Authors: Dr. Asha Gandhi, Ms. Sarika Pundir, Ms. Saloni, Ms. Anchal Kanda, and Ms. Jasmine Kaur Bhatia

ISBN: 978-81-69297-84-4

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/743

Date of Publication: June 26, 2026

Cite this book: Asha G, Sarika P, Saloni, Anchal K, and asmine KB, (2026), General Pharmacy, San International Scientific Publications, ISBN: 978-81-69297-84-4, DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/743

Preface

Pharmacy is one of the oldest and most respected healthcare professions, serving as a vital bridge between medical science and patient care. Over the years, the profession has evolved from the traditional art of compounding medicines to a highly specialized scientific discipline encompassing pharmaceutical research, drug development, manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, clinical services, and patient counseling. As healthcare systems continue to advance through technological innovations, personalized medicine, and evidence-based therapeutic practices, pharmacists have emerged as indispensable members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Their contributions extend beyond the safe dispensing of medicines to ensuring rational drug use, promoting public health, preventing medication-related problems, and improving therapeutic outcomes. Consequently, a strong foundation in general pharmacy is essential for every pharmacy student to understand the scientific principles, professional responsibilities, and practical skills that define the profession.

General Pharmacy has been carefully developed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts that form the cornerstone of pharmaceutical sciences and professional pharmacy practice. The book follows a systematic and learner-friendly approach, beginning with the historical development of the pharmacy profession in India and the evolution of pharmaceutical education, industries, and professional organizations. It introduces readers to the diverse career opportunities available within community, hospital, clinical, industrial, and research pharmacy while emphasizing the ethical responsibilities and professional standards expected of pharmacists. The text also familiarizes students with national and international pharmacopoeias, the Indian Pharmacopoeia, National Formulary of India, prescription handling, and the Latin terminology commonly encountered in pharmaceutical practice.

Recognizing that pharmaceutical calculations are essential for accurate formulation and safe medication use, this book provides detailed coverage of the metric system, pharmaceutical measurements, scientific notation, alligation, isotonicity, proof spirit calculations, dilute solutions, geometric dilution, and dose calculations based on age, body weight, and body surface area. These concepts are presented with clarity to strengthen analytical thinking and numerical competence, enabling students to perform pharmaceutical calculations confidently in both academic and professional settings. The text also introduces the principles of dosage forms, routes of drug administration, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and pharmaceutical excipients, thereby establishing a solid scientific foundation for subsequent pharmaceutical studies.

A significant portion of the book is devoted to the study of pharmaceutical dosage forms, which represent the practical means through which medicines are administered safely and effectively. The chapters on solid dosage forms provide an in-depth understanding of powders, tablets, capsules, and their associated excipients, methods of preparation, classifications, advantages, and limitations. Equal emphasis is placed on monophasic and biphasic liquid dosage forms, including aromatic waters, syrups, elixirs, linctuses, lotions, liniments, gargles, mouthwashes, enemas, ophthalmic and otic preparations, tinctures, suspensions, and emulsions. Their formulation principles, preparation techniques, stability considerations, and pharmaceutical significance are discussed in a logical and practical manner. The final unit comprehensively explores semisolid dosage forms such as ointments, creams, pastes, gels, suppositories, and pessaries, highlighting formulation principles, excipients, preparation methods, suppository bases, displacement value, and pharmaceutical applications. Together, these chapters provide a thorough understanding of the physical and pharmaceutical principles governing dosage form design and preparation.

Throughout the book, special emphasis has been placed on integrating theoretical knowledge with practical relevance. Fundamental pharmaceutical concepts are presented in a clear, systematic, and student-oriented manner to facilitate effective learning and to prepare students for laboratory practice, university examinations, and professional responsibilities. Wherever appropriate, practical examples and official pharmaceutical preparations have been incorporated to enhance conceptual understanding and demonstrate the real-world application of pharmaceutical principles. The content reflects current educational requirements while maintaining alignment with established pharmaceutical standards and practices.

This textbook is intended primarily for undergraduate pharmacy students, particularly those pursuing Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm.) and Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) programs. It will also serve as a valuable reference for pharmacy educators, researchers, practicing pharmacists, and healthcare professionals seeking a concise yet comprehensive resource on the principles of general pharmacy. The logical organization of topics, comprehensive coverage, and practical orientation make it suitable for both classroom instruction and independent study.

It is hoped that this book will inspire students to appreciate the scientific, ethical, and humanitarian dimensions of the pharmacy profession while developing the knowledge, competence, and professional confidence necessary to contribute effectively to modern healthcare. As the pharmaceutical sciences continue to evolve with remarkable speed, a strong understanding of the fundamentals remains the key to lifelong learning, innovation, and excellence in pharmacy practice. This volume is presented with the sincere expectation that it will become a dependable companion in the academic journey of future pharmacists and a meaningful contribution to pharmaceutical education.