Medication Dosage Forms Research Articles

Development and validation of stability indicating RP-HPLC method for estimation of cyclandelate in bulk drug and capsule dosage form

For the quantification of Cyclandelate (CYL) in bulk medication and capsule dosage form in the presence of degradation products, a quick, accurate, and simple RP-HPLC method was devised. On the Phenomenex Luna C18 (250 mm x 4.6mm, 5 m) column, effective chromatographic separation was accomplished. The separation was made simple by employing the Isocratic elution program with Acetonitrile and buffer pH 3.0 (0.1% Triethylamine in water followed by pH correction with Trifluoroacetic acid) in the ratio of 70:30 (%v/v) at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min, and an eluent was monitored at 220 nm. The degradation products were found to be isolated from the principal peak after being subjected to force degradation with acid, alkali, peroxide, thermal, and photolytic agents. The technique was linear in the range of 30-200 μg/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9975. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 8.3 μg/mL and 25.1 μg/mL respectively. The presented method was validated for parameters such as system appropriateness, specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. The robustness investigation was part of the validation research as well. The outcomes for every metric are acceptable by ICH standards. Therefore, the method can be considered to be rapid and accurate for high-throughput analysis of this drug even when degradation products are present.

Development and validation of ultraviolet spectrophotometric method for Saquinavir estimation in bulk and dosage form

We developed and validated a simple, rapid, sensitive, precise, and reproducible specific UV spectrophotometric technique for determining Saquinavir in bulk medication and pharmaceutical dosage form. Methods: As per ICH recommendations, a simple double-beam UV spectrophotometric technique has been designed and validated with several criteria, such as linearity, precision, repeatability, the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and accuracy. Results: UV-visible spectrophotometric approach, measurement of absorption at the maximum wavelength in 10 mL methanol, and volume made with water solvent system as reference Saquinavir was discovered at 239 nm. The medicine followed Beer's rule and showed a good correlation. Beer's law was followed for Saquinavir in the 1-5µg/ml concentration range, with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. Saquinavir's LOD and LOQ were determined to be 0.56 μg/ml and 2.78 μg/ml, respectively. The proposed method is simple, precise, accurate, and reproducible, and it may be utilized for routine analysis of Saquinavir in bulk and tablet dosage form.

Administration of oral dosage forms of medicines to children in a resource limited setting.

There are many paediatric specific challenges such as lack of age-appropriate dosage forms, inability of young children to swallow tablets and capsules and poor acceptability, during administration of oral dosage forms of medications to children. Parents adopt various methods which they consider best to circumvent this problem. The objective of this study was to describe the administration practice by parents when giving oral dosage forms of medications to children. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the administration practice of 1800 oral dosage forms of medications administered to children under the age of 12 years using validated indicators. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire given to parents or caregivers was used to collect the necessary data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Data from 1800 oral dosage forms was obtained from 663 children. Of the 1287 solid dosage forms, almost one-third were manipulated by parents at the time of giving the medications to children. They were crushed and dissolved in water given to children. In about 17% of instances safety of water was questionable. In 92% of instances, measuring device was found to be inappropriate. Administration of oral dosage forms of medications to children is far from ideal and hinders successful use of medications in children.

Dosage Form Modification, a Simulation Activity between Nursing and Pharmacy Students.

