Which field of study focuses on drugs and their effects?

Pharmacology is the field of study that specifically examines drugs and their effects on biological systems. It encompasses understanding how drugs interact with living organisms, the mechanisms of their action, therapeutic effects, side effects, and the processes by which they are metabolized and eliminated from the body. This knowledge is crucial in various healthcare settings, including dentistry, where pharmacological principles inform the use of medications for pain management, infection control, and sedation, among other applications.

In contrast, pathology focuses on the study of disease causes and effects, providing insight into the processes that lead to various health conditions. Radiology involves imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases, while biochemistry deals with the chemical processes within and related to living organisms, primarily at the molecular level. These fields, while important, do not concentrate specifically on the study of drugs and their effects as pharmacology does.