pharmacy vs drugstore

[tulipflower]

What is the difference between a 'chemist's', a 'pharmacy' and a 'drugstore'? I know 'chemist's' is used in UK.

 

[Rover_KE]

I know 'chemist's' is used in the UK.

So is 'pharmacy', but 'drugstore' is limited to North American English.

 

[TheParser]

NOT A TEACHER

Here in the United States, a pharmacy is usually located inside a drugstore.

That is to say, when you enter a drugstore, you will find many things except drugs (medicine): candy, clothes, ice cream, electric shavers, cosmetics, magazines, etc. Usually located in the back of the store is the pharmacy, where you can fill prescriptions from your medical provider. That section of the store also has OTC medicines (over-the-counter medicines that do not need a prescription from a medical provider).

 

[SoothingDave]

You will also find a pharmacy inside larger retail establishments like supermarkets and Walmarts.