Rational Use Of Medicines Research Articles

Feasibility and reliability of a quality indicator system for an ambulatory dispensing service.

For a medication dispensing service to function with quality, continuous evaluation is required, which is why it is necessary to have reliable measurement tools that make it possible. Quality indicators can serve as tools for managing quality, as they are variables that directly or indirectly measure changes in a situation and help evaluate the progress made in addressing it. This article aims to determine the feasibility and reliability of a quality indicator system for a drug dispensing service for paediatric outpatients in two Mexican hospitals. A study of the development type of health systems and services at a microlevel was conducted from October 2020 to October 2021 in the pharmaceutical service of two Mexican hospitals. To determine the feasibility of the quality indicators, a retrospective evaluation was performed, which considered the indicators that could be calculated with the available information to be feasible. To determine reliability, an inter-observer agreement study (Kappa (κ)) was performed. The feasibility analysis revealed that all five reference indicators related to the structure were feasible in both hospitals. In the Infantil of the Californias hospital, all six process indicators evaluated were feasible, whilst only one was found feasible in H+ Querétaro. As for outcome indicators, only one was feasible in the Infantil of the Californias hospital. The causes of non-feasibility in both hospitals were the non-documentation of the primary data related to the stages of the process and the lack of instruments to measure patient satisfaction. The reliability of the indicators showed little variability. Although not all indicators were feasible, solutions were proposed so that the 15 reference indicators could be used if an organization decided to do so. The reliability of the indicators was demonstrated, evidencing the importance of the data sheet as a tool to generate valid reliable measures.This article is part of the Hospital pharmacy, rational use of medicines and patient safety in Latin America Special Issue: https://www.drugsincontext.com/special_issues/hospital-pharmacy-rational-use-of-medicines-and-patient-safety-in-latin-america/.

The use of medications by incarcerated women: an exploratory study

Objective: To investigate the use of medicines by women deprived of their liberty in a municipality in the east of Minas Gerais. Method: The research was conducted in three stages: (I) documentary investigation, (II) analysis of medical records, and (III) application of semi-structured questionnaires. Women deprived of liberty who were part of the prison system evaluated participated in the study. The research was carried out between June 2020 and June 2021. Result: Seventeen women deprived of their liberty participated in the study, most of them black and brown (88.24%), between 30 and 49 years old (n = 9; 52.9%), and who used a total of 56 different medications, with the psychotropic class being the most prevalent (n = 28; 50%), followed by cardiovascular system drugs (n = 15; 26.8%). Conclusion: The medications most used by study participants belonged to the class of antidepressants and antiepileptics. Furthermore, the women’s medical records lacked crucial information regarding medication use. These data, combined with difficulties in access, highlight the importance of complying with public policies in favor of comprehensive health care for women deprived of their liberty, especially the right to access and rational use of medicines.

A study of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in the dermatology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Gujarat

Background: Various drugs are responsible for different cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs). Considering variation in drug responses and the day-to-day increasing burden of ADRs, this study was done with emphasis on the need for effective evaluation and the reporting of the ADR reporting programme. Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted for the duration of six months in the dermatology department to evaluate various clinical patterns of CADRs. Results: A total of 60 CADRs were reported. Among them, 51.67% were present in males and 48.33% were present in females. The most common CADR was FDE (35%), followed by macula-papular rash (25%). Antimicrobials were most commonly responsible for CADRs, followed by NSAIDs, antiepileptic, anti-gout, and anti-hypertensive medications. Conclusions: For better patient care, drug safety, and rational use of medicines, knowledge of various drugs responsible for CADRs can be useful for health care professionals to reduce mortality and morbidity by monitoring, reporting, and assessment of CADRs whenever detected.

