Dispensary vs. Pharmacy — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023

Dispensaries and pharmacies both play roles in healthcare, but they serve different functions. A dispensary primarily offers medical services and dispenses medication, and it is often part of a clinic.

Difference Between Dispensary and Pharmacy

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Key Differences

Dispensaries are often part of a clinical setting, primarily focusing on the distribution of medicinal products to patients within healthcare facilities like hospitals or clinics. Pharmacies, however, are standalone establishments or parts of retail stores dedicated to dispensing prescription drugs to the public and may also offer a wider range of health and wellness products.

Nov 01, 2023

The term 'dispensary' can sometimes refer to specialized outlets, such as those that distribute medical marijuana in regions where it is legalized, operating under strict regulations. In contrast, a pharmacy is typically recognized as a conventional place to fill prescriptions written by doctors and also provides over-the-counter medications and health consultations.

Nov 01, 2023

In many regions, dispensaries are also associated with charitable work, providing low-cost or free medications to patients, usually under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist or a medical professional. Pharmacies are commercial entities that might also offer healthcare advice, administer vaccinations, and provide medication therapy management.

Nov 01, 2023

Another difference is that dispensaries may not always have a licensed pharmacist on site, as they can be managed by nurses or other healthcare providers who are authorized to dispense medications as part of treatment. Pharmacies are required to have a licensed pharmacist on duty whenever they are open to ensure proper medication dispensing and to provide pharmaceutical care.

Nov 01, 2023

Lastly, the physical presence of each differs; dispensaries are often smaller and may have a more limited stock, tailored to the specific community or patient base they serve, whereas pharmacies typically have a broader inventory and are designed to cater to a wider public demand for health and wellness products.

Nov 01, 2023

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Comparison Chart

Definition

A place where medicinal drugs are provided.

An establishment for dispensing and selling medications.

Nov 01, 2023

Services

May offer clinical services & consultations.

Provides pharmaceutical services & health consultations.

Nov 01, 2023

Supervision

May not always be run by a pharmacist.

Always supervised by a licensed pharmacist.

Nov 01, 2023

Products

Typically stocks medication, sometimes specialized.

Offers medications, health products, and more.

Nov 01, 2023

Settings

Often part of a clinic or hospital.

Can be standalone or within retail stores.

Nov 01, 2023

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Compare with Definitions

Dispensary

A specialized outlet for distributing specific types of medicine, such as medical marijuana.

I visited the dispensary to get my medical cannabis prescription filled.

Nov 01, 2023

Pharmacy

An establishment where drugs are sold and pharmacists provide dosing and health advice.

I need to stop by the pharmacy to pick up my prescription refill.

Nov 01, 2023

Dispensary

A charitable establishment offering medical services to underprivileged communities.

The mobile dispensary visits remote areas to offer free health check-ups.

Nov 01, 2023

Pharmacy

A drugstore often including a retail section with personal care items and snacks.

Our pharmacy has a great selection of personal care items on sale this month.

Nov 01, 2023

Dispensary

A small-scale medical supply point attached to non-medical establishments.

The dispensary at the factory had an adequate supply of first aid medications.

Nov 01, 2023

Pharmacy

A licensed location that may offer healthcare services like flu shots or blood pressure screenings.

They're offering free blood pressure checks at the pharmacy this week.

Nov 01, 2023

Dispensary

A dispensary is an office in a school, hospital, industrial plant, or other organization that dispenses medications, medical supplies, and in some cases even medical and dental treatment. In a traditional dispensary set-up, a pharmacist dispenses medication per the prescription or order form.

Aug 25, 2019

Pharmacy

Pharmacy is the clinical health science that links medical science with chemistry and it is charged with the discovery, production, disposal, safe and effective use, and control of medications and drugs. The practice of pharmacy requires excellent knowledge of drugs, their mechanism of action, side effects, interactions, mobility and toxicity.

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

An office in a hospital, school, or other institution from which medical supplies, preparations, and treatments are dispensed.

Aug 25, 2019

Pharmacy

A shop or hospital dispensary where medicinal drugs are prepared or sold

The local pharmacy

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

A public institution that dispenses medicines or medical aid.

Aug 25, 2019

Pharmacy

The art of preparing and dispensing medical drugs.

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

A place or room where something is dispensed, particularly

Aug 25, 2019

Pharmacy

A place where medical drugs are prepared, dispensed, or sold. Also called apothecary.

