Likewise, he keeps a record on the drugs and medicines dispensed to each person. Although the first pharmacy about which we know was operated in Baghdad in the eighth century, the practice of brewing drugs and potions to help cure human ailments is as old as civilization itself. In many civilizations, the medicine man was both physician and pharmacist. In western society, however, the two professions were separated by royal edict in A.D. 1240, when Emperor Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire declared that the two practices should be carried on apart. Actually, the word ''pharmacist'' itself can be traced to the early Greeks. During the time of Aristotle, those who compounded drugs were called ''pharmakons.'' The word came down the ages in a direct line to our day. It has changed little from its original form and still means approximately the same thing: one who compounds drugs, medicines, or poisons.
The work of a pharmacist has become increasingly important because of the complexity and potential side effects of the thousands of drugs on the market. Hence, his health and safety jobs are expanding into a wider scope. Pharmacists must have thorough knowledge of chemicals and their properties, how drugs are made, and tested for purity and strength, and how drugs affect both normal and sick persons. In addition to dispensing drugs and medicines according to written orders from physicians, dentists, and other health care practitioners, the pharmacist advises prescribers on the selection and use of medications. Pharmacists also inform and caution individuals about medicines and how to use them properly, answer questions from customers, or patients about symptoms, and discuss nonprescription items such as headache remedies, vitamins, and cough syrups. Pharmacists also keep records of drugs and medications dispensed to each person so that they will be available in case of adverse reactions or side effects. Meanwhile, some pharmacists specialize in preparing and dispensing radioactive drugs used for patient diagnosis and therapy. These professionals combine the practice and principles of pharmacy and radiochemistry in their work.
Pharmacists who focus on working with health and safety jobs, may have a variety of other duties depending on where they are employed. Most pharmacists practice in hospitals and other health care facilities or in industry. Some pharmacists teach, while some do research works. The pharmacist may be employed in a laboratory, as a manufacturer's representative, or with the armed forces. Many practice with some branch of the government, such as the U.S. Public Health Service. Community pharmacies differ widely. One pharmacist may work in a store where the prescription counter may occupy only a tiny space. In another pharmacy, however, the pharmacist may be in surroundings that resemble a gleaming laboratory, all glass and tile. Wherever prescription orders are compounded, the are is as clean and sterile as possible. The pharmacist is acutely aware of the necessity for cleanliness, orderliness, and accuracy as he is inclined to safety health job.
He or she works with a variety of measuring and mixing devices, and with beakers, bowls, bottles, and test tubes. However, more and more of the drugs we use are prepared for us by the pharmaceutical manufacturer in finished form. The actual compounding of prescription medications, therefore, is taking a smaller amount of time. In addition to their pharmaceutical duties, pharmacists in community pharmacies may buy and sell other merchandise not related to health, hire and supervise other workers, and oversee the general operation of the pharmacy.
With its nature of works relative to occupational health and safety jobs, pharmacist in hospitals and other health care facilities provide pharmaceuticals services to aid physicians, nurses, and other health personnel with the care of patients. They dispense impatient and outpatient prescription medicines, buy medical supplies, and perform administrative duties. They may also educate patients, monitor drug regimens, and review drug use. If the hospital is large, there may be the need for a large staff of pharmacists. Likewise, Many pharmacists are employed by large pharmaceutical manufacturers. They may be used in one of several capacities. Some are in research, to help develop new drugs, or to improve or find new uses for old ones. Others supervise the preparation of ingredients that go into the capsules, ointments, solutions, or other products of the manufacturer. Still others test or standardize the raw or refined chemicals that eventually will go into the finished drug. Some may assist with advertising the company's products, to make sure that nothing untruthful or misleading is said about a drug in professional literature. Indeed, as to esh jobs, the pharmacists are truly reliable on their profession
