Pharmacology is defined as the basic and clinical science concerned with the interaction of chemicals with living systems. The field of pharmacology is an outgrowth of the field of chemistry. Early medicinal chemists who learned to isolate chemical compounds from plants and use these ingredients to produce medicines helped develop antibiotics, vaccines, anesthetics and other lifesaving drugs.
Pharmacologists are highly trained researchers who develop and test new drugs and determine the effects of chemicals, pollutants, poisons and other materials on animals and humans.
Pharmacy
Pharmacists prepare and dispense patient medications based on written orders by physicians, dentists, and other health care professionals. Pharmacists also inform and caution patients about the proper use of medications, possible side effects or adverse reactions, and interactions between different drugs. They assist patients in choosing nonprescription medications such as vitamins, headache or pain remedies, and cough syrups. The pharmacist must be knowledgeable about the latest medications for treating diseases. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing the medications.
Pharmacy personnel may work in community pharmacies,
hospitals, nursing homes, government agencies, or the pharmaceutical industry.
Training requirements vary from on-the-job training after high school to several
years of post-graduate training.
