Pharmacists who work in hospitals may help the medical staff choose medications. They also explain the effects of drugs. Pharmacists may occasionally go with doctors to visit patients. Pharmacists must understand the purpose, chemical make-up, and effects of drugs. This is so they can prevent harmful interactions between the drugs their clients are taking.
Pharmacists also use computer programs to keep records of patientsprescriptions.
These programs help watch for harmful mixing of drugs. Pharmacists rarely mix the ingredients for medicines. Most medicines now come from the manufacturer in standard dosages. Pharmacists also use computers to control inventory and print labels. Pharmacists who own or manage pharmacies have additional duties.