What is the Difference Between a Drug and a Medicine? A drug is an artificial substance or a chemical that can be taken orally. It is typically used to treat diseases and illnesses. Drugs differ from medicines in the way that they affect the body. They may be more toxic or less effective than their natural counterparts. In addition, they can be addictive. Oral rehydration: Oral rehydration therapy (ORS) involves drinking a drink made of sugar and salts, and it is used to treat dehydration caused by diarrhoea. The main ingredient is water, but it can also contain glucose, potassium, or citrate. It is recommended for patients with moderate dehydration. In 1990, 2.6 million people died from diarrheal diseases, but by 2003, this figure had declined by one-third. However, there are still close to half a million children who die each year from diarrhoea. To combat this, the World Health Organization began using oral rehydration in the 1970s. Although ORS is effective, it has yet to be ...