What is Clinical Pharmacology?
Clinical Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that studies how medications work in the body — how they are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated.
At Gemcare, our clinical pharmacologists bridge the gap between laboratory science and bedside care, ensuring safe, effective, and evidence-based medication use for every patient.They work closely with oncologists, intensivists, surgeons, and nurses to optimize therapy for both cancer and non-cancer patients.
Our Core Functions
1. Personalized Drug Therapy
Tailoring drug selection and dosage to each patient’s body weight, organ function, and genetics
Monitoring drug levels for high-risk medications (e.g., chemotherapy agents, antibiotics, immunosuppressants)
Avoiding under- or over-dosage that could impact recovery
2. Chemotherapy Safety & Optimization
Verification of chemotherapy regimens and infusion protocols
Monitoring for adverse reactions, drug interactions, and organ toxicities
Supporting oncologists with pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data for individualized cancer therapy
3. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)
Regular blood-level monitoring for narrow-spectrum drugs like antiepileptics, antifungals, and immunosuppressants
Adjusting doses for renal or hepatic dysfunction to prevent toxicity
Continuous feedback to treating physicians for safer management
4. Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Surveillance
Identifying, documenting, and analyzing side effects from cancer drugs and supportive medicines
Reporting to national pharmacovigilance programs
Educating healthcare staff on early recognition and prevention of ADRs
5. Drug Information & Education
Providing updated information on new drugs, clinical trials, and treatment guidelines
Conducting educational sessions for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists
Maintaining an in-hospital Drug Information Center (DIC) for safe prescribing
6. Clinical Research & Protocol Development
Supporting clinical trials by designing safe drug regimens and monitoring parameters
Developing hospital drug protocols and formularies
Reviewing global literature to ensure Gemcare follows international best practices
Focus in Oncology Care
The Department of Clinical Pharmacology is deeply integrated with Gemcare’s Cancer Institute, supporting:
Chemotherapy Protocol Validation — ensuring correct drug, route, and timing
Side-Effect Prevention & Management — antiemetics, organ protection, hydration therapy
Drug Interaction Checks — between cancer drugs and supportive treatments
Pharmacogenetic Testing — understanding genetic differences in drug response
Palliative Care Support — balancing symptom control with safety
“Every cancer drug is powerful — our job is to make sure it’s also safe, effective, and individualized.”
Collaboration with Other Departments
Our clinical pharmacologists collaborate across specialties:
Oncology: chemotherapy review and monitoring
Intensive Care: sedation, pain management, and infection control
Nephrology & Hepatology: dose adjustments in organ dysfunction
Cardiology: safe use of cardiac drugs in cancer patients
Surgery & Anesthesiology: peri-operative medication planning
Paediatrics: weight- and age-based dosing safety
Patient-Centric Services
Medication Counselling: Explaining how to take drugs safely and manage side effects
Discharge Education: Simplified home-care medication plans
Patient Helpline: Guidance for chemotherapy or oral targeted therapy support
Follow-Up Monitoring: Ensuring adherence and early detection of drug-related problems