Social pharmacy and preventive pharmacy are two separate but related fields of pharmacy practice that focus on the promotion of health, the prevention of diseases, and the optimization of drug therapy.

Social pharmacy is concerned with the social, cultural, and behavioral aspects of medication use and the ways in which these factors affect drug therapy outcomes. It aims to understand how people use medications and how their social and cultural contexts can influence this use. Societal factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, cultural practices, and access to healthcare are some of the variables considered in social pharmacy.

Preventive pharmacy is the practice of employing pharmaceutical knowledge and skills to prevent the onset of disease and promote health. It does this by educating patients and the public on healthy lifestyle choices and recommending appropriate interventions. These interventions can include lifestyle modifications, use of supplements, vaccinations, and screening for early detection of diseases.

Both social and preventive pharmacy are essential components of pharmaceutical care. They help pharmacists to better understand patients and provide more comprehensive care. By considering social and behavioral factors and working to prevent disease, pharmacists can help individuals and communities to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.