Drug utilization and prescribing pattern in the treatment of urolithiasis: a perspective on World Health Organization recommendations

Background: Drug utilization research (DUR) is essential in promoting rational use of medicine, aimed at understanding the patterns of prescription, administration, and utilization of medications. It provides valuable insights into the actual drug usage patterns for specific disease conditions. To evaluate the current utilization pattern of drugs in patients of urolithiasis in the Department of General Medicine and Surgery at Integral Institute of Medical Science and Research Hospital, Lucknow. Methods: Following the approval of the institutional ethics committee, a prospective observational study was conducted at Integral Institute of Medical Science and Research Department of general medicine and surgery over a six-month period. Urolithiasis patients’ prescriptions were analyzed to study the prescribing patterns. Information about patient demographics, co-morbidities, and the number and types of medications prescribed were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of 102 patients studied, a female preponderance over male patients was observed. The co-morbidities that are encountered most commonly were hydronephrosis, cystitis, and renal cyst. There is averaged 7 medicines per prescription, 15.25% of medicines written by the generic name, 83.33% of patients receiving antibiotics, 54.70% of patients receiving injections, and 83% of drugs prescribed are mentioned in the essential medicine list. Analgesics, antibiotics, nutritional supplements, antiemetic, alkalizing agents, and antispasmodics were among the class of medicines given. Conclusions: This study highlights the current use of medicines and drug utilization in urolithiasis management. The findings show important insights for healthcare professionals to enhance medication therapy, encourage cost-effective healthcare delivery and improve quality of patient in urolithiasis management.

Prescribe rationally, not fashionably: The challenge in implementing rational use of medicines in India

Prescribe rationally, not fashionably: The challenge in implementing rational use of medicines in India

Conformity of Package Inserts Information to Regulatory Requirements

ABSTRACT Background: Accurate and reliable information regarding drugs is essential for safe and effective use of drugs. It is not possible for the clinician to refer research articles every time for complete updates. In such situations, package inserts (PIs) form an authentic information for the doctor and patient. The study was intended to assess the information completeness and precision of PIs using the criteria laid down by, sections 6.2 and 6.3 of Schedule D (II), Schedule Y of Drugs and Cosmetic Act (1940) and Rules (1945). Materials and Methods: PIs of different formulations were collected from various departments, and also local and regional chemists. The information adequacy was done by 25 checklist proposed by the Indian Drug and Cosmetic Act (1940) and Rules, 1945 under sections 6.2 and 6.3 of Schedule D and Schedule Y. A score of “1” was given, if information was present, and “0” if there was no information. Information adequacy scores also calculated. Results: A total of 207 PIs were analyzed. Majority of PIs belong Grade B category of drug information (174). Generic name, composition, posology and method of administration, undesirable effects, contraindications, drug interactions, special precautions, legibility, storage and contraindications during pregnancy and breast feeding were mentioned by nearly all. Gaps were observed in handling instructions, influence on person’s self-driving and machinery operation capabilities, pharmaceutical incompatibilities, shelf life, excipients and Pharmacokinetic and dynamic information not updated regularly. Conclusion: The current study shows that there is still inadequacy of particulars regarding drug information. Hence, it is essential to establish proper uniform standards for the currently available PIs. An absolute and flawless PI should provide complete information. This requires continuous and constant effort from manufacturer and regulatory authorities to promote safe and rational use of medicines.

Prediction of quality markers of Angong Niuhuang Pills based on LC-MS and pull-down with SPR chips

Elucidating the quality markers(Q-markers) of traditional Chinese medicines is essential for understanding the mechanisms of action and promoting the rational use of traditional Chinese medicines as well as for developing traditional Chinese medicine-derived drugs. Studies have shown that surface plasmon resonance(SPR) is promising in this field. This study proposed a method based on pull-down with SPR chips to predict the Q-markers of Angong Niuhuang pills(AGNHP). Firstly, 71 main chemical components of AGNHP were analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and then network pharmacology was employed to predict the potential targets of AGNHP against stroke. Secondly, the STAT3 protein chip was constructed, and the extract of AGNHP was recovered by pull-down of the SPR system for STAT3 ligand. The potential active ingredients were collected, enriched, and identified as coptisine, palmatine, epiberberine, berberine, worenine, demethyleneberberine, jatrorrhizine, tetrahydrocoptisine, baicalein, and baicalin methyl ester. Next, the affinity constants of the 10 active ingredients were determined as 44.7, 44, 58.1, 51.3, 39.7, 32.1, 49.2, 69.1, 19.7, and 24.9 μmol·L~(-1), respectively. The molecular docking results showed that the 10 compounds could compete for binding with STAT3. This is the first report that SPR combined with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS is reliable and feasible for determining the active ingredients of AGNHP at the molecular level from complex systems. STAT3 could be used as a potential target for the biological quality evaluation of AGNHP.

