Remedi

Today being 25th September 2023, is another medium to celebrate the world Pharmacists Day with the Theme: Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems. As a commemoration of the world pharmacist day  I will like to use this medium to enlighten the public in the roles of the pharmacist in health care. ¶ Pharmacist are not just drug sellers. There is a skewed perception of pharmacists being just drug sellers or dispensers just like people in the patent medicine store or chemist. Yes that is partially true but that is a microcosm of what we do. A pharmacist also compounds drugs and extemporaneous preparations to specific patients when the need arises. A pharmacist can also provide patient counseling on the right way to taking medication and maintaining good health. He/she also plays a role in counseling patients on smoking cessation, drug abuse, alcohol addiction and other toxic substances. A pharmacist does not only dispense drugs but provide pharmaceutical care to the patient. ¶ Community ...

What are Antibiotics? Antibiotics are substances that can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria and similar microorganisms, generally transported by the lymphatic system. Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed classes of drugs and it is estimated that approximately 50% of antibiotic use, in both the outpatient and inpatient settings, is inappropriate.  At the same time, in contrast to any other class of drugs, every antibiotic use has a potential public health consequence – inappropriate use may not harm only the individual patient, but contributes to societal harm by exerting an unnecessary selective pressure that may lead to antibiotic resistance among bacteria. For example:  Research has shown that at least 30% of antibiotic courses prescribed in the outpatient setting are unnecessary.  More than half of all patients who receive a diagnosis of an acute respiratory tract infection are given an antibiotic prescription. Despite the fact that an overwhelm...

Here are 10 take home messages to all patients coming in contact with a healthcare facility–  1.  Awareness of your duty as a patient: The first step to education is awareness of what is required of you which is followed expectedly with acceptance.  2. It is your fundamental human right to know the: names, dose, dose interval and duration of every medicine your doctor recommends to you: Be inquisitive; Ask your doctor or the pharmacist.  3. It is your fundamental human right to know the potential side effect of every medicine you are about to take or are taking: consult the pharmacist.  4. Do not share your medicines with any other person even if both of you have similar symptoms: consult your doctor or  pharmacist.  5. When taking ACTs for uncomplicated malaria – avoid concurrent administration with Vitamin C. It will cause therapeutic failure.  6. Endeavor to check the composition of skin formulations: As much as possible avoid creams, loti...