What is the primary focus of pharmacology?

Pharmacology is fundamentally concerned with the study of drug composition and the effects of drugs on living organisms. This includes understanding how drugs interact with biological systems, their therapeutic effects, side effects, mechanisms of action, and the biochemical pathways they influence.

Understanding drug composition includes insights into the molecular structure of drugs, how they are made, and how they function at both the cellular and systemic levels. The effects of drugs encompass both the desired therapeutic effects as well as any adverse reactions that may occur, making it essential for healthcare professionals to comprehend these aspects to ensure safe and effective patient care.

Other options, while related to broader topics in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry, do not encapsulate the primary focus of pharmacology as clearly. For example, analyzing market trends and pricing pertains more to the business and economics of pharmaceuticals, while examining political influences relates to healthcare policy and regulation. The development of medications for long-term care focuses on specific applications of pharmacology rather than the broader field itself. Thus, the answer that identifies the core of pharmacology provides the most accurate representation of its primary focus.