The role of regulatory authorities in the regulation and control of herbal medicines: A case study of NAFDAC

This paper examines the pivotal role of regulatory authorities in governing and overseeing the production, distribution, and consumption of herbal medicines, with a specific focus on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria. Through an extensive literature review and analysis of regulatory frameworks, this study elucidates the challenges and opportunities associated with regulating herbal medicines within a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. It investigates NAFDAC's mandate, regulatory processes, and enforcement mechanisms in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal products. Additionally, this paper explores case studies and regulatory interventions implemented by NAFDAC to address issues such as adulteration, contamination, and mislabeling of herbal medicines. By critically assessing NAFDAC's role and performance in regulating herbal medicines, this study provides valuable insights into the complexities of herbal medicine regulation and underscores the importance of robust regulatory oversight in safeguarding public health and promoting rational herbal medicine use.

Research progress in the relationship between gut microbiota metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide and ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a severe cerebrovascular disease that seriously endangers human health. Gut microbiota plays a key role as an intermediate mediator in bidirectional regulation between the brain and the intestine. In recent years, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) as a gut microbiota metabolite has received widespread attention in cardiovascular diseases. Elevated levels of TMAO may increase the risk of IS by affecting IS risk factors such as atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. TMAO exacerbates neurological damage in IS patients, increases the risk of IS recurrence, and is an independent predictor of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) in patients. Current research suggests that the mechanisms of TMAO action include endothelial dysfunction, promoting of foam cell formation, influence on cholesterol metabolism, and enhancement of platelet reactivity. Lowering plasma TMAO levels through the rational use of traditional Chinese medicine, dietary management, vitamins, and probiotics can prevent and treat IS.

THE ROLE OF REGULATORY AUTHORITIES IN THE REGULATION AND CONTROL OF HERBAL MEDICINES: A CASE STUDY OF NAFDAC

This paper examines the pivotal role of regulatory authorities in governing and overseeing the production, distribution, and consumption of herbal medicines, with a specific focus on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Nigeria. Through an extensive literature review and analysis of regulatory frameworks, this study elucidates the challenges and opportunities associated with regulating herbal medicines within a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. It investigates NAFDAC's mandate, regulatory processes, and enforcement mechanisms in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal products. Additionally, this paper explores case studies and regulatory interventions implemented by NAFDAC to address issues such as adulteration, contamination, and mislabeling of herbal medicines. By critically assessing NAFDAC's role and performance in regulating herbal medicines, this study provides valuable insights into the complexities of herbal medicine regulation and underscores the importance of robust regulatory oversight in safeguarding public health and promoting rational herbal medicine use.
 Keywords: Herbal, Medicine, Regulatory, Authority, NAFDAC, Nigeria.

Retrospective review of medicine utilization for noncommunicable diseases in three public sector pharmacies in Jamaica.

The rational use of medicines offers a cost-saving strategy to maximize therapeutic outcomes for developing and developed countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rational use of medicines for selected noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) at three pharmacies at public hospitals in Jamaica using the World Health Organization's (WHO's) prescribing indicators. In this retrospective cross-sectional study, prescriptions for adult outpatients containing at least one medicine for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma that were filled between January and July 2019 were reviewed using WHO's prescribing indicators for the rational use of medicines. Data were analyzed and expressed as descriptive and inferential statistics. For all analyses conducted, significance was determined at P < 0.05. A total of 1 500 prescriptions covering 5 979 medicines were reviewed; prescriptions were mostly written for female patients aged 42-60 years. Polypharmacy was observed in 35.6% (534) of prescriptions, and there was an average of 4 medicines per prescription, with a maximum of 17. Most of the prescriptions at each site were filled, with the main reason for not dispensing a medicine being that it was out of stock. Generic prescribing was high for all sites, accounting for more than 95% (5 722) of prescribed medicines. There was full compliance with prescribing according to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines at two of the sites, but it was just off the target at Site 1, by 1.4%. The WHO guidelines for the rational use of medicines were followed with respect to the proportion of medicines prescribed from the WHO Model List and the proportion of antibiotics prescribed. The number of medicines per prescription and the proportion of medicines prescribed by generic name did not meet the WHO criteria. However, prescribing was aligned with treatment guidelines for the selected NCDs.

