Introduction to Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the branch of medicine and biology concerned with the study of drug
action. More specifically, it is the study of the interactions that occur between a living
organism and chemicals that affect normal or abnormal biochemical function.

Drugs—chemical substances used or intended to be used to modify or explore the

physiological condition or pathological state for the benefit of the recipient. Drugs may
be used for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

If substances have medicinal properties, they are considered pharmaceuticals..

The Five main areas of pharmacology are:

1. Pharmacodynamics.
2. Pharmacokinetics.
3. Pharmacotherapeutics.
4. Pharmacognosy
5. Toxicology

Pharmacokinetics—(what the body does to the drug)—it is the branch of pharmacology

that deals with drug dose, routes of administration and absorption, distribution,
metabolism and excretion.

Pharmacodynamics—(what the drug does to the body)—it is a branch of pharmacology

that deals with the mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, indication and
contraindication of use and adverse effects of drugs.

Pharmacotherapeutics. – study of drugs used in the diagnosis,

prevention,
Suppression & treatment of diseases
Deals with beneficial effects of the drugs (medicines)
Pharmacognosy – study of drugs in their original unaltered state;
• Origin of drugs

• Source of drugs
Ex: penicillin from penicillium (fungi)

Toxicology – study of biologic toxins: study of poison & its effects

deals with
Deleterious effects of physical & chemical agents (including drugs) in
human