Abstract
Purpose:To evaluate knowledge, practice and attitude of community pharmacists in Basra regarding modified release dosage forms which are widely used for many therapeutic purposes in pharmacy practice.
 Methods:The current study was conducted among certified pharmacists in Basra governorate- south of Iraq. Data collection was carried out by a questionnaire.
 Results:A total number of 175 community pharmacists responded to the questionnaire. The majority worked in OTC based dispensing pharmacies located in the center of the city. Most respondents missed K1 and were unable to state the difference between different types of modified products. There was a major positive agreement towards medical representatives' rule in promoting the prescribing of modified release products by physicians. Avoiding crushing and breaking of solid oral modified release drugs were identified by the majority of participants. Correlation analysis showed a 22.8 correlation coefficient between knowledge and attitude which was statistically significant. Males showed statistically significant higher knowledge and practice scores than females.
 Conclusions:The conduction of a brief educational program would be very beneficial in bringing basic theoretical knowledge with practicing points of interest and promote a more positive attitude toward this unique class of novel drug delivery system.
Highlights
Modified release dosage forms can be defined as drug products that alter the timing and/or the release pattern of the active drug substance [1]
The inability of community pharmacists to distinguish between different types of dosage forms and hazard of dose dumping were probably due to the lack of educational programs or the proper implementation of the theoretical knowledge into practice [16]
A study performed by Zaid AN in Palestinian during 2009 to evaluate the knowledge and practice of pharmacist and doctors regarding sustained release product showed that the majority of the both groups agreed with the cost saving potential of the modified release products [18]
Summary
Modified release dosage forms can be defined as drug products that alter the timing and/or the release pattern of the active drug substance [1]. They come into different classes including extended release, delayed release, repeated action and targeted release dosage forms [2]. Modified-release release dosage forms can provide several benefits. Enhancing overall drug bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties [6]. It has disadvantages summarized mainly in dose dumping and low potential for dosage adjustment and higher cost compared to conventional dosage forms [7].
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Schedule a callMore From: Iraqi Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ( P-ISSN: 1683 - 3597 , E-ISSN : 2521 - 3512)
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