Background: The aim of this exploratory pilot study was to evaluate student perceptions of a simulation activity involving undergraduate nursing and pharmacy students. The key question was "how do nursing and pharmacy students respond in an immersive collaborative simulation activity which involves medication dosage form modification?" Methods: One hundred nursing students participated in a simulated exercise where patients required medications for which there were barriers to administration. Fourteen pharmacy students were also present in the simulated health environment, observing the work of the nursing students and being available to provide advice regarding medication administration to the nursing students. A mixed methods approach was employed for this exploratory pilot study, where both nursing and pharmacy students were invited to complete a survey regarding the experience at the end of the simulation exercise and pharmacy students completed a reflection. Both surveys and reflections were analyzed. Results: Survey results indicated very high satisfaction regarding the exercise for both pharmacy and nursing students. Analysis of pharmacy student reflections also indicated apprehension regarding their preparedness to contribute to the exercise, enjoyment in participation, their understanding of the value of collaboration between the two groups of students, and also recognition of their need to be more prepared for such situations. Conclusion: This study assessed student perceptions and did not formally evaluate learning outcomes. The interprofessional immersive simulated learning opportunity was viewed as valuable by both nursing and pharmacy students. The immersive simulation provided teaching staff with the opportunity to develop a new approach for the teaching of dosage form modification to both nursing and pharmacy students in an interprofessional setting.

Developing a novel tool to assess the ability to self-administer medication in non-demented in-hospital patients: ABLYMED study protocol

BackgroundOlder people often suffer from multimorbidity resulting in polypharmacy. The correct administration of medication is a crucial factor influencing treatment efficacy. However, tools for evaluating the ability to self-administer different dosage forms of medications are lacking. The objectives of the ABLYMED study are to 1) assess the ability to self-administer different dosage forms of medication in older non-demented in-hospital patients who report autonomous management of medication, 2) identify factors influencing the ability to self-administer medication, and 3) develop a standardized tool to validly assess the ability to self-administer different dosage forms of medications based on the final study results.MethodsOne hundred in-patients from the department of orthopedics and trauma surgery of the University Hospital Düsseldorf ≥ 70 years of age and regularly taking ≥ 5 different drugs autonomously will be prospectively recruited into the observational cross-sectional single-center ABLYMED study. Patients undergo an interview addressing demographic and clinical information, medication history (which medications are taken since when, in which dose and dosage form, and subjective proficiency of taking these medications), medication adherence, and factors possibly influencing adherence including personality traits and perceived quality of the medication regimen. Quality of the medication regimen is also rated by clinicians according to validated lists. Further, patients receive a comprehensive geriatric assessment including measures of cognition, mobility, and functional status. The ability to self-administer medication is assessed by having patients perform different tasks related to medication self-administration, which are video recorded and rated by different experts. The patients’ self-reported ability will be correlated with the observed performance in the self-administration tasks. Further, factors correlating with the reported and observed ability to self-administer medication will be evaluated using correlation and regression models. Based on the final study results, a novel tool to assess the ability of older patients to self-administer medication will be developed.DiscussionIn addition to guideline-based pharmacotherapy, correct intake of prescribed medication is crucial for optimal therapy of multimorbidity in older people. Tools to validly assess the ability of older patients to self-administer different dosage forms of medications are lacking, but should be included in comprehensive geriatric assessments to secure functional health.Trial registrationDevelopment of an assessment instrument to evaluate the ability to manage various dosage forms, DRKS-ID: DRKS00025788, (date of registration: 07/09/2021).

A Survey on General Pharmacology and Adverse Drug Effects among Undergraduate Medical Students: A Descriptive Study

INTRODUCTION: Pharmacology is one of the cornerstones of the drug discovery process. It has been defined as “an experimental science which has for its purpose, the study of changes brought about in living organisms by chemically acting substances (with the exception of foods), whether used for therapeutic purposes or not.” The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge on general pharmacology and adverse drug effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Janaki Medical College from January 2021 to February 2021 among MBBS First and second year undergraduate students. A structured quantitative survey, was used as an instrument for data collection. A total of 120 participants completed the questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21.0 software. RESULTS: In the current study, out of 120 undergraduate MBBS students, 67.5% were males and 32.5% were females. The main purpose of using drug was for treatment as reported by 33.3% of the respondents, major source of drug was plants (69.2%), while generic name was the most commonly remembered drug nomenclature. Oral route was the most common route (100%) as well as the most preferred (89.2%) route of drug administration. The first line of treatment for any illness was home remedies (54.2%) while 69.2% of the respondents reported to consume drugs for any illness after prescription by a registered medical practitioner. Similarly, 80.8% of the respondents took drugs in adequate dose while 83.3% reported to take drugs for adequate period of time for any illness. Type A was the most commonly (79.2%) reported adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings demonstrated the need to reinforce information on general pharmacology and adverse effects related to different dosage forms of medications to the future practitioners.

