Pharmacology is a branch of science that deals with the interaction of drugs with the biological system, i.e., how a medicine interacts with a body and how the body processes it. The origin, chemistry, biological effects, and therapeutic applications of medications are all included in this field.
There are two main branches of pharmacology:
- Pharmacokinetics: Study of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the drugs.
- Pharmacodynamics: Study of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular effects of medications, including their mode of action.
The knowledge of several fields, including medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, and veterinary medicine, is combined in pharmacology. A wide range of career prospects is available for pharmacology students in the government and private sector, regulatory affairs, drug manufacturing, research laboratories and institutions, patent firms, colleges and universities, and more.
Because of its integrative nature, pharmacology can contribute significantly and differently to human health. Pharmacology is often confused with Pharmacy. Whereas Pharmacy makes use of the information from pharmacology to properly prepare and dispense medications to get the best therapeutic results.
One can pursue a career in Pharmacology after doing MBBS and MD in Pharmacology or by pursuing B. Pharm and M. Pharma or by undergoing diplomas in the field of Pharmacology. Nowadays, there are many pharmacology online courses to supplement college studies and help students to ace their competitive entrance preparations.
Job prospects in the field of Pharmacology
After completing the studies in Pharmacology, one has a lot of job prospects and opportunities to get a stable and lucrative career.
- Researcher
- Clinical Research Associate
- Professor/Teacher
- Drug Specialist
- Drug Inspector
- Patent Officer
- Pharmacovigilance
- Medical Officer
- Molecular Biologist
- Quality Control Officer
- Research Scientist
- Pharmaceutical Lab Scientist
- Academic Researcher
- Medical Science Liaison
- Medicinal Chemist
- Clinical Trial Monitors
- Healthcare Scientist
- Medical Advisor
- Drug Safety Associate
- Pharmacist
- Medical Writer
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Salary of a Pharmacologist
A pharmacologist’s salary depends on various factors, like government or private organization, job profile, experience, rural or urban location, and more. The average salary of a pharmacologist is around 6-8 LPA for beginners. Rest the salary depends on the job profile, such as 4-5 LPA for Clinical Research Associate, 8 LPA for Pharmaceutical Scientist, 4 LPA for Quality Control Analyst, and 6-8 LPA for Medical Science Liaison, and more. With time and experience, a pharmacologist can earn a handsome amount of salary.
Pharmacology is a highly demanding and expanding field. Science and technology advancements have improved our knowledge of diseases, their causes, and potential remedies, making pharmacology a field with both great potential and expansion. It is almost probable that this sector will keep growing.
Top recruiting firms in Pharmaceutical Industry
- Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited
- Cipla Limited
- Glenmark Pharma
- Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited
- Torrent Pharma
- Alkem Laboratories Limited
- Intas Pharmaceuticals
- Lupin Limited
- Pfizer
- Biocon Limited
- Ipca Laboratories
- Mankind Pharma
- Zydus Lifesciences Limited
- Sanofi India Limited
- Abbott India Limited
The students with a degree in pharmacology also have an option of working in International organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, Indian government research institutes such as CDRI, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Department of Health and Social Care, National Health Service (NHS), and more.
Resources to learn Pharmacology
Apart from textbooks, e-books, and college lectures, one can enroll in some good pharmacology online courses to get conceptual clarity over the subject. Pharmacology for UnderGrads is one such course designed according to the new CBME pattern by the top pharmacology faculty. You can learn pharmacology online and get access to video lectures, notes, self-assessment questions, and clinical case discussions. The online Pharmacology course also provides access to drug charts, which helps the students to memorize easily. One can learn and remain updated through webinars, conferences, medical websites, and more.