Drug regulation refers to the laws and guidelines that govern the development, approval, and monitoring of medications. These regulations ensure that drugs are safe, effective, and manufactured to high standards. Agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) play a crucial role in evaluating new drugs before they can be sold to the public. Once a drug is approved, regulation continues through post-marketing surveillance to monitor its safety and effectiveness in the general population. This ongoing oversight helps identify any potential side effects or issues that may arise after a drug is on the market, ensuring public health is protected.