Programme 01148 / 150 ADMITTED
MBBS
Undergraduate Core
Seats permitted150
Focusing on core concepts of pharmacology, rational prescribing, and clinical application as per the competency-based curriculum.
Department of Pharmacology
Decoding the science of drug action to drive clinical innovation. We integrate foundational biology with therapeutic application through industry-collaborative research and ethical animal studies.
The Department of Pharmacology at AVMCH is a dynamic discipline that bridges anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry with clinical therapeutics. We focus on rational prescribing, drug safety, and innovation in therapeutics. Our department is a designated Pharmacovigilance center and maintains a CCSEA-registered central animal house supporting ethical research and Phase IV clinical trials.
CCSEA Registered Animal House
Designated Pharmacovigilance Centre
Active Phase IV Clinical Trials
01MB
150
UG seats / year
02MD
02
PG seats / year
03Pm
200
Paramedical learners
04Ah
3,643
Sq. Ft. Animal House
05Pr
20+
Active Projects
06Pu
10+
Books & Articles
Department
From Molecular Mechanisms To Clinical Cures.
We focus on the scientific study of drug actions, emphasizing rational prescribing and the ethical exploration of both natural and synthetic chemical agents.
Pharmacology is the study of how chemical agents affect biological systems, from subcellular mechanisms to systemic responses. At AVMC, we go beyond memorizing drug names; we teach the fundamental principles that enable students to apply knowledge from the molecular level to real-life clinical scenarios. Our department actively contributes to Phase IV clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, ensuring the highest standards of drug safety.
We offer comprehensive training for 150 MBBS, 2 MD Pharmacology, and nearly 200 paramedical students annually. Our curriculum emphasizes rational therapeutics, experimental pharmacology, and drug safety. Supported by a CCSEA-registered animal house and a lush herbal garden with 50+ species, we provide an environment where ethical research and academic innovation thrive.
The department maintains a strong leadership role in institutional governance, research oversight, and quality assurance initiatives.
Our designated Pharmacovigilance centre is critical for detecting and preventing ADRs, supporting evidence-based prescribing across all clinical departments.
Research Focus
Thrust · Herbal Validation, Pharmacovigilance, Pre-clinical Trials
Outreach
Outreach · Patient Safety Awareness & Regional ADR Monitoring
II / Academics
Building Competency In Rational Therapeutics.
Academic Programmes
Programme 022 / 2 ADMITTED
MD Pharmacology
Postgraduate Specialty
Seats permitted2
Advanced training in experimental pharmacology, clinical trials, and drug safety surveillance.
Programme 03200+ ENROLLED
Allied Health Sciences
Nursing & Paramedical
Learners / year200
Foundational pharmacology training for diverse allied health professions including nursing and technology streams.
Head of Department
Expert In Clinical Pharmacology.
Dr. K. Madhanagopal, Professor & HOD, leads the department with a focus on therapeutics and safety.
Dr. K. Madhanagopal
Professor & Head · MBBS, MD
Dr. Madhanagopal is a leading voice in clinical pharmacology and drug safety. He oversees the institutional pharmacovigilance pathways and leads research into herbal validation and MASLD. Under his leadership, the department has become a key contributor to Phase IV clinical trials and ethical animal research.
Faculty
Distinguished scholars in drug science.
7 qualified professionals committed to clinical excellence.
Research · Thrust Areas
Innovation In Safety & Therapeutics.
Herbal Validation
Identification, standardization, and validation of medicinal plants for safety and efficacy using modern scientific tools.
Pharmacovigilance
Systematic monitoring of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to ensure patient safety and evidence-based medicine.
Pre-Clinical Studies
Evaluation of drug safety through in-vitro and in-vivo studies, including toxicological profiling and biomarker discovery.
Research & Innovation
A Robust Portfolio Of Clinical Inquiry.
The department is a hub for diverse pharmacological research, ranging from herbal muscle relaxants to AI-guided molecular docking for TB.
