Pharmacotherapy

Pharmacotherapy is the branch of medicine dedicated to the treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions using drugs.

Overview

Pharmacotherapy involves the administration of drugs to treat or prevent disease. It is a vital component of modern medicine and stands alongside other treatments like surgical therapy, radiation therapy, and physical therapy. Pharmacotherapy encompasses a broad range of disciplines, skills, processes, and techniques, all aiming to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient use of drugs.

Role of Pharmacists

Pharmacists play a central role in pharmacotherapy. As experts in this field, they are responsible for the safe, appropriate, and economical use of pharmaceutical drugs. Their expertise extends beyond just dispensing drugs; they also offer advice on dosage, potential side effects, and interactions with other drugs.

The journey to becoming a pharmacist requires significant training in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical sciences, ensuring they have the knowledge to make informed decisions related to drug therapy.

Specialization

Some pharmacists go a step further by becoming pharmacotherapy specialists. These professionals have an in-depth knowledge of administering and prescribing medication. They frequently work as part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, serving as the primary source of drug-related information.

In the US, pharmacists can obtain Board Certification in pharmacotherapy by meeting specific eligibility criteria and passing an examination. However, despite their expertise, insurance companies in the US do not always recognize pharmacists as covered pharmacotherapy providers.

Research and Development

The continuous evolution and improvement of pharmacotherapy are underpinned by the science of pharmacology. Both the pharmaceutical industry and academia are invested in using basic science, applied science, and translational science to develop new drugs and improve existing drug therapies.

See also

• Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System
• CPR
• Family medicine
• General practice
• Health care
• History of pharmacy
• International Classification of Diseases
• ICPC-2 PLUS
• ICPC-2
• List of pharmaceutical companies
• Pharmaceutical care
• Pharmaceutical drug
• Pharmacist
• Primary care
• Referral (medicine)
• Therapy

References

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  Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics