Pharmacology is the study of how drugs interact with biological systems, including their mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, and potential side effects. It encompasses the understanding of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in the body, as well as the relationship between drug concentration and response.
Drug design refers to the process of creating new pharmaceutical compounds or optimizing existing ones to target specific diseases or medical conditions. It involves the application of principles from various disciplines, such as medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, to develop safe and effective therapeutic agents.