PHARMACY ORIENTATION

Outline:
Introduction and orientation to the Profession of Pharmacy in relation to:
• Industrial Pharmacy
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacy
• Forensic Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Education and research etc.

Introduction:
The word “Pharmacy” is derived from the Greek word “Pharmakon” means medicine or drug. Pharmacy
is the science and technique of preparing, dispensing, and reviewing drugs and providing additional clinical
services.
The pharmacy profession is an integral part of healthcare systems worldwide, encompassing various roles
and responsibilities aimed at ensuring the safe, effective, and optimal use of medications. Pharmacists, as
healthcare professionals, play a critical role in promoting health, preventing diseases, and providing patient-
centered care.

Definitions:
Pharmacy is the art and science of discovering, producing, preparing, dispensing, reviewing and
monitoring medications, aiming to ensure the safe, effective, and affordable use of medicines.
Pharmacy can be defined as the knowledge of identification, selection, pharmaceutical action,
preservation, combination, analysis and standardization of drugs and medicines.
Pharmacy is the art and science of preparing, dispensing and proper utilization of drugs and medicines.
Pharmaceutics: pharmaceutics is the discipline of pharmacy that deals with the process of turning a new
chemical entity or old drug into a medication, to be used safely and effectively by patients
OR
Pharmaceutics is the branch of pharmaceutical sciences which deals with the overall process of developing
a new chemical entity into an approved therapy that is safe and effective in treating or preventing a disease.
Physical Pharmacy: Physical pharmacy is the branch of pharmacy that deals with the applications of the
principles of physics and chemistry to the study of pharmacy.
Disease: Any harmful deviation from the normal structural or functional state of an organism, generally
associated with certain signs and symptoms and differing in nature from physical injury.
Health: Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of
disease or infirmity.
Drug: A drug is a chemical substance, typically of known structure, which, when administered to a living
organism, produces a biological effect.
This substance may be:
• Natural
➢ Plant source
➢ Animal source
➢ Mineral source
• Synthetic (aspirin)
• Semi-synthetic (ampicillins)
Medicine: A medicine is the formulated form of drug having a definite dose and dosage form which is used
for prevention, cure, treatment, mitigation and diagnosis of a disease.

Pharmacist:
A Pharmacist holds a Graduation in Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D). Pharmacist is a person who is Expert
in medicines and a sole custodian of Medicines, right from manufacturing, testing, Clinical administration
& dispensing it safely to the patients. A Pharmacist cherish roles of different kinds, from working in clinical
pharmacy with direct interaction with patients alongside other medical staff to serving in community
pharmacy, he supervises Manufacturing units or Laboratories. A Drug expert (Pharmacist) can review
prescriptions and can suggest necessary dosage for the patients. In some developed countries, only a
pharmacist is at liberty to write prescriptions. Right man for the right job, obviously.
Pharmacist provides counseling about Drug-Drug interactions, Drug-Food interactions, he can work best
to reduce possible side effects of medicines.

Difference between drug and medicine:

Drug Medicine
Definition A drug is a chemical substance, A medicine is the formulated form of
typically of known structure, which, drug having a definite dose and dosage
when administered to a living organism, form which is used for prevention, cure,
produces a biological effect. treatment, mitigation and diagnosis of a
disease.
Compare All drugs are not medicines All medicines are drugs
Dosage form No appropriate dosage form / vehicle Have appropriate dosage form
Effects May have positive / negative effects Usually have positive effects
Usage Can not be used directly for treatment Can be use directly
Connotations Associated with negative connotations Associated with positive connotations
 Source Natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic API + excipient
Example Paracetamol Panadol (Paracetamol 500 mg)

Naming of a drug:
Description Example

Chemical Name Indicate chemical structure of drug N-acetyl-para-aminophenol

Generic Name Official non-proprietary name Paracetamol

Brand Name Proprietary name given to a medicine by the Panadol by (GSK)

pharmaceutical company that manufactures it

Dosage Form:

A dosage form is the physical format in which a medication is prepared and given to patients, such as
tablets, capsules, injections, or liquids, designed to deliver the drug efficiently and safely to the body.

