Proprietary medicine is a term used in the pharmaceutical industry for medications that are sold under a proprietary or brand name. The spelling of this term is pronounced as /prəˈpraɪ.ə.tər.i ˈmɛd.ə.sɪn/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "proprietary" is derived from the Latin word "proprietas," meaning "ownership or property." The term "proprietary medicine" is used to describe medications that are marketed, sold, and distributed by a particular company or manufacturer, rather than by a pharmacist or a physician.
A proprietary medicine refers to a type of medication that is manufactured and sold under a brand name or trademark, usually by a single pharmaceutical company. It is a medication that contains a specific formulation or combination of active ingredients that distinguishes it from other similar medications available in the market.
Proprietary medicines are developed through extensive research and development by pharmaceutical companies, who hold the exclusive rights to manufacture and market them. These medicines are often protected by patents, allowing the company to have a monopoly on the drug for a specific period of time, usually up to 20 years. During this time, no other company can legally produce or sell the same medicine.
The formulation of proprietary medicines is usually kept secret, making it difficult for other companies to replicate the same drug exactly. This exclusivity allows the manufacturing company to set the price and control the supply and distribution of the medication. Common examples of proprietary medicines include well-known brands like Advil, Tylenol, and Zantac.
It is important to note that proprietary medicines undergo rigorous testing and evaluation by regulatory authorities to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality before they are approved for public use. Consumers are advised to carefully follow the instructions, dosages, and warnings provided with a proprietary medicine, and to consult healthcare professionals when necessary.
A medicinal compound the formula and mode of manufacture of which are the property of the maker.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "proprietary" originates from the Latin word "proprietas", which means "property" or "ownership". It entered the English language in the 17th century, referring to something that is privately owned or exclusive to a particular individual or organization.
The term "proprietary medicine" emerged in the 18th century and combines the word "proprietary" with "medicine". It refers to a medicinal product that is privately produced and sold under a registered brand name or trademark. These medicines were often marketed as secret formulas or exclusive remedies owned by specific companies or individuals.
Overall, the etymology of "proprietary medicine" reflects the concept of privately-owned and exclusive medicinal products.