What is the overall term for chemical compounds used in the medical field?

The overall term for chemical compounds used in the medical field is pharmaceuticals. This term encompasses a wide range of substances that are specifically formulated to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent diseases and ailments in humans or animals. Pharmaceuticals can include prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, and biologics, all of which are essential for healthcare and medicinal treatments.

Organic compounds, while they can be part of pharmaceuticals, refer more broadly to any carbon-containing compounds and aren't specific to medicine. Biochemical compounds involve substances that participate in biological processes, which also may include non-pharmaceutical substances. Chemical agents is a more general term that can refer to any chemistries used for various purposes, including but not limited to medicine, which makes it less specific than pharmaceuticals. Thus, pharmaceuticals most accurately reflects the comprehensive category of chemical compounds designed and utilized for medical purposes.