Self-medication cases reported to a poison information center in Brazil from 2014 to 2020

Introduction Self-medication is the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed illnesses or symptoms, on one’s own initiative, without the guidance of a healthcare professional. Poison centers play an important role in understanding the relationship between self-medication and poisoning. The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients exposed to and/or poisoned by different drugs through self-medication. Methods This retrospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study analyzed data from 2014 to 2020, provided by the Toxicological Information and Assistance Center of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data were selected, tabulated, and analyzed by using descriptive statistics and group comparison with the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There were 683 cases of self-medication identified. Most patients were female (62.8 percent) and between 20 and 29 years old (26.1 percent). A toxic dose of a substance was administered in only 22.8 percent of the cases, and five deaths were recorded. The most commonly used medications were anxiolytics (18 percent), followed by analgesics and antipyretics (15.4 percent). Paracetamol was the drug used in three of the five cases that resulted in deaths. Discussion This study demonstrates the prevalence of self-medication among women aged between 20 and 29 years old. Statistical analysis failed to show a relationship between a toxic dose and clinical manifestations. Anxiolytics, analgesics, and antipyretics are the most reported medications probably because healthcare professionals are mostly the ones who contact the center. Analgesics and antipyretics account for more than fifty percent of the deaths caused by self-medication in the present report. Some limitations such as secondary sources are related. Conclusion We highlight the importance of health professionals in promoting the rational use of medicines, as well as poison centers in assisting the population and raising their awareness regarding the issue.

Evaluation of Rational Medicines Use Based on World Health Organization Core Indicators: A Cross-Sectional Study in Five Health Districts in Mauritania.

The rational use of medicines is essential for preventing adverse medicine reactions, achieving therapeutic outcomes, and optimizing treatment costs. While the irrational use of medicines is frequently reported in sub-Saharan Africa, to the best of our knowledge no formal studies have taken place in Mauritania thus far. The main objective of this study was therefore to analyze the rational use of medicines in public and private not-for-profit health facilities, in five health districts in Mauritania. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the rational use of medicines. We used the standard indicators derived from the methodologies of the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD). Data were prospectively collected from 1050 prescriptions/patients, in thirty-one public and private not-for-profit health posts/centers in 5 health districts. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. P value less than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval considered for significance of relationships for associations in statistical test. The average number of medicines per prescription was 2.21; 83.1% (1931/2325) of medicines were prescribed by generic name, but only 54% (1253/2325) were on the National Essential Medicine List (NEML). Antibiotics were prescribed in 62.4% (655/1050) of the consultations, and injectable medicines were prescribed in 15.6% (164/1050) of the consultations. The average consultation time was 16.32 minutes, and the average dispensing time was 97 seconds. Dispensed medicines were correctly labeled, and 83% (871/1050) of patients met the correct administration schedule. The NEML, and the "restricted NEML" for 76 commonly-used medicines, were available in all surveyed health facilities, but the National Therapeutic Guidelines were available in only 60.26% of them. Our findings indicate a possible excess of antibiotics prescriptions, and a likely lack of knowledge of the National Therapeutic Guidelines. There is a need to investigate in more detail the prescription patterns versus disease-specific therapeutic guidelines, and to qualitatively investigate the factors that contribute to the observed irrational prescribing. Moreover, training local staff in the rational use of medicines seems important.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance among medical students

Background: Spontaneous voluntary adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting is the backbone for the successful functioning of the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India. The aim of pharmacovigilance is to ensure safe and rational use of medicines, once they are released for general use in the society. Targeting the younger doctor for sensitization toward pharmacovigilance is the key to ensure practice of adverse drug reactions (ADR) reporting in clinical practice. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of pharmacovigilance among medical students at LLRM Medical College, Meerut, a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using a pretested questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to assess the KAP regarding pharmacovigilance. The medical students (2nd year, final year, and interns) were included in the study. Only the participants who gave their consent were included in the study. Results were calculated by proper statistical analysis. Results: The current study was conducted in a LLRM Medical College, Meerut, which included a total of 250 medical students of which 40% 2nd year, 40% final year students, and 20% interns. Most of them (83%) accepted that reporting ADR is necessary, and pharmacovigilance should be taught in detail to health-care professionals. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that knowledge of pharmacovigilance among medical students is improving gradually and pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting needs to be made compulsory, have better, interesting ways to learn and understand it, so that the students can practice it with confidence in their clinical practice.

