It also includes pharmacotherapeutics, which deals with the use of drugs. The two main fields of pharmacology are pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Pharmacodynamics studies the effects of drugs on the body and their mechanisms of action, and pharmacokinetics deals with the absorption, distribution and elimination of drugs. Pharmaceutical chemistry involves the chemistry of medicinal substances, including the chemical basis of the effect of drugs and the design, synthesis and analysis of drug molecules. Pharmaceutical analysis investigates the methods and instruments used in the determination and identification of drug substances as well as special issues of quality control.
Pharmaceutical technology focuses on drug products and processes of production.
Central areas of concern are the factors and phenomena that determine how drug substances, additives and their mixtures can be processed. Pharmaceutical technology also includes the study of the physical and chemical properties of drug substances and additives, packaging materials, and their interaction. Social pharmacy may be approached from the point of view of sociology, behavioural sciences or economics. Social pharmacy acquaints the students with the development and structure of pharmacy in the health care system, pharmaceutical services, and the individual and social effects of the usage of medicines. Studies in social pharmacy also include communication skills and patient counselling.