The work done by pharmacists involves the development and preparation of drugs from natural and synthetic sources which are, thereafter, used in the prevention and cure of diseases. This involves working with pharmaceutical manufacturers and analytical laboratories.

Pharmacists also study the properties, usage and effects of various drugs and how they can be utilised for the prevention or cure of a particular disease, or combined with other drugs to form certain medicines. The work also involves testing the drugs for purity and strength. Moreover, pharmacists, surgeons, dentists and other specialists.

Major Tasks Performed
Pharmacists are involved, not only in the manufacture, distribution and retailing of drugs, but also as pharmacological advisers to various medical practitioners, as well as in the areas of teaching and research.

Manufacture
The production of pharmaceuticals is done in the manufacturing units of various pharmaceutical companies. Based on the research conducted by various pharmacists, medical drugs are manufactured. The properties and reactions of the various drugs and chemicals are studied, prior to, and also after their manufacturer, before they are introduced in the hospitals and drug stores.

Marketing
Marketing of pharmaceuticals involves the sum total of all the business activities designed to plan, promote and distribute drugs and pharmaceuticals so as to satisfy the needs of the consumers. Consumers remain the main point of focus in the field of pharmaceutical marketing, even as they in turn, are becoming more curious and alert about the products they buy.

Today, more and more pharmaceutical companies are involved in market research in order to promote marketing strategies. The government of India has also established a National Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Development Councils, in order to promote better marketing in the field of medicines.

Advisory Tasks
Since pharmacists posses maximum knowledge about the complexity and potential side effects of various drugs, they are very often employed to advise medical practitioners on the selection and side effects of the drugs. They also perform a number of administrative duties in hospitals and other medical establishments.

Teaching And Research
Pharmacists with postgraduate degree in pharmacy, or higher degree, may opt for teaching in professional institutions, or for research.

The research, however, is more practical work than theoretical work, and involves working in the laboratories, testing the drugs, studying their potential side effects and properties, and the possible combinations for manufacturing other drugs.