is the oldest drug on Earth?** is complex, but one substance with an exceptionally long and well-documented history is opium. The story of humanity's engagement with pharmacology is one of trial, error, and discovery, blending spiritual rituals with pragmatic attempts to alleviate suffering.