The exploring role and responsibility of Indian pharmacopoeia commission: An introduction

: This article emphasise on the Journey of Indian Pharmacopoeia and its parent organisation, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) as setting up standards for maintaining the efficacy and quality of drugs used for the treatment of diseases prevailing in India. This study attempts to explore Indian Pharmacopoeial growth and general awareness among the scientists, research scholars, drug manufacturers, testing laboratories, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders for their compliance and usage. This article describe the functions of IP Commission such as revision and publication of the Indian Pharmacopoeia, addendum, National formulary of India on a regular basis also providing IP Reference Substances and professional training to the stakeholders on pertaining the Pharmacopoeial work. The objectives of the study are as follows:i. To increase awareness about the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and National Formulary of India (NFI) among the stakeholders; ii. To highlight the Pharmacopoeial importance in India; iii. To discuss landscape for safety and efficacy of the medicines; iv. To explore the journey of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) and National Formulary of India (NFI).This article has been brought out on the basis of evaluation of pharmacopoeial publications and recent literature published online relevant to the drug and pharmaceuticals and it is a kind of descriptive study. There is a shortage of previous similar studies observed on Pharmacopoeial importance and its compliance. It is an attempt being made to understand the drug standardization for rational use of medicine in India.

Medicines policy, access and use in Mexico: a systematic literature review 2000-2022.

Research on medicines access and use is heterogeneous and can be challenging for decision-makers to interpret. Pharmaceutical policy is an additional component for study and is the foundation for the promotion of access and use of medicines. This systematic review summarizes findings from the literature on medicines policy, access and use over the past two decades in Mexico and identifies research gaps that should be addressed. A systematic review of the literature published between 2000 and 2022 was conducted to identify publications on medicines policy, access and use in Mexico. The study followed PRISMA Statement guidelines 2020. A narrative review including content analysis was conducted. A total of 5057 articles were reviewed, of which 77 fit the inclusion criteria. Studies described the lack of an explicit national policy, a misalignment between the legal framework and reinforcement incentives, deficient policy documentation at the national level, and the absence of necessary medicines regulation and transparency. In terms of access to medicines, challenges related to supply, selection, acquisition, distribution and expenditure were noted. Regarding medicine use, key study findings included a lack of adherence to standard treatment guidelines, dispensing, lack of reliable information on medicines, lack of treatment adherence and harmful self-medication. The appropriate use of medicines and adequate access to them are priority topics for the formulation of Mexican pharmaceutical policy. It is critical that further research includes longitudinal studies of medicine access and use, and the consideration of studying the private sector as well as new methodological approaches. Many reported challenges related to access to and use of medicines have persisted across decades, suggesting a lack of effective research-to-practice knowledge transfer and policy implementation.This article is part of the Hospital pharmacy, rational use of medicines and patient safety in Latin America Special Issue: https://www.drugsincontext.com/special_issues/hospital-pharmacy-rational-use-of-medicines-and-patient-safety-in-latin-america/.

Patient’s perception of medication and nonadherence to chronic disease treatments. A population-based study in Brazil

Abstract Objective To identify the association between patients’ perception of medication for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia and nonadherence by regions of Brazil. Methods This is a cross-sectional study using open data from the urban population-based survey National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines in Brazil (PNAUM), conducted from September 2013 to February 2014. Patients’ self-reported perceptions recorded on each of the medicines for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia were used for analysis. The dependent variable was nonadherence to treatment, and the patient’s perceptions about medication were the independent variable. Logistic regression was performed to calculate the crude and adjusted odds ratios. Key findings Nonadherence was observed in 6.6% of the 16 491 drugs, with missed doses (84.5%) being the main cause. In the adjusted analysis, perception of medication effectiveness considered regular or poor (OR 3.025; 95% CI 1.672–5.473), perception that caused discomfort (OR 2.731; 95% CI 1.464–5.092), and medicines used for &amp;lt;6 months (OR 1.557; 95% CI 1.089–2.227) had higher chances of nonadherence in Brazil (all regions). Conclusion Patient perception of the effectiveness, safety, and time of use of medications are key factors associated with nonadherence and can contribute to building medication beliefs that may affect current and future adherence.