It refers to the combination of the drug substance and any excipients (inactive ingredients) formulated
into a specific physical form for administration, such as tablets, capsules, liquids, injections, patches,
or creams.

• Is a drug delivery system which is formed by technological processing (drug formulation).

• Must reflect therapeutic intentions, route of administrations, dosing etc.

Need for Dosage Forms:

1. Accurate Dosage: Dosage forms ensure that patients receive a precise and consistent amount
of medication.
2. Protection of Drug Stability: Some drugs degrade due to environmental factors (e.g.,
moisture, light). Dosage forms protect the drug and extend its shelf life.
3. Controlled Release: Some forms allow the medicine to be released slowly over time for
longer-lasting effects.
4. Improved Patient Compliance: Dosage forms like flavored syrups or chewable tablets make
it easier for patients to take medication, especially children or the elderly.
5. Targeted Drug Delivery: Some dosage forms are designed to deliver the drug to a specific
part of the body, minimizing side effects (e.g., enteric-coated tablets protect drugs from
stomach acid).
6. Ease of Administration: Different dosage forms like tablets, liquids, or injections make it
easier for the patients to take their medicine.
Classification of Dosage forms:
 BRANCHES OF PHARMACY
1. INDUSTRIAL PHARMACY
Industrial pharmacy is a branch of pharmacy that deals with the development, manufacturing, quality
control, storage and marketing of pharmaceutical products with the aim of ensuring their safety, efficacy
and quality
OR
It is the branch of pharmacy that deals with the processing of drugs from the source up-to the finished
product and to provide safe, effective and good quality products to the professionals as well as to the
patients.

Departments of Industrial Pharmacy:

The pharmaceutical industry is divided into various departments, each playing a crucial role in the
development, production, and distribution of medicines. Here are the main departments and their
functions:

1. Research and Development (R&D)

• Function: This department is responsible for discovering and developing new drugs. It
conducts preclinical studies (lab and animal testing) and clinical trials to assess drug safety and
efficacy.
• Subdivisions:
o Drug Discovery: Involves identifying potential new drugs.
o Formulation Development: Focuses on creating the drug's final dosage form (tablet,
injection, etc.).

2. Quality Control (QC)

• Function: Ensures that raw materials, intermediate products, and final products meet
established quality standards. It conducts testing throughout the production process to
guarantee consistency and safety.
• Subdivisions:
o Microbiology: Ensures that products are free from microbial contamination.
o Chemical Analysis: Assesses the purity and potency of drugs.

3. Quality Assurance (QA)

• Function: Oversees compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ensures that
all products meet regulatory standards. It develops standard operating procedures (SOPs) and
conducts audits to maintain product quality throughout manufacturing.
4. Manufacturing and Production

• Function: Responsible for the large-scale production of drugs. This includes the preparation,
compounding, processing, and packaging of pharmaceutical products.
• Subdivisions:
o API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) Manufacturing: Produces the active
ingredients in medications.
o Formulation Production: Involves converting APIs into consumable forms like tablets
or injections.

5. Regulatory Affairs

• Function: Ensures that the company complies with all the regulations and legal requirements
for drug development and approval. This department handles submissions to regulatory
agencies (like the FDA or EMA) and manages product licenses.
• Activities:
o Filing for new drug applications (NDAs)
o Monitoring changes in regulations and ensuring compliance.

6. Medical Affairs

• Function: Provides scientific and medical expertise to the company. This department is
involved in medical communication, education, and post-market safety monitoring
(pharmacovigilance).
• Roles:
o Answering healthcare professionals’ queries about the product.
o Overseeing patient safety after the drug has been released.

7. Pharmacovigilance

• Function: Monitors the safety of drugs once they are on the market. This department tracks
adverse events and reports them to regulatory authorities.
• Key Activities:
o Assessing risk-benefit profiles.
o Investigating adverse drug reactions.