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

(dated) pharmacy, particularly one included in a hospital that does not act as a point of sale.

Aug 25, 2019

Pharmacy

A place where prescription drugs are dispensed; a dispensary.

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

An institution that dispenses medical supplies and advice.

Aug 25, 2019

Pharmacy

The science of medicinal substances comprising pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry and forensics.

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

A retail establishment that sells marijuana and related supplies to customers with a prescription to use it for medical purposes.

Aug 25, 2019

Pharmacy

The occupation of a pharmacist.

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

A place where medicines are prepared and dispensed; esp., a place where the poor can obtain medical advice and medicines gratuitously or at a nominal price.

Aug 25, 2019

Pharmacy

The art or practice of preparing and preserving drugs, and of compounding and dispensing medicines according to prescriptions of physicians; the occupation of an apothecary or a pharmaceutical chemist.

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

A dispensatory.

Aug 25, 2019

Pharmacy

A place where medicines are compounded; a drug store; an apothecary's shop.

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

Clinic where medicine and medical supplies are dispensed

Aug 25, 2019

Pharmacy

The art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines,

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

A facility where medical prescriptions are filled and patients receive primary health care.

The clinic's dispensary provided the necessary medication after my appointment.

Nov 01, 2023

Pharmacy

A retail shop where medicine and other articles are sold

Aug 25, 2019

Dispensary

A place within an institution like a school or business that provides medications and basic medical services.

Our school dispensary handled all the vaccinations for students.

Nov 01, 2023

Pharmacy

A commercial space that provides both over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs.

The local pharmacy also sells wellness products and health supplements.

Nov 01, 2023

Pharmacy

A facility in which pharmaceutical care is provided, ensuring patients' safety and well-being.

The pharmacy plays a crucial role in patient education and medication management.

Nov 01, 2023

Common Curiosities

Are pharmacists present in dispensaries?

Not always; dispensaries can be run by other healthcare professionals who are authorized to dispense medication.

Nov 01, 2023

Can you buy over-the-counter medication at a dispensary?

It depends on the dispensary; some may offer a limited range of over-the-counter drugs.

Nov 01, 2023

Are pharmacies able to provide clinical services?

Yes, many pharmacies offer clinical services like vaccinations, health screenings, and consultations.

Nov 01, 2023

What is a dispensary?

A dispensary is a place where medical prescriptions are filled and may also offer health consultations, often within a clinical setting.

Nov 01, 2023

What is a pharmacy?

A pharmacy is a facility where prescribed medications are dispensed, and it can also provide health advice and sell over-the-counter products.

Nov 01, 2023

Can dispensaries provide the same services as pharmacies?

Some dispensaries provide similar services to pharmacies but are often more focused on a specific community or patient care within a clinical setting.

Nov 01, 2023

Can anyone go to a dispensary?

Access to a dispensary might be limited based on the healthcare facility's policies or legal regulations, especially for dispensaries that specialize in medical marijuana.

Nov 01, 2023

What can you buy at a pharmacy that you can't at a dispensary?

Pharmacies often have a broader selection of health products, personal care items, and sometimes even groceries or snacks.

Nov 01, 2023

Do both dispensaries and pharmacies require prescriptions?

For certain medications, both dispensaries and pharmacies require prescriptions from a licensed healthcare provider.

Nov 01, 2023

Do dispensaries sell health and wellness products?

Typically, dispensaries focus on dispensing medications and might not have a wide range of general health products.

Nov 01, 2023

Are the costs of medications different at a dispensary versus a pharmacy?

Costs can vary depending on the establishment's policies, the medication in question, and the services provided.

Nov 01, 2023

How do I know if a pharmacy is licensed?

Pharmacies must display their licensing information, which you can also verify through state regulatory boards.

Nov 01, 2023

What type of dispensary is allowed to sell medical marijuana?

A specialized medical marijuana dispensary that complies with local and state regulations can sell such products.

Nov 01, 2023

Can both dispensaries and pharmacies administer vaccines?

Yes, if they have qualified staff and the necessary resources, both may administer vaccines.

Nov 01, 2023

Can dispensaries provide medication counseling?

This depends on the staffing; if a licensed pharmacist or trained healthcare provider is present, they may offer counseling.

Nov 01, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.