Pharmacology

Pharmacology is a branch of medicine and biology concerned with the study of drug action.

Key Areas

Toxicology, Pharmacogenomics, Neuropharmacology, Pharmacokinetics

Importance in Healthcare

Pharmacologists contribute to optimizing drug therapy by understanding drug actions, interactions.

Pharmacology is a branch of medicine and biology concerned with the study of drug action. It involves understanding how drugs interact with biological systems to affect function, and it encompasses the study of the sources, chemical properties, biological effects, and therapeutic uses of drugs. As a fundamental area within the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, pharmacology provides critical insights that guide the development and clinical use of pharmaceuticals.

• Pharmacodynamics:
  • Study of how drugs affect the body, including mechanisms of action, drug-receptor interactions, and the relationship between drug concentration and effect.
• Pharmacokinetics:
  • Study of how the body affects drugs, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) processes.
• Clinical Pharmacology:
  • Application of pharmacological principles in clinical settings to optimize drug therapy and improve patient care.
  • Focus on drug efficacy, safety, and therapeutic use in humans.
• Toxicology:
  • Study of the adverse effects of chemicals, including drugs, and the mechanisms underlying toxicity.
  • Includes the assessment of risk and the development of strategies to mitigate harmful effects.

• •  
• Pharmacogenomics:
  • Study of how genetic variation influences individual responses to drugs.
  • Aims to personalize medicine by tailoring drug therapy based on genetic profiles.
• Neuropharmacology:
  • Study of how drugs affect the nervous system and behavior.
  • Involves research on treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology:
  • Study of drugs that affect the cardiovascular system, including treatments for hypertension, heart disease, and arrhythmias.
• Chemotherapy and Antimicrobial Pharmacology:
  • Study of drugs used to treat infections and cancer.
  • Focus on mechanisms of action, resistance, and the development of new therapeutic agents.