As the clinical health science that combines medical science with chemistry, pharmacy is responsible for the development, production, disposal, safe and effective use, and control of pharmaceuticals. Pharmacy practice requires a thorough understanding of drugs, their mechanisms of action, side effects, interactions, mobility, and toxicity. It is also essential to know about treatment and understand the pathological process. In some pharmacist specialties, such as clinical pharmacists, other skills are required, such as the procurement and evaluation of physical and laboratory data.

There are many facets to pharmacy practice. Some are traditional, such as prescribing and compounding medications, and others are modern, including clinical services, evaluating medicines for safety and efficacy, & giving drug information. A pharmacist is an expert in drug therapy and is a primary health care professional responsible for the optimal use of medications.

Generally, an establishment that provides pharmacy services is called either a pharmacy (which is more common in the United States) or a chemist’s (more common in Great Britain, although pharmacy can also be used).