Introduction to Pharmacy

Introduction to Pharmacy

• Pharmacy is the study and preparation of medicines, providing information to the public.
• The word "pharmacy" originated from the Sanskrit word "jundani", referring to sandalwood, which was a known perfume and medicine.
• Another name for pharmacy is Pharmacology (derived from a Persian word).

Definition of Pharmacy

• Pharmacy involves the study of various aspects of medicine, including:
  • The origin of the medicine (plant, animal, or chemical).
  • The effects of the medicine on the body.
  • The place and mechanism of action of the medicine.
  • The dosage and methods of administration.

Pharmacy in the Arab World

• The first pharmacy was established in the 8th century during the reign of Caliph al-Mansur.
• Arab pharmacists were pioneers in establishing professional standards, including appointing a pharmacist for each city.
• Medical prescriptions and drug formulations were standardized.
• A system of apprenticeship and licensing was introduced.
• Caliph al-Mu'tasim conducted the first pharmacist examination in 221 AH (corresponding to the Gregorian calendar).
• Important figures like Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and Ibn al-Baitar, a renowned botanist, made significant contributions to the field.

Modern Pharmacy

• Pharmacopeias (compendia of medicinal drugs) emerged in the 18th century.
• Many Pharmacopeias were published, the earliest in 1701 and the last in 1799 after that, regular editions became established.
• Significant advancements in the 19th century with the discovery of new medicines and treatments like alkaloids, hypnotics, sedatives, antihypertensives, and expectorants.
• Martindale's reference was published in 1924.

Core Disciplines

• Pharmaceutics: Transforming chemical compounds into safe and effective drugs, determining dosages, and designing pharmaceutical forms. (e.g., tablets, ointments, capsules)
• Pharmacology: Studying drugs, their chemical structures, and effects on the body.
• Pharmacokinetics: Study of the body's impact on drugs, tracking their journey from intake to absorption, metabolism, and elimination.
• Pharmacodynamics: Study of a drug's effects on the body, particularly the relationship between drug concentration and resulting effect.
• Pharmacogenomics: The study of how genetic variations affect drug responses in patients, considering drug effectiveness and toxicity.

Key Definitions

• Drug/Medicine: The raw substance (plant, animal, mineral) used in preparing medicine.
• Types of Drugs:
  • Naturally derived (plants, e.g., morphine, digoxin)
  • Animal-derived products (e.g., pepsin, insulin)
• Important Points: Raw materials undergo various processes before becoming medicine to be safe and effective for use.

Drug Classification, Names and Forms

• Drug Classification: Over-the-counter (OTC), Behind-the-counter, and Prescription-only.
• Drug Names: Chemical name (complex), generic name (standard), brand name (marketing).
• Different Forms: Tablets, capsules, solutions, ointments.

Poison (Toxicology)

• Poison: Any chemical, plant, or animal material that causes dysfunction or injury when ingested in small amounts, leading to unwanted effects (or death).
• Poisoning can occur when taking too much medication or the wrong dosage.

Drug Effects and Treatment

• Side Effects: Reactions related to the drug that are not beneficial or harmful, affecting the body in a harmful manner.
• Toxic Effects: Harmful effects from excessive drug doses or accumulation in the body.

Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms

• The physical form of a drug dose, designed for consumption. Based on various factors, like chemical stability and patient convenience
• Raw Materials: The essential components are active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and inactive ingredients (excipients).

Pharmaceutical Preparation/Form

• Preparing medicine for dispensing, packaging and labeling, according to regulations.
• The difference between a "preparation" and a "form". A preparation is a general concept while a form is more specific to the medicine.

Classification of Pharmaceutical Forms

• Aggregated Forms: Solid (powders, granules, tablets, capsules), liquid (solutions, suspensions), semi-solid (ointments, creams), gaseous (inhalers).
• Dispersion System: Based on particle size (molecular, colloidal, coarse), affecting absorption and application.
• Other Classifications: Based on physical, chemical, biological/technological steps involved in production.

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