What are buffers typically used for in pharmacy?

Buffers play a crucial role in pharmacy by resisting changes in pH when small amounts of acids or bases are added. This is particularly important in pharmaceutical formulations because many drugs have a specific pH range in which they are most stable and effective. Maintaining the pH within this optimal range can enhance the solubility and absorption of the drug, ensuring it performs as intended when administered.

In biological systems, where enzymes and other biochemical processes are sensitive to pH changes, the presence of buffers helps to maintain homeostasis, allowing for effective and predictable drug action. This stability is vital not just in formulation but also in ensuring patient safety and treatment effectiveness.

The other options address different aspects of pharmacy but do not accurately represent the primary function of buffers. Temperature stabilization is distinct from pH maintenance; enhancing drug efficacy and reducing side effects are relevant to drug design and formulation but are not functions of buffers specifically. Hence, resisting changes in pH is the key role of buffers in pharmaceutical contexts.