What does pharmacology study?

Pharmacology is fundamentally concerned with the study of the effects of drugs on biological systems. This field encompasses various aspects, including how drugs interact with cellular and molecular targets, the physiological responses elicited from these interactions, and the overall mechanisms of action. Understanding these effects is essential for developing therapeutic strategies, designing new medications, and predicting potential side effects.

While the development and manufacturing of drugs, as well as the legal aspects of drug use and clinical practices in medication management, are important components of the broader pharmaceutical landscape, they each represent specialized areas that are not solely encompassed by pharmacology itself. Understanding the effects of drugs is the core principle that drives advancements in these other areas.