Drugstore vs. Pharmacy — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 16, 2024
Drugstores combine retail sales of various items with a dedicated pharmacy section for medications; pharmacies focus primarily on dispensing prescriptions and medical consultations.
Difference Between Drugstore and Pharmacy
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A drugstore is a retail store that sells medications, health and beauty products, and often general merchandise, while a pharmacy strictly offers prescription drugs and health-related services.
Drugstores often have a variety of departments including cosmetics, seasonal merchandise, and sometimes groceries, whereas pharmacies are typically limited to pharmaceuticals and health-related products.
The primary role of a drugstore is to serve as a convenient retail hub, offering a broad range of products alongside pharmacy services, while the main focus of a pharmacy is to provide medications and professional pharmaceutical advice.
Many drugstores operate with extended hours and include services such as photo processing and postal facilities, whereas pharmacies might have more restricted hours and focus solely on health services.
Customer interactions at drugstores can be diverse, ranging from shopping for household items to seeking health advice, on the other hand, interactions at pharmacies are predominantly health-focused, often involving consultations with pharmacists about medications.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Focus
Retail sales of diverse products
Dispensing prescriptions, health services
Product Range
Wide, including non-medical items
Primarily medications and health products
Services
May include photo services, postal services
Focused on medication consultation
Operation Hours
Often extended, includes weekends
May have more standard, restricted hours
Customer Interaction
Varied, includes general retail
Health-centric, often involves consultations
Compare with Definitions
Drugstore
A store that sells medications along with a variety of other goods.
She bought her makeup and prescription from the local drugstore.
Pharmacy
May provide medication therapy management.
The pharmacy provides a program to help manage chronic conditions.
Drugstore
Can serve as a one-stop shop for daily necessities.
He visited the drugstore to get everything from toiletries to cold medicine.
Pharmacy
Operates under the supervision of licensed pharmacists.
He works at the pharmacy specializing in compounding medications.
Drugstore
Typically includes a pharmacy but also sells over-the-counter health products.
I picked up some vitamins and snacks at the drugstore.
Pharmacy
A facility where prescriptions are filled and pharmaceutical advice is given.
She consulted the pharmacist at the pharmacy for her new prescription.
Drugstore
A retail establishment offering both pharmacy services and general merchandise.
The drugstore downtown also offers photo services.
Pharmacy
Primarily focused on health services and products.
The pharmacy offers flu shots and blood pressure screenings.
Drugstore
Often found in convenient locations within communities.
There's a drugstore on almost every major street in this city.
Pharmacy
Ensures compliance with health regulations.
The pharmacy adheres strictly to all healthcare guidelines and privacy laws.
Drugstore
A pharmacy.
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.
Drugstore
A store that contains a pharmacy and also sells products such as toiletries, cosmetics, household goods, and snacks.
Pharmacy
A shop or hospital dispensary where medicinal drugs are prepared or sold
The local pharmacy
Drugstore
Synonym of pharmacy, especially a small standalone general store which includes a pharmacy.
Pharmacy
The art of preparing and dispensing medical drugs.
Drugstore
A retail shop where medicine and other articles are sold.
Pharmacy
A place where medical drugs are prepared, dispensed, or sold. Also called apothecary.
Drugstore
A retail shop where medicine and other articles are sold
Pharmacy
A place where prescription drugs are dispensed; a dispensary.
Pharmacy
The science of medicinal substances comprising pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry and forensics.
Pharmacy
The occupation of a pharmacist.
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.
Pharmacy
A place where medicines are compounded; a drug store; an apothecary's shop.
Pharmacy
The art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines,
Pharmacy
A retail shop where medicine and other articles are sold
Common Curiosities
Do pharmacies offer the same convenience products as drugstores?
No, pharmacies primarily focus on medications and health-related products.
Are the prices for medications different between drugstores and pharmacies?
Prices can vary, but generally, the cost of medications should be similar as they are regulated.
Are pharmacies required to have a licensed pharmacist on-site?
Yes, pharmacies must have a licensed pharmacist on-site to dispense prescription medications.
Do all drugstores have pharmacies?
Most do, but it is not a requirement for a store to be classified as a drugstore.
What are the typical operating hours for a pharmacy?
They vary, but pharmacies generally have more standard hours compared to drugstores with extended hours.
Can I receive medical advice at a drugstore?
Yes, many drugstores have a pharmacy section where you can receive medical advice from a pharmacist.
Can I fill a prescription at any drugstore?
Yes, as long as the drugstore has a pharmacy section.
What products are exclusive to drugstores and not typically found in pharmacies?
Drugstores often carry cosmetics, seasonal goods, and sometimes groceries, which are not usually found in pharmacies.
Is it better to visit a drugstore or a pharmacy for health-related issues?
For specific health-related issues and professional advice, visiting a pharmacy is advisable.
Can drugstores provide vaccinations like pharmacies?
Yes, many drugstores with pharmacy services offer vaccinations.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
