Pharmac

Pharmacology is the branch of biology that studies the interaction of drugs with living organisms to understand their properties, actions, and effects. It is a multidisciplinary science that combines principles from chemistry, physiology, and pathology to achieve its goals.

History

The history of pharmacology dates back to the earliest civilizations, where plants and other natural substances were used for their medicinal properties. The modern discipline of pharmacology emerged in the 19th century with the development of synthetic chemistry and the ability to isolate and purify active ingredients from plants.

Branches of Pharmacology

Pharmacology can be divided into several branches, each focusing on a different aspect of drug action and interaction.

• Pharmacodynamics: This branch studies the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs on the body or on microorganisms or parasites within or on the body.
• Pharmacokinetics: This branch deals with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs.
• Toxicology: This branch studies the harmful effects of drugs and other chemicals on living organisms.
• Pharmacoepidemiology: This branch studies the use and effects of drugs in large numbers of people.

Drug Discovery and Development

The process of drug discovery and drug development involves a complex sequence of research and testing stages. This includes the identification of potential drug targets, the design and synthesis of drug candidates, preclinical testing, and clinical trials.

Clinical Pharmacology

Clinical pharmacology is the application of pharmacological principles and methods in the medical clinic and towards patient care. It includes the study of the therapeutic use and potential toxicity of drugs in humans.

Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics are sub-disciplines of pharmacology that study how genetic variations influence individual responses to drugs. This knowledge can be used to predict drug response and to design personalized drug treatments.

See Also

• Pharmacy
• Medicinal chemistry
• Pharmacotherapy
• Pharmacognosy