Which of the following is NOT one of the main purposes of medications?

The determination that restoring lost function is not one of the main purposes of medications is informed by the traditional classification of medication purposes. Generally, medications are designed primarily to prevent disease, treat, cure, or control illnesses, and relieve symptoms associated with health conditions.

Preventing disease focuses on avoiding illness before it occurs, such as vaccines that prepare the immune system. Treatments aim to address existing health issues, whether by curing them completely or controlling symptoms. Additionally, pain relief is a critical aspect of many medication regimens, ensuring patients maintain quality of life during illness.

While restoring lost function might be an outcome of certain therapeutic interventions or broader healthcare strategies, it is not typically considered a direct purpose of medications themselves. Medications usually target specific symptoms or disease processes, rather than focusing on the restoration of function, which may involve physical therapy or surgical interventions in addition to pharmaceutical treatment.