8. Supply Chain and Logistics

• Function: Manages the procurement of raw materials, distribution of finished products, and
inventory control. It ensures timely delivery of drugs to distributors and pharmacies.
• Roles:
o Warehouse management.
o Transportation and distribution logistics.
 9. Marketing and Sales

• Function: Promotes and sells the pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers, hospitals,
and consumers. It develops strategies to position the product in the market and increase its
uptake.
• Roles:
o Market research.
o Product launch and promotion.

10. Finance and Accounts

• Function: Manages the financial operations of the company, including budgeting, cost control,
and financial reporting.
• Roles:
o Managing investments.
o Tracking expenses and profits.

11. Human Resources (HR)

• Function: Handles recruitment, employee training, and organizational development. This

department ensures that the company complies with labor laws and creates a positive work
environment.

12. Legal Affairs

• Function: Manages legal aspects such as intellectual property (patents), product liability, and
contract management. It ensures the company operates within the legal frameworks of the
countries where it sells products.

Key Functions of Industrial Pharmacy / Role of Pharmacist in Industrial Pharmacy:

Industrial pharmacy plays a critical role in the development, production, and distribution of
pharmaceutical products. Key roles include:

1. Drug Development:

• Industrial pharmacists are involved in the research and formulation of new drugs, ensuring
safety, efficacy, and stability.
• They work on optimizing the physical and chemical properties of drugs for effective delivery
and patient compliance.

2. Formulation and Preformulation Studies:

• Preformulation involves studying the properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)

and excipients to determine the best formulation strategy.
 • Formulation development ensures that drugs are prepared in the right dosage forms (tablets,
capsules, injections, etc.) for therapeutic use.

3. Quality Control (QC):

• Industrial pharmacists ensure that the manufactured products meet strict quality standards and
regulatory requirements through rigorous testing for purity, potency, and stability.

4. Quality Assurance (QA):

• Ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory standards. QA
involves monitoring production processes to guarantee consistent quality in every batch.

5. Manufacturing Processes:

• They oversee the large-scale production of pharmaceutical products, including equipment

setup, process control, and scaling up laboratory formulations to industrial production.

6. Regulatory Affairs:

• Industrial pharmacists collaborate with regulatory bodies to ensure that products meet the legal
requirements for safety, efficacy, and labeling before they are approved for the market.

7. Packaging and Labeling:

• Developing packaging that ensures the stability and safety of products during storage and
transportation. Proper labeling is also essential for providing necessary information to
healthcare professionals and patients.

8. Supply Chain Management:

• Overseeing the sourcing of raw materials, production schedules, and distribution networks to
ensure timely availability of drugs to healthcare systems.

9. Pharmacovigilance:

• Monitoring the safety of drugs once they are on the market and handling reports of adverse
drug reactions (ADRs) to maintain patient safety.

10. Research and Development (R&D):

• Continual innovation in drug delivery systems, including sustained release, targeted delivery,
and the development of biopharmaceuticals.
 11. Cost Efficiency:

• Balancing cost-effective manufacturing while ensuring high-quality products, crucial in

•
• making medications affordable.

2. HOSPITAL PHARMACY
The department of the hospital which deals with procurement, storage, compounding, testing, packaging,
dispensing and distribution of drugs within the hospital or healthcare facility is called as hospital pharmacy.
Hospital pharmacies perform numerous essential functions within a healthcare facility.

Departments of Hospital Pharmacy:

Hospital pharmacy departments are crucial in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications in
healthcare settings. They typically consist of several specialized sections, each performing distinct roles:
1. Inpatient Pharmacy
• Role: Prepares and dispenses medications to patients admitted to the hospital.
• Services: Medication dispensing, sterile compounding (e.g., IV solutions), and medication
therapy management.
2. Outpatient Pharmacy
• Role: Dispenses medications to patients who are not hospitalized, such as those visiting
outpatient clinics or emergency departments.
• Services: Filling prescriptions, patient counseling, and medication monitoring.
3. Clinical Pharmacy
• Role: Pharmacists work directly with healthcare teams, providing expert advice on medication
therapy.
• Services: Medication therapy management, therapeutic drug monitoring, and involvement in
patient care rounds.
4. Sterile Compounding Unit
• Role: Prepares sterile medications like intravenous (IV) fluids, chemotherapy, and parenteral
nutrition under controlled environments.
• Services: Ensures aseptic preparation of medications to prevent contamination.
5. Non-Sterile Compounding Unit
• Role: Prepares non-sterile medications, including oral suspensions, topical creams, and
capsules, based on specific patient needs.
6. Drug Information Services
• Role: Provides accurate and up-to-date drug information to healthcare professionals and
patients.
• Services: Answering drug-related queries, supporting clinical decision-making, and
monitoring new drug releases and recalls.
7. Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee
• Role: A multidisciplinary group that makes decisions regarding the hospital's medication
formulary.
• Services: Evaluates and selects medications for use in the hospital based on efficacy, safety,
and cost-effectiveness.
8. Inventory Management and Procurement
• Role: Manages the stock of medications, ensuring the availability of essential drugs while
minimizing waste.
• Services: Ordering medications, managing expiration dates, and handling drug shortages.
9. Pharmacovigilance Unit
• Role: Monitors the safety of medications in use, focusing on detecting and reporting adverse
drug reactions (ADRs).
• Services: Collecting data on ADRs and ensuring safe medication practices.
10. Education and Training
• Role: Provides ongoing education for pharmacy staff, healthcare providers, and sometimes
patients.
• Services: Continuing education programs, pharmacist training, and medication safety
education.
Key Functions of Hospital Pharmacy / Role of Pharmacist in Hospital Pharmacy:
1. Medication Dispensing and Distribution: Hospital pharmacies are responsible for dispensing
medications prescribed by healthcare providers to inpatients and outpatients. They manage the
distribution of these medications to various hospital units, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
2. Medication Management / Formulary Management: Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in
hospital settings manage medication inventories, ensuring that the right medications are available in
adequate quantities. They oversee stock levels, handle medication recalls, and manage expired
medications.
3. Clinical Services and Patient Care: Pharmacists play a crucial role in patient care by providing
clinical services. They review medication orders, assess patients' medication histories, offer drug
information to healthcare providers, and participate in multidisciplinary rounds to optimize medication
therapy for individual patients.
4. Compounding and Preparation: Hospital pharmacies may compound medications when
commercially available forms are unsuitable or unavailable for specific patient needs. This involves
preparing customized medications or dosage forms tailored to patients' requirements.
5. Medication Safety and Adverse Event Monitoring: Hospital pharmacists actively monitor for
potential medication errors, adverse drug reactions, and drug interactions. They implement strategies
to enhance medication safety, such as conducting medication reconciliation and offering
recommendations to mitigate risks.
6. Patient Education and Counselling: Pharmacists counsel patients on their medications, including
dosage, administration instructions, potential side effects, and interactions. They also educate patients
on proper medication use and adherence to treatment plans.
7. Collaboration with Healthcare Teams: Hospital pharmacists collaborate closely with physicians,
nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive patient care. They
participate in treatment decisions, offer recommendations, and provide drug-related expertise to the
healthcare team.
8. Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance: Hospital pharmacies adhere to strict regulatory
standards and quality control measures to maintain the safety, efficacy, and integrity of medications.
They comply with local, state, and federal regulations governing the storage, handling, and dispensing
of medications.
9. Research and Education: Some hospital pharmacies engage in research activities, participate in
clinical trials, or contribute to educational programs for healthcare professionals and the community.
They stay updated with the latest advancements in pharmaceuticals to improve patient care.
Overall, hospital pharmacies play a pivotal role in providing safe, effective, and high-quality
pharmaceutical care to patients within the healthcare institution.
 3. RETAIL PHARMACY / COMMUNITY PHARMACY
Community pharmacy or retail pharmacy is a health-care facility where licensed pharmacists dispense
medicines and other related products to the customers according to the prescription order of registered
medical practitioner.
These pharmacies are typically located in local communities, easily accessible to the public.

