Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)

An Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is the primary component in a medication responsible for producing its therapeutic effect. It is the chemical substance that treats or cures a medical condition. The API is combined with other ingredients, called excipients, which help deliver the medication effectively. For example, in a painkiller, the API might be acetaminophen, which relieves pain and reduces fever. The quality, purity, and potency of the API are critical to ensuring the medication is safe and effective for patients.