Final answer:
Licensed pharmacists dispense medication for drugs they are authorized to prescribe, ensuring patient safety by advising on dosage and potential interactions of the drugs.
Step-by-step explanation:
For the drugs that pharmacists are authorized to prescribe, it is typically the pharmacists themselves who must dispense the medication. In the United States, pharmacists are required to hold a doctorate in pharmacy and a state license to practice. Their rigorous education in chemistry and biology equips them to understand the effects of drugs on the body.
If a prescription is required, a doctor or an authorized healthcare provider must first prescribe the medication, after which a pharmacist can dispense it to the patient ensuring the proper use, correct dosage, and advising on potential interactions and side effects. This protocol is an important safety measure to protect individuals from the hazards of incorrect medication use.