Sections of Community Pharmacy:

Community pharmacy encompasses various sections that cater to different aspects of pharmaceutical care
and services. Here are some key sections typically found in community pharmacy settings:
1. Dispensing Counter: Focuses on the preparation and dispensing of medications based on
prescriptions. Pharmacists here ensure accuracy, patient safety, and adherence to legal
regulations.
2. Clinical Pharmacy Services Counter: This department provides patient counseling,
medication therapy management, and health screenings. Clinical pharmacists may also
collaborate with healthcare providers to optimize medication use.
3. Compounding Area: Responsible for preparing customized medications for patients when
commercially available products are unsuitable. This includes creating formulations tailored to
individual patient needs.
4. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Sales Counter: Manages the sale of non-prescription medications
and health products. Pharmacists provide guidance on the appropriate use of these products.
5. Public Health and Wellness Services Counter: Involves health promotion activities such as
immunization programs, smoking cessation programs, and health education initiatives.
6. Inventory Management Department: Ensures the availability of medications and products
by managing stock levels, ordering, and storage. This department also addresses issues related
to expired or recalled products.
7. Pharmacy Administration: Handles the operational aspects of the pharmacy, including human
resources, finance, and compliance with regulations and policies.
8. Customer Services Department: Focuses on patient interactions, addressing inquiries, and
providing support to enhance the overall patient experience.
9. Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Section: Involves reviewing patients'
medications to identify potential issues, optimizing therapy, and ensuring adherence to
treatment plans.
Services provided by community pharmacies / Role of Pharmacist in community
pharmacy:
The role of a pharmacist in a community pharmacy is multifaceted and vital in ensuring the safe and
effective use of medications and promoting overall health and wellness within the community. Some of the
primary responsibilities and roles of a pharmacist in a community pharmacy include:
1. Dispensing of Medications: Pharmacists are responsible for accurately dispensing prescription
medications. They ensure that the right medication is provided in the correct dosage, and they check
for potential drug interactions or contraindications based on the patient's medical history.
2. Patient Counselling: Pharmacists offer comprehensive counselling to patients on how to take their
medications properly. They explain dosage instructions, potential side effects, storage requirements,
and any special considerations for use.
3. Patient Education: Pharmacists educate patients on various health-related topics, including disease
management, lifestyle modifications, and preventive care. They provide information on vaccinations,
proper nutrition, exercise, and ways to manage chronic conditions.
4. Medication Management: Pharmacists review prescriptions to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.
They may also suggest adjustments to medication regimens in collaboration with healthcare providers
to optimize therapy, reduce side effects, or improve treatment outcomes.
5. Counselling on Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: Pharmacists advise patients on the selection
and appropriate use of over-the-counter medications and supplements. They help customers choose the
right products based on their needs and medical conditions.
6. Health Screening and Monitoring: Some pharmacists conduct health screenings such as blood
pressure checks, cholesterol tests, or diabetes monitoring. They interpret the results and provide
guidance on managing these conditions.
7. Immunizations: Pharmacists administer vaccinations and immunizations, contributing to public
health initiatives by providing easy access to important vaccines like flu shots or other routine
immunizations.
8. Medication Therapy Management (MTM): Pharmacists may offer MTM services, working closely
with patients to optimize their medication regimens, improve adherence, and prevent medication-
related problems.
9. Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Pharmacists collaborate with physicians, nurses, and
other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care. They communicate regarding patient
medications, provide input on treatment plans, and address any medication-related concerns.
10. Health Promotion: Pharmacists engage in health promotion activities within the community. They
may conduct health education sessions, seminars, or workshops on various health topics to promote
wellness and disease prevention.
Overall, pharmacists in community pharmacies play a crucial role in ensuring medication safety, providing
valuable healthcare advice, and contributing to the overall well-being of individuals in the community.

4. FORENSIC PHARMACY
The branch of pharmacy that is responsible to frame rules and regulations about formulation,
manufacturing, sale and distribution of drugs is said to be as forensic pharmacy.
OR
It is the branch of pharmacy that concerns with the laws and acts related to profession of pharmacy.