The evaluation of compounding prescription and its availability of a licensed product for children at a private hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia


 Introduction: The availability of licensed drug formulas for paediatric patients is still limited, so compounded drugs still exist, especially in the form of divided medicinal powder. 
 Aim: This study aimed to determine the profile of divided medicinal powder prescription and its availability in licensed drug formula for paediatric patients. 
 Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study. Prescriptions containing order to compound divided medicinal powder at a ublic Hospital in Yogyakarta Special Region from January to March 2019, were collected and analysed descriptively.
 Results: The total collected prescriptions were 152. The total of active substances given to paediatric patients was 38. The most prescribed drug in the hospital was Triamcinolone. There are 34 active substances already available in licensed drug formulas for paediatric patients, so it is better not to be compounded. However, four active substances are not available as licensed product in the drug information handbook in Indonesia, so, it is reasonable to compound to provide a suitable medication (dose and dosage form) for paediatric patients.

Evaluation of medication adherence among patients with chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia.

Medication adherence in chronic diseases patients is a worldwide concern. Not achieving the goal of treatments because of non-adherence will lead to more complications and eventually may lead to death. In Saudi Arabia, we have insufficient data for interpretation. Hence, this study aims to have a better perspective at the number of the non-adherent patients with chronic diseases to their medications and its associated factors. Cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among chronic diseases patients living in Saudi Arabia throughout social media and hospital visits from August 2018 to April 2019. A three-section questionnaire consists of patient's health, medications and adherence characteristics. Adherence to Refills and Medication Scale (ARMS) was used to identify the level of adherence among chronic diseases patients. Univariate descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test with one-way ANOVA were used as bivariate analysis. Finally, significant predictors of medical adherence with adjusted coefficient were determined by multivariable linear regression. A total of 385 patients were included in the analysis for the current study. Overall, 96.62% (n=372) were non-adherent to their medications according to ARMS scale. Multiple linear regression model found types of co-morbidities, medication dosage form and dosage regimen to be independent predictors of medical adherence. Medication adherence is alarmingly low among chronic disease patients in Saudi Arabia. There is a clear need for in-depth understanding for barriers. It is therefore important to conduct a qualitative study. What's known Medication adherence is a critical factor in treatment success. Low adherence to the medication is a common problem among chronic disease patients. Moreover, the majority of the studies in Saudi Arabia showed low adherence rate, and it focused in one single chronic disease only despite that patient may have more. What's new Most patients had more than one single chronic disease, so this study aims to take a snapshot to capture the adherence rate among patients who are suffering from chronic disease Saudi Arabia and its associated factors. This can help in understanding medication adherence behavior in clinical practice.

Highly accurate and New approach for quantiϐication of Gramicidin in medication by RP-HPLC

A significant Reverse Phase-High performance Liquid Chromatography technique was developed for a more accurate, unique and quick economical method was developed for the analysis of Gramicidin in medication dosage forms. The separation of this drug Gramicidin was done by using the X-Bridge phenyl column as a stationary phase, and a mixture of acetonitrile + buffer in 50:50 v/v ratio was used as a movable phase. The buffer used in this method was Octane sulphonic acid of pH-2.5 adjusted with OPA. The maximum absorbance of eluents was observed at 235 nm. A specific flow rate (1 ml/minute) was maintained throughout the runtime of 8 min. The selected drug is eluted at 2.49 minutes. The selected drug obeys Beer Lambert's law in the concentration range of 0.5-7.5 µg/ml of Gramicidin. The percentage of recovery was found to be within the acceptable limit. The selected approach was corroborated with ICH standard ground rules, and the results of parameters like method precision, accuracy, ruggedness, robustness, and degradation studies were found to be within the allowable limit. Thus, the present method was successfully applied for the simultaneous analysis of Gramicidin in routine industrial work.

