What is the focus of clinical pharmacology?

The primary focus of clinical pharmacology is the effects of drugs on human health, including how they are used in the treatment of diseases and the associated therapeutic outcomes. This field specifically investigates the safety and efficacy of medications in patients, including understanding pharmacokinetics (how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs) and pharmacodynamics (how drugs affect the body). Clinical pharmacology is crucial for evidence-based prescribing, optimizing therapeutics, minimizing adverse effects, and tailoring treatment to individual patient needs.

In contrast, while research on drug mechanisms contributes to the overall understanding of pharmacology, it does not specifically address the application of drugs in clinical settings. The development of new chemical entities pertains more to the early phases of drug discovery and development rather than the clinical use of already established medications. Pharmaceutical manufacturing processes focus on the production aspect of drugs, which is a different area distinct from the clinical application and impact of those drugs on patients. Thus, the investigation of drug effects in real-world clinical scenarios is what defines clinical pharmacology.