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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States play a crucial role in evaluating new drugs before they can be sold to the public. The process of drug regulation involves several stages, including preclinical testing, clinical trials, and post-marketing surveillance. During these stages, drugs are rigorously tested for safety and efficacy. Once approved, ongoing monitoring helps to identify any potential side effects or issues that may arise after a drug is on the market.