Explanation:
All these rules & regulations are provided in a book called “Manual of Drug Laws”. The profession of
pharmacy is controlled & protected by the “Pharmacy Act 1967”. Following authorities are responsible to
regulate the regulations of drug act:
1. Divisional Drug Inspector
2. Drug Inspector
Ministry of Health is also responsible to issue license for launching of pharmaceutical industry & process
of manufacturing.
Drug controller, Deputy Drug Controller & assistant drug controller are the responsible authorities in
Ministry of Health.
There is a Quality Control Board (QCB) work in coordination with Ministry of Health and is responsible
to maintain the quality of drugs. There is a Drug Court in each province of the country and is responsible
to deal legal matter related to drugs.
Types of Pharmacy Council:
• Central Pharmacy Council – It regulates the pharmacy education courses. The central council
arranges the committees e.g., pharmacopoeia committee, education committee.
• Provincial Pharmacy Council – Its function is to register the pharmacists.

Other Perspective:
1. Medicolegal Investigations: They assist in determining the cause and manner of death in cases
involving drug toxicity or poisoning. This can involve analysing post-mortem specimens for the
presence of drugs and interpreting their effects on the body.
2. Drug Analysis: Forensic pharmacists analyse substances seized in criminal investigations to identify
their composition, purity, and potential effects. This analysis is crucial in drug-related cases, such as
drug trafficking or illegal drug manufacturing.
3. Expert Testimony: They provide expert opinions and testify in court as witnesses, explaining complex
pharmaceutical concepts and findings to judges and juries in a comprehensible manner.
4. Drug Regulations and Compliance: They may also work to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical
regulations and standards, investigating cases of medication errors, drug adulteration, or inappropriate
prescribing practices.
5. Research and Education: Forensic pharmacists conduct research to develop new methodologies for
drug analysis and contribute to the education and training of pharmacy students and professionals in
forensic pharmacy techniques and practices.
Overall, forensic pharmacy involves the application of pharmaceutical sciences and expertise to assist the
legal system in understanding and resolving cases related to drugs, medications, and pharmaceutical-
related issues.

PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

Introduction
Pharmaceutical research and education play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare and improving patient
outcomes. This interdisciplinary field encompasses the discovery, development, and delivery of
pharmaceutical products, along with the educational frameworks necessary to prepare professionals in the
industry. The key components in pharmaceutical research and education includes:

1. Pharmaceutical Research
1.1. Drug Discovery and Development
Pharmaceutical research primarily focuses on the discovery and development of new medications. This
process typically involves several stages:
• Target Identification: Identifying biological mechanisms associated with diseases.
• Hit Discovery: Screening compounds for potential therapeutic effects.
• Lead Optimization: Refining lead compounds to enhance efficacy and safety.
• Preclinical and Clinical Trials: Conducting laboratory and human studies to assess drug safety
and effectiveness.
1.2. Formulation Development
Developing a suitable formulation is crucial for ensuring the drug's stability, bioavailability, and release
profile. Research in this area involves:
• Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Understanding how drugs behave in the body
and their therapeutic effects.
• Drug Delivery Systems: Innovations in formulations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and
controlled-release systems.
1.3. Regulatory Considerations
Pharmaceutical research must comply with rigorous regulatory standards established by agencies like the
FDA, EMA, and WHO. Understanding these regulations is essential for successful drug approval and
market entry.

2. Pharmaceutical Education
2.1. Curriculum Design
Pharmaceutical education encompasses various programs, including Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm),
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), and graduate degrees (M.S., Ph.D.). Key components of the curriculum
include:
• Basic Sciences: Courses in chemistry, biology, and pharmacology.
• Clinical Pharmacy: Training in patient care, pharmacotherapy, and disease management.
• Pharmaceutical Sciences: Focus on drug formulation, analysis, and quality control.
2.2. Experiential Learning
Integrating practical experiences, such as internships and rotations, is critical for preparing students for the
workforce. These experiences help students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing
their skills in patient care and pharmacy practice.
2.3. Continuing Education
As the pharmaceutical landscape evolves, ongoing education is necessary for professionals. Continuous
professional development (CPD) programs, workshops, and conferences ensure that pharmacists and
researchers remain current with new developments, technologies, and regulatory changes.
End of the Document.