Pharmacology is a chemical science which studies properties and reactions of drugs

especially with relation to their therapeutic value. If substances have medicinal properties, they are
considered pharmaceuticals. The field includes drug composition and properties, interactions,
toxicology, therapy, medical applications and antipathogenic capabilities. Pharmacology is not
synonymous with pharmacy, though in common usage the two are at times confused. Pharmacy is a
medical science concerned with the safe and effective use of medicines while pharmacology studies how
drugs interact with the biological systems. The effect of chemicals may be beneficial (therapeutic) or
harmful (toxic). The pure chemicals or mixtures may be of natural origin (plant, animal, or mineral) or
may be synthetic compounds. Some subdisciplines can be:

Clinical pharmacology, the medical field of medication effects on humans

Neuro-and psychopharmacology, effects of medication on behavior and vervous system functioning,

toxicology, study of the effects of poisons

Posology, how medicines are dosed