Final answer:
Institutional pharmacies may dispense drugs to outpatients in settings like hospitals or clinics, where pharmacists advise on medication usage. They are regulated by the FDA to ensure safety and efficacy of medications. Examples include directly observed therapy (DOT) for TB treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under certain circumstances, an institutional pharmacy may dispense drugs to outpatients. This is typically the case when a pharmacy is part of a facility that provides medical services on an outpatient basis, such as a hospital or a clinic. In these settings, pharmacists play a pivotal role in patient care, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications.
Pharmacists are highly educated professionals who specialize in the chemistry and biology of drugs. Their expertise is essential in advising both physicians and patients about medication selection, dosage, drug interactions, and potential side effects. They are responsible for dispensing prescriptions accurately and providing guidance on the proper use to maximize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks.
An example of outpatient drug dispensing is the practice of directly observed therapy (DOT) for treatments such as tuberculosis (TB). In other situations, institutional pharmacies may serve patients who have been discharged from inpatient care or are receiving specialized treatments that do not require hospital admission. All pharmaceutical practices are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which ensures that drugs meet rigorous safety and efficacy standards before being approved for the market.