Public knowledge about dosage forms, routes of drug administration and medication proper storage conditions in Riyadh District, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess public knowledge on the safety, efficacy, proper storage conditions and other physiochemical properties of different dosage forms. Methods This study was based on a cross-sectional design. A structured quantitative survey, which included five sections, was used as an instrument for data collection. The first section addressed the demographic characteristics of the sample, whereas the second section assessed public knowledge on medications. The third section inquired about participants’ preferred dosage forms. The fourth section was related to the perceived effects of physiochemical properties of medicines on their safety and efficacy. The fifth section addressed participants’ thoughts on appropriate ways for medications usage and storage. A total of 752 participants completed the questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS (20.0) software. Key findings Although our study findings pointed out some knowledge gaps based on participants’ answers, most of the participants (87%) reported that physicians or pharmacists were the main sources of their medicine-related information. There was a great variation in participants’ responses regarding perceived onset of action, proper storage conditions and other properties of different dosage forms. Conclusion The study findings demonstrated the need to educate the public about basic information related to different dosage forms of medications.

Appropriateness of oral dosage form modification for aged care residents: a video-recorded observational study.

Background Dosage forms of oral medications are frequently modified in aged care facilities by crushing/splitting tablets or opening capsules to facilitate medication administration for residents with swallowing difficulties. These practices pose safety concerns including the risk of adverse events resulting from loss of dose during transfer and alteration in the rate of absorption. Objective To identify the incidence, methods, and appropriateness of oral dosage form modification practices in aged care facilities. Setting A purposive sample of four urban and regional aged care facilitiesin Queensland, Australia. Method The processes of modification of oral dosage forms were observed and video-recorded using an action camera placed on medication trolleys. Each video was then reviewed and the details of the medication modification processes were recorded in a data collection form. The appropriateness of the practices of dosage form modification was evaluated against existing national guideline (Australian Don't Rush to Crush Handbook). Deviations from the instructions in the guideline were considered as inappropriate practice. Main outcome measure Incidence and characteristics of inappropriate modificationof oral dosage forms. Results Oral dosage forms were modified in 25.7% of 810 observed medications. The most common methods of dosage form modification included crushing tablets with a manual crushing device (71.6%), cutting/splitting tablets (20.2%), and opening capsules (4.3%). According to the national guideline, 12.5% of the modification instances were inappropriate. Inappropriate practices were commonly associated with the suboptimal methods of medication preparation where medications were unsuitably modified, mixed, spilled, or incompletely dosed. Conclusion Themodificationof oral dosage forms seems a common practice in aged care facilities in Queensland. However, some of these modifications do not comply with the requirements of good practice according toexisting guidelines. Healthcare workers in aged care facilitiesneed to be supported and upskilled with effective training to promote the best and safest practices of ODF modification.

Antipsychotic medication therapy during the holy month of Ramadan: a literature review

Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biomedical Reports,2019,5,2,79-83.DOI:10.5530/PTB.2019.5.14Published:July 2019Type:Review ArticleAuthors:Yousef Ahmed Alomi, Jude Alhowaidi, Raneem Alzeer, Ali Alhowaidi, and Nora Alhowaidi Author(s) affiliations:Yousef Ahmed Alomi*, General Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Jude Alhowaidi, General Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Raneem Alzeer, General Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Ali Alhowaidi, General Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Nora Alhowaidi, General Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Abstract:Objectives: To review the antipsychotic medication therapy during the holy month of Ramadan. Methods: In this study, we performed an extensive search of 50 databases through the Saudi Digital Library search engine. We included meta-analysis, randomized controlled studies and observational studies published in English language in May 2017. The search terms included Ramadan, fasting, medication, therapy, type of disease, and medication based on therapeutic class. The search on antipsychotic and anti-epileptic medication list and switch from regular days to Ramadan days included comparative safety, efficacy and cost of type of medication for each disease and national or international evidencebased guidelines including those switching short half-life to long half-life drugs. All nonoral dosage form of medication will be excluded in this study. All medications should be documented in the Ministry of Health drug formulary. Results: A total of 710 studies were shortlisted after an extensive search with specific terms. Of those, 104 studies were duplicate studies; therefore only 606 studies were included for further evaluation. The evaluation revealed that 27 studies discussed about the antipsychotic medications and Ramadan. Of these, only five were appropriate for further revision. According to our results, most of the studies were observational studies and a few have conducted experimental design studies. Three studies have a shared or similar study design (i.e., reports). Among all the reports analyzed in this study, most of them used study design. On the contrary, three studies mentioned the utilization of a descriptive approach; however, none of the studies mentioned the exact type of descriptive analysis conducted. One study was a clinical review and another study mentioned the applicability of a randomized controlled trial. Based on this, the authors suggested switching the antipsychotic and anti-epileptic medication from regular days to Ramadan days. Conclusion: There are no randomized clinical trials in the literature to validate the switching of medication from regular to Ramadan days. A list of antipsychotic medications that can be used to switch during Ramadan is highly warranted. Further studies to validate the medication used to treat psychiatric conditions during the holy month of Ramadan is recommended. Keywords:Antipsychotic, Medication, Ramadan, Review, TherapyView:PDF (180.89 KB) PDF PDF Images The selected studies conducted during the holy month of Ramadan.

Drug therapy for chronic diseases during the holy month of Ramadan: a literature review

Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biomedical Reports,2019,5,2,75-78.DOI:10.5530/PTB.2019.5.13Published:July 2019Type:Review ArticleAuthors:Yousef Ahmed Alomi, Ban Abdullah Aldosary, Nasser Faleh Aldawas, and Rana Mohammed Alslim Author(s) affiliations:Yousef Ahmed Alomi*, General Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Ban Abdullah Aldosary, Pharmaceutical Care Department, Al-Amel Mental City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Nasser Faleh Aldawas, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Rana Mohammed Alslim, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Abstract:Objectives: In this study, we aimed to review the drug therapy for chronic diseases during the holy month of Ramadan. Methods: In this study, we conducted an extensive search of 50 databases through the Saudi Digital Library search engine. We included meta-analysis, randomized controlled studies and observational studies published in English language in May 2017. The search terms included Ramadan, fasting, medication, therapy, type of disease, and medication based on therapeutic class. Medication list related to the gastrointestinal tract diseases, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis and the switch from regular days to Ramadan days revealed comparative safety, efficacy studies, cost of type of medication for each disease studies and national or international evidence based guidelines of switching short halflife to long half-life. All parenteral dosage form of medication were excluded from the analysis. All medications should be listed in the MOH drug formulary. Results: A total of 710 studies were obtained after an extensive search with specific terms. Of those, 104 studies were duplicate studies and 606 studies were included for further evaluation. The evaluation revealed that 27 studies investigated medications related to the gastrointestinal diseases and Ramadan and 15 studies were about medicines for asthma and rheumatoid arthritis and Ramadan. Of those 42 studies of Ramadan and chronic diseases, only 5 studies were found to be appropriate for further evaluation. The suggested draft of list of medications of chronic diseases from regular days to the Ramadan days is explored in the review. Conclusion: The guidelines medications of chronic disease (Asthma, RA, GIT disease) intake during the holy month of Ramadan is not found. The studies of drug schedules in Ramadan does not exist. The investigations about medications therapy of chronic disease are highly recommended in Muslim countries. Keywords:Chronic diseases, Drug, Literature, Ramadan, Review, TherapyView:PDF (185.67 KB) PDF PDF Images The Chronic Diseases (GIT, RA, Asthma) studies conducted during the holy month of Ramadan.

Intake of antibiotics and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan: A Literature Review

Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biomedical Reports,2019,5,2,65-68.DOI:10.5530/PTB.2019.5.11Published:July 2019Type:Review ArticleAuthors:Yousef Ahmed Alomi, Mohammed Abdulaziz Altuwaijri, Mohsen Huraybie Alshammari, and Nouf Hameed Al-Muallad Author(s) affiliations:Yousef Ahmed Alomi*, General Administration of Pharmaceutical Care, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Mohammed Abdulaziz Altuwaijri, ENT Consultant, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Mohsen Huraybie Alshammari, Hail Maternaty and Childern Hospital, Ministry of Health, Hail, SAUDI ARABIA. Nouf Hameed Al-Muallad, Ibn Sina College Hospital, Jeddah, SAUDI ARABIA. Abstract:Objectives: To review the intake of antibiotics and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Methods: In this study, we performed an extensive search of 50 databases following the Saudi Digital Library search engine. We included meta-analysis, randomized controlled studies and observational studies published in English language with human study only for update May 2017. The search terms included Ramadan, fasting, medication, therapy, type of disease and medication based on therapeutic class. The list of antibiotic medication and switch from regular days to Ramadan days based on literature search revealed comparative safety studies, efficacy studies and cost of type of medication for each disease studies and national or international evidence-based guidelines of switching short half-life to long halflife. All parenteral dosage form of medication were excluded from study. All medications should be listed in the Ministry of Health drug formulary. Results: A total of 710 studies were obtained after an extensive search with specific terms. Of those, 104 studies were duplicate studies and 606 were considered for further evaluation. After evaluation, we obtained 30 studies which discussed about the antibiotics and Ramadan. Of these 30 studies, only 2 studies were found to be appropriate for further revision. Among the two, one study was an observational study regarding the pattern of prescribing antibiotics during the holy month of Ramadan. The second study was about the systemic review on the safety of fasting and several infectious diseases. The suggested draft of list of antibiotic switch from regular days to the holy Ramadan days was explored in this review. Conclusion: The investigations about antibiotics intake during fasting not found. The studies of antibiotic during the holy month of Ramadan is required during legal registrations at all Muslim countries. Antibiotics switch therapy during fasting is highly recommended at all Muslim patients in the world. Keywords:Antibiotics, Fasting, Literature, Ramadan, ReviewView:PDF (190.51 KB) PDF PDF Images Table 1: The antibiotic studies conducted during the holy month of Ramadan.

Safety profile of traditional Chinese herbal injection: An analysis of a spontaneous reporting system in China.

Although a series of serious adverse events have continually raised concerns about the potential toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine injections (TCM injections), studies on this subject are still sparse. We conducted a descriptive analysis of a spontaneous reporting system in China to describe the safety profile of TCM injections. The safety profile of TCM injections is described by descriptive analysis of 559 066 adverse reports collected from Guangdong Provincial Center for adverse drug reaction (ADR) Monitoring in China during 2003 to 2017. The percentage of new or serious ADRs of TCM injections is much higher than average percentage of China's spontaneous reporting system (SRS) as a whole (48.70% vs <25%). Compared with conventional injections, TCM injections have a slightly lower percentage of serious ADRs (6.02% vs 6.72%) and much higher percentage of unknown (new) ADRs (46.74% vs 24.13%). The gender and age distribution for TCM injections are similar to conventional injections. The reporting rates of ADRs increased with age. Anaphylactic shock and anaphylactoid reaction are high-risk ADRs for TCM injections and, anaphylactic shock is ranked number 1 in causing deaths (50.00%). There are some differences and similarities on the safety profile between TCM injections and conventional injections. TCM injections have higher risk of adverse effects than any other dosage forms of TCM medications and higher percentage of new or serious adverse effects than conventional injections. A lot of work need to be done to clarify the huge amount of potential unknown adverse effects related to TCM injections.