Perceptions of formal pharmacy leadership on the social role of the profession and its historical evolution: A qualitative study

BackgroundIn recent years, pharmaceutical professionalism has been questioned due to the social role of pharmacy, which is ambiguous in the literature. This raises questions about the purpose of the profession among pharmacists, despite the efforts of their professional organizations and formal leaders to consolidate the occupational status of the profession. ObjectiveTo understand the social role of pharmacy in Brazil through its historical evolution based on the perceptions of formal leaders of the profession. MethodsA qualitative study was conducted between July 2020 and February 2021 with pharmacists who held leadership positions in formal and professional pharmacy organizations in Brazil. The data obtained from the interviews were submitted to content analysis. ResultsA total of 17 pharmacists participated in this study. The data analyzed presented perceptions about the social role of the pharmaceutical profession in Brazil, which promotes access to health through different means. These include the manager pharmacist, who facilitates access to public health policies; the caring pharmacist, who promotes health education and the rational use of medicines; and the technologist pharmacist, who researches, develops, and promotes access to safe and cost-effective medicines. The interviewees also discussed the evolution of this social role based on influential factors such as legislation, clinical movement, pharmaceutical education, labor market, behaviors, and attitudes of pharmacists. ConclusionIn this study, pharmaceutical professionalism was conceptualized based on its social role, which should be centered on the patient. Understanding such issues is part of the evolutionary purpose of the profession in Brazil and should be encouraged in the behaviors and attitudes of pharmacists despite the challenges faced by the profession.

Awareness of the rational use of medicines and the medication counseling practice in community pharmacies in Nyamagana district, Mwanza: A cross-sectional study.

Community pharmacies play a vital role in promoting the rational use of medicines by providing medication counseling to their clients to ensure the safe and appropriate use of medicines. Thus, this study aimed to assess awareness of the rational use of medicines and the medication counseling practice in community pharmacies. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2021. The study was carried out in community pharmacies in Nyamagana district, Mwanza, Tanzania. Data were collected using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. The data for descriptive statistics were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA version 15. A total of 68 pharmaceutical personnel participated in this study. Thirty-eight participants, that is, 55.9%, were aware of the rational use of medicines. The awareness was significantly influenced by the participant's age and profession. The majority of the dispensers practiced rational use of medicines by telling their clients the dose of the medicine (n = 63, 92.6%), frequency of administration (n = 61, 89.7%), and route of administration (n = 60, 88.2%). However, only 21 (30.9%) told clients about the need to comply with their medications. The information that was not regularly provided by dispensers to clients was the side effects of medicines (n = 6, 8.8%). Less than a quarter of participants frequently told their clients information regarding why the medicine is prescribed, drug interactions, storage conditions, and contraindications. This study has shown that almost half of the participants were aware of the rational use of medicines. There was a low frequency at which information was given regarding medication compliance, side effects, storage conditions, drug interactions, and contraindications. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance pharmaceutical personnel's understanding of rational use of medicine principles and improve their practice of patient medication counseling.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of rational use of medicines among junior residents in a tertiary care hospital - a cross-sectional study

Background: The need for rational use of medicines aims at prescribing medications to patients with doses for a period of time that is adequate and appropriately meets their clinical and individual requirements without financially burdening both the patient and community. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of rational use of medicines. Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethical committee clearance, this cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among junior residents of KR hospital, a tertiary care hospital attached to MMC&amp;RI, Mysore. A self-developed, pre-validated, semi-structured questionnaire was used. It was designed in such a manner to obtain information about the knowledge, attitude, and practice of rational use of medicine. Results: The majority of the respondents were aware about parts of prescription (87%), though 61% of respondents were aware of p-drug, only 22% of them were aware of Safety, Tolerability, Efficacy, Price criteria for selection of p-drug, many were not aware about the advantages of using p-drug (71%). 10% never consider the cost of drugs before prescribing, only &lt;1% respondents handwriting was not legible in their prescription, 40% of them never use abbreviations. Conclusion: Teaching of rational use of medicines is not given much importance in most of the medical colleges. Continued emphasis on the inclusion of essential medicine concept in undergraduate and post-graduate medical curriculum will help in using a drug rationally.