Combination drug

A combination drug is most simply defined as a chemical composition of at least two drugs combined in a single dosage form, typically as one tablet or one capsule, or a single serving in the case of an elixir or tincture–all of which are intended for oral administration, where as the latter two liquid formulations are designed to be taken orally, but specifically under the tongue. Other forms of such medication include injectable suspensions (e.g. intravenous therapy) or suppository intended for rectal administration. A legitimate, mainstream combination drug that exceeded rigorous laboratory quality standards and been approved for medical use as a pharmaceutical-grade medication is a safe option for treating multiple symptoms or diseases amongst various patients within a large population–and this includes combinations of solely over-the-counter medicine, solely prescription drugs, or any combination of both types. When the pharmaceutical-quality ingredients are supplemented with active ingredients that are relatively unregulated in the United States; as a consequence of the Dietary Supplement and Health Act of 1994, supplements may be of questionable product quality, doubtful accuracy of dosing measurements, mislabeled ingredients, deceptive sourcing claims, and may not fully disclose the relative the true bioavailability of vitamins and minerals (for example, vitamin d3 is superior in efficacy than vitamin d2, whereas forms of magnesium like magnesium glycinate, malate, and magnesium taurate|taurate]] are absorbed much better than magnesium oxide); finally, herbs, herbal extracts, and alkaloids may offer therapeutic benefits, as well as adverse effects pertaining to uncertain toxicity ranges.

A polypill is a specific type of combination drug exclusively in the form of a "pill<" whether a tablet, capsule, caplet, or softgel, containing four or more active ingredients,^[1][2] frequently requiring custom preparation at a compounding pharmacy in order to meet the personalized specifications deemed necessary by a patient's medical prescription. Such specificities may include uncommon, unconventional, or unavailable dosage, dosage form, a modified release mechanism, and necessity for a particular speed of onset and/or duration of action. Polypills can encompass four or more of any combination of approved prescription drugs and over the counter drugs, and may also include nutritional supplements, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, vitamins and/or essential minerals.^[3]