Pharmacology (In Greek: pharmakos means drug & logos means science) is the study of how substances (drugs) interact with living organisms to produce a change in function.

It also deals with the discovery, chemistry, composition, identification, biological/physiological effects and uses and manufacture of drugs.

Pharmaceuticals are substances with medicinal properties that aim to treat, cure, prevent, or recognise diseases and relieve pains through their application.

Subdivisions of Pharmacology

Pharmacology is a broad medical specialty and contains many subdivisions of study such as:

1. Behavioral pharmacology

2. Cardiovascular pharmacology

3. Biochemical and cellular pharmacology

4. Chemotherapy

5. Clinical pharmacology

6. Endocrine pharmacology

7. Neuropharmacology

8. Molecular pharmacology

9. Systems and integrative pharmacology

10. Toxicology

11. Veterinary pharmacology

12. Drug Discovery, Drug Development, and Regulatory Affairs

Drugs

A drug is a chemical/biological substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention or diagnosis of a disease or used to enhance physical or mental well-being in living organisms.

Nomenclature

1. Chemical name is given based on the drugs chemical composition and molecular structure. Eg: (+/-) 2 (p-isobutylphenyl) proponic acid.

2. General Name (Nonproprietary name) is the universally accepted name given by the United States Adopted Name Council. Eg: ibuprofen

3. Trade Name (Brand name/Proprietary Name) is a registered trademark for a drug and its use of the name is restricted by the drugs owner. Usually it is represented as Eg: Motrin