are prescribed; and how they are administered. However, before learning these
details, let’s begin in this chapter with the basic concepts of pharmacology.What Is Pharmacology?
Pharmacology is the study of chemicals—drugs—on living tissues and how those
chemicals help diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent disease or correct the patho-
physiology of living tissues. The term pharmacology is derived from two
Greekwords:pharmakon, the Greek word for drugs, and logos, the Greek word
for science.
Pharmacology has its roots in folklore and tradition that dates back to ancient
times when knowledge of the medicinal effects of plants were passed down
through generations. By 1240 AD, pharmacology moved from the realm of home
remedies to a science where drug standards were established and a measuring
system was developed—called the apothecary system—that was used to meas-
ure quantities of drugs. Because drugs can vary in strength and purity, pharma-
cological standards have been developed that govern the manufacturing and
control of drugs. The United States Pharmacopeia National Formulary is the
only official book of drug standards in the United States. If a drug is included in
this book it has met the standards of quality, purity, and strength. These drugs
can use the letters U.S.P. following the official name of the drug. Accurate
dosage and the reliability of the effect the drug will have on a patient is depend-
ent upon the purity and strength of the drug. Purity is the dilution or mixture of
a drug with other materials to give it a form that can be administered. Drugs may
vary in the strength of their action. The strength of drugs from plants can
depend on where the plant is grown, the age at which the plant is harvested, and
how the harvest is preserved. Drug packaging standards determine what infor-
mation needs to be displayed on packages of drugs. You’ll learn more about
these later in this book.
In addition to these standards, there are a number of important laws that have
been enacted to control the sale and distribution of drugs.1938 FOOD, DRUG AND COSMETIC ACT
Before 1938 there was no control over pharmaceuticals. This changed when a
drug company distributed a sulfa drug to treat pediatric patients. The drugs
turned out to be a chemical similar to antifreeze. It was highly toxic and killed
more than 100 people, including children.(^2) CHAPTER 1 An Inside Look at Pharmacology