Pharmacology Therapeutics 3.4

Pharmacology is a field that integrates the disciplines of medicine, biology, and pharmaceutical sciences to explore the impact of drugs or medications. In this context, a drug can be described as any molecule – whether artificial, natural, or endogenous – that influences biological processes at the cellular, tissue, organ, or organism level. The term 'pharmacon' is sometimes used to refer collectively to these endogenous and exogenous bioactive compounds.

Specifically, pharmacology delves into the intricate interactions between living organisms and chemical substances that can modulate normal or abnormal biochemical functions. When these substances exhibit medicinal properties, they fall under the category of pharmaceuticals.