What does the phrase "recognized as a drug" include?

The phrase "recognized as a drug" primarily encompasses substances that are intended for the treatment or prevention of diseases. This definition aligns with the legal and medical understanding of what constitutes a drug, which typically includes any chemical that alters physiological functions.

In the context of health regulations, substances that can prevent, treat, or cure a disease are classified as drugs because they interact with the body in a therapeutic way. This classification is essential for regulatory oversight, ensuring that such substances are safely and effectively used under varying conditions and settings.

Other options, while they may have connections to health and wellness, do not fit the definition as closely as substances for treatment or prevention. For instance, devices used for health purposes may promote health but do not qualify as drugs themselves. Non-prescription medications are indeed drugs, but the phrase specifically broadens the scope to all substances recognized for their therapeutic effects, rather than exclusively focusing on those that can be purchased without a prescription. Homeopathic remedies, on the other hand, often lack scientific evidence of efficacy in the same way that many recognized drugs do and may not be categorized under the standard definition of a drug.