Research Snapshot
Significant activity in self-funded and intramural projects
| # | Project | PI | Funding | Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Skeletal Muscle Relaxant Effects of Apigenin in Swiss Albino Mice | PI: Ms. Lakshna (Guide: Dr. Vijayasanthi) | Self-Funded | Experimental | Ongoing |
| 02 | Effect of Pantoprazole and Vonoprazan on serum calcium and renal parameters | PI: Ms. Sowmiya Devi (Guide: Dr. Meganathan) | Self-Funded | Clinical Chemistry | Completed |
| 03 | AI-guided modeling & molecular docking of micronutrient-responsive targets in TB | PI: Dr. Dhivya S. R (Guide: Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj) | Self-Funded | AI & Bioinformatics | Ongoing |
| 04 | Effect of Imeglimin in diabetic nephropathy induced by STZ | PI: Ms. Harini (Guide: Dr. Deepakameswari) | Self-Funded | Diabetes | Completed |
| 05 | Integrated Machine Learning Analysis of Osteoarthritis & Metabolic syndrome | PI: Palash Sharma (Guide: Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj) | Self-Funded | Machine Learning | Ongoing |
Publications
Leading Research In Global Journals.
Impact of cyp2c9 and vkorc1 genetic variants on warfarin therapy optimization
Journal of Population Therapeutics & Clinical Pharmacology
Dr. R. Sivaraj
Nutraceuticals in managing andrological disorders
Apple Academic Press · ISBN: 978-1-77491-731-2
Leena Rajathy Port Louis & Prithviraj Nagarajan
Basic & clinical Pharmacology
CiiT · ISBN: 9788196845209
Dr. Narayanasamy, Dr. B. R. Ashokan, Dr. Nikita Rao Nalla
Snail mucus: unlocking a natural powerhouse for dermatological innovation
Arch Dermatol
Dr. Leena Rajathy
Formulation and evaluation of diclofenac sodium injection
Cuestiones de Fisioterapia
Dr. K. Madhanagopal
Infrastructure
Specialized Research Facilities.
Herbal Garden
50+ Medicinal Varieties
Pharma Museum
30+ Crude Drug Specimens
Animal House
CCSEA Registered (3643 sq ft)
ADR Centre
Pharmacovigilance Monitoring
Central Animal House
Ethical & Scientific Excellence.
Animal Facility
3643 Sq. Ft.
Fully equipped with quarantine, experimental, and necropsy rooms, maintained under strict environmental controls.
IAEC Board
Governed
All research is approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee, ensuring humane and prudent use of animals.
Zebrafish Lab
In-vivo
Specialized housing for Zebrafish research, supporting embryos and adult studies.
Modern Instruments
Equipped
Equipped with Analgesiometers, Forced swim test apparatus, and Tail suspension apparatus.
Philosophy
Pharmacology · AVMCH
“Beyond memorization: Understanding principles from molecular mechanisms to patient-care context.
Department of Pharmacology, AVMCH & Hospital
Awards & Recognitions
Excellence In Pharmacology.
Pride of International Award
Dr. R. Sivaraj
Genesis Ultima - Dubai · 2025
International Excellence Research
Dr. R. Sivaraj
MAHEZ Foundation · 2025
Guest Speaker - Study Strategies
Dr. T. Vijayasanthi
SMVMCH · Dec 2025
Reviewer Excellence
Dr. P. Deepakameswari
Journal of Pharma Research · 2025
Events Organised
Active Knowledge Exchange.
08
APR 2026
Workshop: Lab Animal Handling Techniques
Research Training
Dept & Animal House
28
JAN 2026
Pharmacovigilance Week
Short Film & Poster Competition
Dr. Madhanagopal
19
JUN 2024
Orientation: Animal Handling
For 150 UG Students
Dr. Meganathan & team
19-20
FEB 2024
Electives: Field Visit
IGMC & Goodman Pharma
Dr. Meganathan
Get in Touch
Pharmacology & Safety Hub.
For industry collaborations, research inquiries, or admissions, contact the HOD office.
HOD:Dr. K. Madhanagopal
Email:pharmacology@avmc.edu.in
IAEC:iaec@avmc.edu.in
Location:Pharmacology Block · AVMCH Puducherry
Testimonials
Student & Alumni Voices
"The clinical exposure and mentorship I received in this department shaped my entire career. The faculty goes above and beyond to ensure we grasp both the theoretical and practical aspects of patient care."
D
Dr. Ananya Sharma
Alumni · Class of 2021
"State-of-the-art facilities and a rigorous academic environment make this department stand out. I am extremely grateful for the hands-on research opportunities that were available from day one."
R
Rahul Menon
Student · Current Final Year
"A truly remarkable department with a strong emphasis on competency-based learning. The regular CMEs, specialty clinics, and dedicated teaching sessions have provided me with a strong foundation."
D
Dr. Priya Desai
Alumni · Class of 2019