Efficiency of Asmegum in Mixed Helminthosis of Sheep

The purpose of the research to study the antihelminthic efficiency of the new antihelminthic medication asmegum. Materials and methods. The object of the research is the antihelminthic medication asmegum, which has been synthesized at the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic by streamlined synthesis. Asmegum was tested on 45 spontaneously infested sheep born in 2015 with the body weight of about 40-50 kg at the experimental base of the Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Veterinary named after A. Duysheev. Animals were divided into 9 groups, 5 animals in each group, according to the principle of analogues. All test animals were kept under the same conditions. Asmegum was given orally as a single dose in the form of water emulsion, powder and medicated feed mixture at a dose of 50 mg/kg of live weight. Animals from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups received asmegum in a water emulsion form. Animals from the 4th, 5th and 6th groups received the medication in a powder form. Sheep from the 7th, 8th and 9th groups received asmegum in a medicated feed mixture form. The animals were monitored during 10 days. The anthelminthic activity of the medication was determined according to the results of coproovolarscopical (by Fulleborn's method, sequential washing method and Berman's method) research in 10 days after giving medication. The therapeutic efficiency of the anthelmintic agent was assessed according to the requirements of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (1995). Results and discussion. The asmegum efficiency at a dose of 50 mg/kg versus strongylata, nematodiroses and dicrocelium was determined. Its efficiency in strongylatosis, dicroceliosis and nematodirus was 90.3-91.28%, 89.76-92.0% and 86.52-91.56% respectively. The medication dosage form did not effect its efficiency. Asmegum administration in a recommended dose did not induce adverse events in animals. The medication promoted the intestine function regeneration. Sheep treated with asmegun bulked up quickly due to presence of asparaginic acid in its composition.

Patient’s Knowledge of Basic Medication Information in Saudi Arabia

Objective: To explore the Patients and Basic Knowledge of Medications in Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a 4-months cross-sectional survey of patient and basic knowledge of medicines. The survey consisted of twopart, demographic information and second part forty-nine questions divided into four domains. It included domain 1: Primary or essential information about patient medication, domain 2: patient information about the drug-related problem, domain 3: patient information about drug-related cost and domain 4: patient’s perception about medications. Medline Plus health information and DailyMed-INH elements information from National Institute of Health United State of America were used. The 5-point Likert response scale system was used. The questions were open and closed-ended. The survey distributed through social media and at 500-bed pediatrics and maternity hospital in Asir region, at ambulatory care pharmacy. The authors did the patients interview with electronic survey documentation. The survey was made in an electronic format and it analyzed domain one Primary or necessary information about patient medication through survey monkey system. Results: The total responders were (614) patients with Saudi 564 (96.1%) and Non-Saudi was 23 (3.9%) nationalities. The gender distribution 523 (85.2%) were females and 91 (14.8%) were males. The most type of medications used was anti-diabetic and anti-hypertension medicines, Skin medications and drugs for Respiratory Diseases. The responders showed poor knowledge either they do not know or weak information about the generic name of Medicines 300 (54.8%), the trade name 246 (46.8%). While adequate knowledge both complete and incomplete information of drug strength 324 (60.9%) and dosage form of medication 377 (70.6%). The patients showed adequate knowledge about medications with both complete information and incomplete information about drug indication 456 (77.8%), how to use medications 496 (84.78%), the administration time 493 (84.71%), the potential to adhere medication 431 (73.9%) and the time to stop drugs 391 (67.1%). The majority of responders used health care providers 346 (57%), drug bulletin 341 (56.2%), Internet 221 (36.4%) and Relatives and friends 137 (22.57%) as sources of drug information. Conclusion: The finding showed indigent essential drug information knowledge. Targeting of public awareness of necessary information about their medications and patient counseling system will prevent drug misadventures and drug-related morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia. Key words: Patient, Knowledge, Medications, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.

