Which term refers to the study of drugs and their effects on living systems?

Pharmacology is the term that specifically refers to the study of drugs and their effects on living systems. This field encompasses various aspects, including drug composition, properties, interactions, mechanisms of action, and the effects they have on biological systems. Pharmacology can be divided into sub-disciplines, such as pharmacodynamics (the effects of drugs on the body) and pharmacokinetics (how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs).

In the context of pharmacy practice, understanding pharmacology is essential for pharmacy technicians and pharmacists as it allows them to predict how a drug will behave in the body and to optimize therapeutic outcomes for patients.