Pharmacologic

Pharmacology is the branch of biology that studies the interaction of drugs with the human body. It is a broad field that encompasses the study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of drugs, as well as their biochemical and physiological effects.

History

The history of pharmacology dates back to the earliest civilizations, where plants and other natural substances were used for their medicinal properties. The first recorded use of drugs for medicinal purposes can be traced back to the Ancient Egyptians. The field of pharmacology as we know it today, however, began to take shape in the 19th century with the advent of modern chemistry and the scientific method.

Branches of Pharmacology

Pharmacology can be divided into several branches, each focusing on a different aspect of the field. These include:

• Clinical Pharmacology: This branch focuses on the study of drugs in humans. It involves the study of the effects of drugs, the monitoring of drug therapy, and the research of new drugs.

• Pharmacodynamics: This branch studies the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs on the body. It looks at how drugs work and what they do.

• Pharmacokinetics: This branch studies how the body affects a specific drug after administration. It looks at the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs.

• Toxicology: This branch studies the harmful effects of drugs and other chemicals on the body.

Drug Discovery and Development

The process of drug discovery and development involves the identification of potential new drugs, the testing of these drugs in preclinical and clinical trials, and the monitoring of their effects once they are on the market. This process is complex and involves many different disciplines, including chemistry, biology, and medicine.

See Also

• Pharmacy
• Medicine
• Biochemistry
• Physiology

References

Pharmacologic Resources
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