Patent Medicine (Noun)
Meaning
Medicine that is protected by a patent and available without a doctor's prescription.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The company's new patent medicine was marketed as a cure-all for various ailments, but its effectiveness was questionable.
- In the late 19th century, patent medicines were widely available and often contained high levels of alcohol or other addictive substances.
- The FDA has strict regulations regarding the sale of patent medicines, requiring manufacturers to provide evidence of their safety and efficacy.
- Many patent medicines are available online, but consumers should be cautious when purchasing them due to the lack of regulation.
- The popularity of patent medicines has led to concerns about their potential impact on public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.