Healthcare professionals and Basic Knowledge of Medications in Saudi Arabia

Objective: To explore the Healthcare professionals and Basic Knowledge of Medications in Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a 4-months cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals and knowledge of medicines. The survey consisted of two-part, demographic information and second part forty-nine questions divided into four domains. It included domain one: Primary or essential information about healthcare providers medication, domain two: healthcare professionals information about the drug-related problem, domain three: healthcare professionals information about drug-related cost and domain four: Healthcare providers perception of medications. All type of healthcare professionals included in the study. Medline Plus health information and DailyMed-INH elements information from National Institute of Health United State of America were used. The survey was distributed through social media by using what’s App to more than one thousand healthcare professionals overall Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The survey was made in an electronic format and it analyzed domain one Primary or necessary information about healthcare professionals medication through survey monkey system. Results: The total responders were (188) Healthcare professionals. Of those 177 (95.16%) were Saudi and 9 (4.84%) were non-Saudi. The gender distribution 120 (63.83%) were females and 68 (36.17%) were males. The most of Healthcare professionals were pharmacists 93 (71.54%), followed by nurses 18 (13.85%) and physicians 15 (11.54%). The most type of medications used was anti-hypertension medicines, anti-diabetic medicines, Skin medications and drugs for Respiratory Diseases. The healthcare professionals showed adequate knowledge both complete and incomplete information of the generic name of Medicines 117 (67.6%), the trade name 126 (73.7%), drug strength 128 (73.9%) and dosage form of medication 132 (76.7%). The responders showed adequate knowledge about medications with both complete information and incomplete information about drug indication 159 (85.5%), how to use medications 161 (87 %). The administration time 161 (86.55%), what to do if patient forgot one dose 133 (71.9%), the potential to adhere medication 159 (86.4%) and the time to stop drugs 148 (79.57%). The majority of responders used drug bulletin 126 (69.61%), Health practitioners 123 (67.96%), Internet 108 (59.67%) and Drug Information Center at the hospital 36 (19.89%) as sources of drug information. Conclusion: More than one-third of Healthcare professionals missed complete essential drug information knowledge. Targeting of health care professionals; with individual basic drug information courses for the healthcare professionals through drug information services is required in Saudi Arabia. Key words: Healthcare professional, Knowledge, Medications, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.

A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down? A review of strategies for making pills easier to swallow.

Solid oral dosage forms such as tablets and capsules are generally the preferred method of drug delivery due to their convenience, cost, and acceptability. However, for many people, it can be a challenge to swallow solid oral medications, even those with healthy swallowing function. This review describes current strategies available to facilitate medication administration to otherwise healthy people with pill-swallowing difficulties. In general, restoring and maintaining the ability to swallow pills whole should ideally be the first choice in managing people with pill-swallowing difficulties. A number of strategies can potentially make it easier to swallow pills whole. These include postural adjustments, using pill-swallowing aids, and teaching pill-swallowing techniques. Where these are not successful or appropriate, then other approaches have to be considered using alternative formulations/routes of administration or deprescribing. If there is no other option, and it is not directly contraindicated for each specific medication dosage form, pills may be modified and mixed in foods and drinks to aid swallowing. In conclusion, people with pill-swallowing difficulties can benefit from a number of strategies designed to facilitate swallowing medications. However, these strategies should be further evaluated with regard to the evidence relating to both their efficacy and safety.

Dosage form modification and oral drug delivery in older people.

Many people cannot swallow whole tablets and capsules. The cause ranges from difficulties overriding the natural instinct to chew solids/foodstuff before swallowing, to a complex disorder of swallowing function affecting the ability to manage all food and fluid intake. Older people can experience swallowing difficulties because of co-morbidities, age-related physiological changes, and polypharmacy. To make medicines easier to swallow, many people will modify the medication dosage form e.g. split or crush tablets, and open capsules. Some of the challenges associated with administering medicines to older people, and issues with dosage form modification will be reviewed. Novel dosage forms in development are promising and may help overcome some of the issues. However, until these are more readily available, effective interdisciplinary teams, and improving patient health literacy will help reduce the risk of medication misadventures in older people.