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Showing posts with the label Pharmacovigilance

Drugs you shouldn't take together

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A lot of people are unaware that some of the drugs they randomly take actually interact and as such will affect their medical conditions. That is why it's good to consult your doctor or pharmacist on any new drug you are taking to get appropriate advice. What is Drug - Drug Interaction? When you take 2 drugs that interact. The possible effects are 1. They may end up reducing the effect of each other as such lead to therapeutic failure  2. May increase the effect of each other there by leading to overdose. 3. Might be purely toxic and cause adverse effects. Below are medicines you shouldn't take together to prevent any unfavourable effect to self: 1. Nifedipine and Nitrate Nifedipine is a drug that is used for hypertension. Nitrates are vasodilators mostly useful in the management and treatment of angina. 2. Statins with Gemfibrozil Statins are drugs like Rosuvastastin and Atovastatin used to lower blood cholesterol. Gemfibrozil is a useful medication for the reduction of trigly...

Essential Medication Safety Advice

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Before you take medications, it is paramount for you to understand basic medication safety guide inorder to enjoy quality life. Here are some general medication safety tips to consider: 1. Follow the prescribed dosage:  Take medications as directed by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the label. Do not exceed the recommended dose unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional. 2. Read the labels:  Carefully read the labels and packaging of medications before taking them. Pay attention to the active ingredients, dosage instructions, warnings, and potential side effects. 3. Store medications properly:  Keep medications in their original containers and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Some medications may require refrigeration, so check the instructions for specific storage requirements. 4. Check expiration dates:  Discard any medications that have expired. Expired medications may not be as effective and could potentially be ...

Let the antibiotics breath

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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...

7 unnecessary medicines given to babies in Nigeria

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Not every indication deserves a medication. – Pharm. Kefas Below ar e 7 unnecessary medicines given to babies: 1. Multivitamins - Breast milk contains the right amount of all the vitamins your baby needs in the first 6 months (except vitamin D) 2. Antibiotics - Should never be used without a doctor’s prescription 3. Anti-motility drugs - Such as nospamine. Most babies who have colic will get better without any medication. Stop drug abuse! 4. Paracetamol - Paracetamol is an essential first aid drug that always comes in handy. But it is also likely to be abused. Don’t use routinely unless the baby has a fever. If fever continues after 48 hours consult a paediatrician. Indiscriminate use of Paracetamol and other painkillers can damage the immature liver and kidneys! 5. Teething drugs - Teething is a natural process, don’t get too worked up about it. Pain relief can be achieved with paracetamol. If your baby falls really sick while teething, you should take him/her to the clinic for proper...

A Thin Line between A Poison and a Drug

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The health profession is a conglomeration of different medical professionals who come together to better the health of the general populace. One of the greatest advancement in health is the invention of drugs. They have been responsible for "miraculously" curing, preventing, or managing patients ailments. As such many people abuse and misuse drugs without being aware of the potential harm it might cause. Perhaps the greatest paradox in disease management concerning drugs is this: every drug is a potential poison. It is almost comical that the very agents responsible for saving millions of lives, of being responsible for humanity’s survival in this era, the very agents that have been now taken for granted but have single handedly had massive effects on civilization have the potential for ending life. These drugs can also cause diseases so complex that remedies can be very costly.  This article will attempt to explain this paradox while highlighting the Pharmacist’s role as a b...