Contributions and Expanding the Roles of Clinical Pharmacists in Space Pharmacy:A Scoping Review
10.24304/kjcp.2025.35.2.75
- Author:
Hee-Jae LEE
1
;
Seong-Hae BAEK
;
Mi-Jeong AHN
;
Kwanghee JUN
Author Information
1. College of Pharmacy, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do 52828, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
2025;35(2):75-85
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
As human space exploration extends beyond low Earth orbit, the demand for comprehensive medical and pharmaceutical sup-port is increasing. The extreme conditions of space significantly alter drug stability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.Although the role of clinical pharmacists in space missions has not been extensively studied, this review aims to analyze existing literature to identify their contributions and potential applications in space pharmacy. A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Relevant literature published up to December 7, 2024, was retrieved from PubMed usingpredefined search terms related to clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical care, space medicine, and microgravity. Articles discussingpharmaceutical challenges in space and the potential contributions of clinical pharmacists were included. Data was extracted and thematically analyzed. A total of 26 studies were reviewed. Clinical pharmacists play critical roles in three main domains: (1) medication management and supply, including drug stability and quality control, selection and inventory management of essential medicines, and on-site manufacturing; (2) clinical pharmacy services, such as pharmacotherapy optimization under altered physiological conditions, therapeutic drug monitoring, adverse event and drug interaction surveillance, and education and counselingfor astronauts; and (3) research and development, encompassing the design of space-specific clinical trials and innovation in drugdelivery systems. The complexity of space environments demands new professional competencies from clinical pharmacists. Thisreview demonstrates that clinical pharmacists play essential roles in space missions. Future research should focus on refining space-specific pharmaceutical guidelines and enhancing training programs to ensure the safe and effective use of medications inextraterrestrial settings.
