Farmacia

Farmacia, in many languages including Spanish and Portuguese, refers to both the science and the profession concerned with medicines and their use, as well as to the place where medicines are prepared, dispensed, and counseling occurs. As a field, it covers pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, the preparation of dosage forms, quality control, and patient care. In English, the term pharmacy likewise denotes the science and the practice of dispensing medications and advising patients.

Pharmacists are trained health professionals who verify prescriptions, ensure appropriate drug selection and dosage, monitor for interactions and adverse effects, and provide guidance on how to take medicines. They may also compound medicines, prepare dosage forms, and offer vaccination, disease screening, and other clinical services. Pharmacy technicians, assistants, and support staff help with dispensing, inventory management under supervision.

Regulation in pharmacy is typically overseen by government or professional bodies that grant licenses to practitioners, set dispensing standards, and monitor medicine quality and safety. Pharmacovigilance systems collect data on adverse drug reactions, while programs combat counterfeit medicines and ensure supply chain integrity.

Education and training usually lead to a professional degree such as a PharmD or MPharm, followed by licensing exams and ongoing continuing education. In many countries, pharmacists work in community pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics; increasingly, they operate in online, mail-order, or specialized compounding settings.

Historically, pharmacy evolved from apothecaries and traditional medicine into a distinct health profession during the 19th and 20th centuries, with advances in pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and clinical pharmacy shaping contemporary practice.