Dispensary vs. Pharmacy: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A dispensary distributes medical supplies, often in a hospital or clinic, whereas a pharmacy sells prescription drugs and offers pharmaceutical advice.
Key Differences
Dispensaries primarily distribute medical supplies and drugs, often within a healthcare setting like a clinic or hospital. Pharmacies, on the other hand, are retail stores where prescription medications are sold and pharmacists provide drug-related advice and services.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
A dispensary might be part of a larger medical facility and focuses on dispensing drugs to patients of that facility. In contrast, a pharmacy operates as a standalone or part of a retail store, serving a broader public with various pharmaceutical needs.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
In some regions, dispensaries are specifically associated with distributing certain types of drugs, like medical marijuana. Pharmacies, however, provide a wider range of medications, including over-the-counter drugs, and typically have a licensed pharmacist on site.
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Nov 20, 2023
The term "dispensary" implies a more limited scope of services, mainly focused on the provision of medications. A pharmacy, besides dispensing drugs, may also offer healthcare advice, conduct health screenings, and administer vaccinations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
In dispensaries, the focus is often on providing medications at reduced costs or as part of a healthcare program, especially in non-profit or community-based settings. Pharmacies are commercial entities and offer a broader range of health and wellness products.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Distributes medical supplies, often in healthcare settings.
Sells prescription drugs and provides pharmaceutical advice.
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Setting
Often part of a hospital, clinic, or specialized facility.
Operates as a standalone or part of a retail store.
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Nov 20, 2023
Range of Services
Mainly focused on dispensing specific types of medications.
Offers a wider range of medications and health-related services.
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Type of Facility
Can be non-profit or part of a larger medical institution.
Commercial and retail-oriented.
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Healthcare Services
Limited to dispensing medications and supplies.
Includes health advice, screenings, and vaccinations.
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Nov 20, 2023
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Dispensary and Pharmacy Definitions
Dispensary
A room or building where medicines are prepared and provided.
The clinic's dispensary was well-stocked with essential drugs.
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Nov 20, 2023
Pharmacy
A store where medicinal drugs are dispensed and sold.
She picked up her prescription at the neighborhood pharmacy.
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Nov 20, 2023
Dispensary
A facility where medical marijuana is distributed.
The new dispensary specializes in a variety of medical cannabis products.
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Nov 20, 2023
Pharmacy
A place where pharmaceutical advice and health screenings are offered.
The pharmacy offers free blood pressure screenings on Wednesdays.
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Nov 20, 2023
Dispensary
A place where medicines are dispensed, often within a hospital.
She went to the hospital's dispensary to collect her prescribed medication.
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Nov 20, 2023
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Pharmacy
A commercial store offering a range of health and wellness products.
Apart from medications, the pharmacy also sells vitamins and health supplements.
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Nov 20, 2023
Dispensary
A facility specifically for the distribution of specific types of medication.
A dispensary for HIV/AIDS patients was established in the community center.
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Nov 20, 2023
Dispensary
An office in a hospital, school, or other institution from which medical supplies, preparations, and treatments are dispensed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pharmacy
A place where medical drugs are prepared, dispensed, or sold. Also called apothecary.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pharmacy
The science of medicinal substances comprising pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry and forensics.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dispensary
(dated) pharmacy, particularly one included in a hospital that does not act as a point of sale.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Dispensary
A retail establishment that sells marijuana and related supplies to customers with a prescription to use it for medical purposes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pharmacy
A place where medicines are compounded; a drug store; an apothecary's shop.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pharmacy
The art and science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medicines,
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Oct 19, 2023
Pharmacy
A retail establishment selling both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
They found all their medical supplies at the local pharmacy.
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Nov 20, 2023
Dispensary
A department in a hospital where medicines are dispensed.
He works in the dispensary of the local healthcare center.
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Nov 20, 2023
Pharmacy
A facility where a licensed pharmacist provides medication and advice.
The pharmacy’s pharmacist helped him understand his new medication regimen.
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Nov 20, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What distinguishes a pharmacy from a dispensary?
A pharmacy not only dispenses drugs but also provides pharmaceutical advice and can sell a variety of health products.
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Nov 20, 2023
What primarily defines a dispensary?
A dispensary is primarily defined by its role in dispensing medical supplies and medications.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can a pharmacy dispense prescription medications without a pharmacist?
No, a licensed pharmacist must be present to dispense prescription medications in a pharmacy.
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Are dispensaries found in all hospitals?
Many hospitals have dispensaries, but it varies based on the hospital's size and type.
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Nov 20, 2023
Are all dispensaries part of larger healthcare facilities?
Many are, but some dispensaries, especially those for medical marijuana, operate independently.
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Nov 20, 2023
Do dispensaries offer healthcare advice like pharmacies?
Dispensaries are more focused on dispensing medications and usually do not offer extensive healthcare advice.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can dispensaries sell over-the-counter drugs?
Dispensaries typically focus on specific types of medications, not usually including over-the-counter drugs.
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Nov 20, 2023
Do pharmacies offer medical consultations?
Pharmacies offer pharmaceutical advice but not in-depth medical consultations.
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Nov 20, 2023
Is pharmaceutical advice exclusive to pharmacies?
Yes, comprehensive pharmaceutical advice is typically a service exclusive to pharmacies.
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Nov 20, 2023
Do dispensaries require a licensed pharmacist?
Not always, as their focus is more on dispensing than on pharmaceutical advice.
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Nov 20, 2023
Are dispensaries limited to certain geographical areas?
The availability and type of dispensaries can vary based on local laws and healthcare systems.
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Nov 20, 2023
Are pharmacies regulated differently than dispensaries?
Yes, pharmacies and dispensaries are subject to different regulations, often varying by region.
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Nov 20, 2023
Do pharmacies provide vaccinations?
Many pharmacies offer vaccinations and other health services.
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Nov 20, 2023
Are the roles of dispensaries evolving?
Yes, especially with the increasing use of medical marijuana and specialty drugs.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can dispensaries operate as independent businesses?
Some can, particularly those specializing in medical marijuana or specific types of medication.
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Nov 20, 2023
Are dispensary services typically cheaper than pharmacy services?
Dispensaries, especially in non-profit settings, may offer medications at reduced costs.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can anyone access a dispensary?
Access depends on the dispensary's policy and the type of medications it dispenses.
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Nov 20, 2023
Do all pharmacies sell the same range of products?
The range can vary, but most pharmacies sell a broad spectrum of medications and health products.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can a pharmacy function within a hospital?
Yes, many hospitals have pharmacies in addition to dispensaries.
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Nov 20, 2023
Can anyone open a pharmacy or dispensary?
Opening either requires meeting specific regulatory and licensing requirements.
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Nov 20, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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