A pharmacopoeia constitutes a legally enforceable compilation of standards and quality criteria for medications utilized within a specific country or region.
The term “Pharmacopoeia” was first used as a specific title in a publication from Basel, Switzerland, in 1561 by Dr. A. Foes, although it did not gain widespread usage until the early 17th century. Modern pharmacopoeias primarily concentrate on ensuring the quality of products through various analytical science tools.
The objective of achieving extensive global harmonization of quality standards for selected pharmaceutical products, excipients, and dosage forms emerged alongside increased globalization and mutual collaboration.
The history of these initiatives dates back to 1902-1925, when agreements were made to establish a “Unified” Pharmacopoeia. In 1929, the “Brussels Agreement” mandated the League of Nations to perform related administrative duties.
Eight years later, in 1937, the inaugural meeting of the “Technical Commission of Pharmaceutical Experts” took place. A significant milestone in the history of medicine quality assurance occurred in 1948, when the First World Health Assembly (WHA) endorsed the Expert Committee on Unification of Pharmacopoeias to further this initiative. The following year, the WHA rebranded it as the Expert Committee on International Pharmacopoeia.
Every nation has its own legislation governing pharmaceutical preparations, which establishes standards and necessary quality indices for medications, raw materials, and formulations used in drug manufacturing.
These regulations are detailed in distinct articles. General and specific issues concerning individual drugs are compiled in a publication known as a Pharmacopoeia.
On December 15, 1820, the first United States Pharmacopoeia (U.S.P) was published.
In 1864, the inaugural British Pharmacopoeia (B.P) was released.
Subsequently, in 1955, the first Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) was issued.