Pharmacology (in Greek: pharmacon (φάρμακον) meaning drug, and logos (λόγος) meaning science) is the study of how chemical substances interact with living systems. If substances have medicinal properties, they are considered pharmaceuticals. The field encompasses drug composition and properties, interactions, toxicology, therapy, and medical applications and antipathogenic capabilities. The science is considered to have been invented by Arab physicians in Baghdad during the Golden Age of Islam; pharmacopoeias were penned in Arabic as early as the 7th century (Amin A. Khairallah: Outline of Arabic Contributions to Medicine: Chapter X, Chemistry and Pharmacy. 1946, ).

Development of medication is a vital concern to medicine, but also has strong economical and political implications. To protect the consumer and prevent abuse, many governments regulate the manufacture, sale, and administration of medication. In the United States, the main body that regulates pharmaceuticals is the Food and Drug Administration and they enforce standards set by the United States Pharmacopoeia.

Pharmacology as a science is practiced by pharmacologists. Subdisciplines are clinical pharmacology (the medical field of medication effects on humans), neuro- and psychopharmacology (effects of medication on behavior and nervous system functioning), and theoretical pharmacology.

More on [ Pharmacology ]

BBC News | Health | World Edition

Birth weight 'sets future health'
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:58:14 -0000
Blood vessel changes linked to poor health later in life can be spotted within a few years in boys born small, say scientists.
Dementia patients' memory probed
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:59:31 -0000
A study of dementia sufferers indicates they be able to remember more than first thought.
Woman left brain damaged by detox
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:08:30 -0000
A woman is awarded more than £800,000 after she suffered permanent brain damage while on a detox diet.
Doctors 'miss early HIV symptoms'
Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:11:20 -0000
HIV is being spread because doctors overlook symptoms which could reveal the infection, a charity claims.
Drug for deadly prostate cancer
Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:01:16 -0000
Scientists say a drug to treat aggressive prostate cancer may be the most significant advance in the field for 70 years.
Tobacco 'could help treat cancer'
Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:49:41 -0000
The tobacco plant - a cause of cancer - may offer the means to treat one form of the disease, a study suggests.

NYT > Health

Billionaires Back Antismoking Effort
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:09:07 -0000
Bill Gates and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will spend $500 million to stop people worldwide from smoking.
Veto Seems More Likely in Battle Over Tobacco Bill
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:18:02 -0000
The Bush administration has said it “strongly” opposes the effort to give the Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over tobacco.

CNN.com - Health

Make your home healthier in five easy steps
Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:14:19 -0400
You may think your home is safe, but there may be toxins in your water, linens, and even your deck. There are several simple steps you can take to make your kitchen, living spaces, playroom, and backyard healthier for you and your family. Parenting has specific steps to follow.

Subscribe to Medicine RSS feed