@article {197, title = {Cost Analysis of Clinical Compounding in Saudi Arabia: Antihypertensive of Pediatric Formulations}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {November 2019}, pages = {s2-s6}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {s2}, abstract = {

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to explore cost analysis of pediatric formulations in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a retrospective study of cost analysis of pediatric formulations at 300-bed pediatric and maternity hospital in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. The pharmacy section of this hospital receives the specific formulation from the physician. Then, the expert pharmacist applied the international standard for clinical compounding and provides services to the healthcare staff and patients over 8 hr per day for 5 days per week. The pediatric formulations consisted of but not limited to antibiotics, anti-tuberculosis (TB) medications and anti-hypertensive medications. The cost analysis included the variable expenses such as personal cost, material cost and supply cost and fixed expenses such as direct cost, non-salary cost and overhead cost. The cost was derived from the Ministry of Health information database. All costs used have been analyzed in US dollar currency. In this study, we analyzed the cost of antihypertensive medications for pediatric use through the Microsoft Excel software (version 10). Results: The estimated average total standard cost of pediatric formulations per hour was 53.82 USD and consisted of 58.58\% (31.53 USD) for personal cost, 25.14\% (13.53 USD) for overhead cost, 3.34\% (1.8 USD) for material and supply cost and 12.93\% (6.96 USD) for the non-salary cost. The average estimated cost of Propranolol, Captopril, Methyldopa, Amlodipine and Hydralazine per each preparation was (8.27 USD, 2.37 USD, 6.88 USD, 17.385 USD) and (49.44 USD), respectively. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study which demonstrated the cost analysis of antihypertensive pediatric formulation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The pediatric formulations with cost analysis can involve health insurance coverage. Targeting the cost analysis of all pediatric formulation is highly recommended to fit with Saudi vision 2030 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Analysis, Antihypertensive, Clinical, Compounding, Cost, Formulations, Pediatric, Saudi Arabia}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.36}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Fatimah Fouad Al Doughan and Faiz A. Bahadig and Malika Alhadab and Mona Lubbad and Ebtesam Nazal} } @article {52, title = {Pharmacist{\textquoteright}s Awareness and Knowledge of Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {January 2019}, pages = {60-65}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {60}, abstract = {

Objectives: Pharmacovigilance is considered a useful tool in detecting, assessing, understanding and preventing Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to ensure the safety of medications and protect consumers from ADRs. Consequently, the progression and expansion of pharmacovigilance is urgent for safe and effective clinical practice; therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the awareness and knowledge of the community and hospital pharmacists toward reporting ADRs in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2016 to March 2016 in Saudi Arabia. A validated and structured questionnaire was distributed by hand or via Internet to 263 hospital and community pharmacists. The questionnaire collected pharmacists{\textquoteright} demographic information and pharmacists{\textquoteright} understanding and knowledge of the pharmacovigilance system and reporting of ADRs. Results: A total of 263 pharmacists responded to the questionnaire with 208 (79.09\%) pharmacists from hospital pharmacy sites and 55 (20.91\%) pharmacists from community pharmacy responding to the questionnaire. There is a significant difference in the pharmacovigilance concept (p\<0.05) between the hospital and community pharmacists. Most community pharmacists were unfamiliar with the existence of a pharmacovigilance center in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, community pharmacists were unaware of where they could get an ADR reporting form, but hospital pharmacists were aware of this (p\<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that pharmacists who work at hospitals among different regions in Saudi Arabia had a higher awareness of the pharmacovigilance system than that of community pharmacists who worked at the community pharmacy.

}, keywords = {Adverse drug reactions, Awareness, Knowledge, Pharmacists, Pharmacovigilance, Saudi Arabia}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.11}, author = {Fatimah Fouad Al Doughan and Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Mais Hasan Iflaifel} } @article {55, title = {Pharmacist{\textquoteright}s Perception of Pharmacovigilance and Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {February 2019}, pages = {73-78}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {73}, abstract = {

Background: Pharmacists{\textquoteright} perception toward their role in reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and their understanding of the importance of reporting ADRs are essential keys to be assessed and studied in order to determine the factors that may predispose to underreporting of ADRs in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to asses and compare the perception of community and hospital pharmacists toward reporting of ADRs in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Method: A structured, validated questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional study. A total of 263 pharmacists were enrolled. The questionnaire included the demographic data of the pharmacists and 11 questions to measure pharmacists{\textquoteright} perceptions of ADRs reporting of reporting ADRs. All statistical analysis done by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and Survey Monkey system. Result: the result shows that community and hospital pharmacists strongly agree about that reporting of ADRs allow to measure the incidence of ADRs 29 (55.77\%), 121 (58.45) and to identify previously unrecognized ADRs 30 (57.69\%), 116 (56.59\%) and enable safe drugs to be identified 39 (70.91\%), 129 (62.32\%), respectively with no significant difference (p\>0.05). Besides, both hospital pharmacists 116 (55.77\%) and community pharmacists 31 (60.78\%) strongly agree about their important role in the pharmacovigilance system. However, only 67 (32.52\%) of hospital pharmacists strongly agreed about the physician{\textquoteright}s responsibility in reporting ADRs compared to community pharmacists 29 (52.73\%) with a significant difference between groups (p\<0.05). However, 37 (17.87\%) of hospital pharmacists were uncertain about drug companies{\textquoteright} role in pharmacovigilance system with a significant difference between community pharmacists with (p\<0.05). Conclusion: The result of this study demonstrated that both community and hospital pharmacists among Saudi Arabia had a very goods of perception about the importance of ADRs reporting and their role in reporting ADRs.

}, keywords = {Adverse drug reactions, Community, Hospital, Perception, Pharmacist, Pharmacovigilance, Saudi Arabia}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.13}, author = {Fatima Fouad Al Doughan and Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Mais Hasan Iflaifel} } @article {56, title = {Pharmacist{\textquoteright}s Practice of Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {February 2019}, pages = {86-93}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {86}, abstract = {

Objectives: To assess and compare the practice of reporting Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) and related factors between community and hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. We used a structured, validated questionnaire to collect the data. A total of 263 pharmacists participated in the survey. The questionnaire captures demographic data of the participants and had 26 questions related to the practice of reporting ADRs and factors that encourage and discourage pharmacists from reporting ADRs. Results: Community pharmacists did not know the location of the ADR form, but hospital pharmacists did know about it, which was significantly different (P\<0.05). Despite the increased awareness of ADR form among the hospital pharmacists{\textquoteright}, the overall reporting rate was found to be meager among both the group of pharmacists. We found that several reasons led to the low reporting rate of ADR, for example, community pharmacists were unaware of how to report ADR and they considered that the ADR is too trivial to be reported compared to hospital pharmacists (P\<0.05). in addition, community pharmacists were not know whom to report the ADRs compared to the hospital pharmacists, which was significantly different (P\<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that pharmacists who work at hospitals had a higher awareness of practicing system of reporting ADRs than that of community pharmacists. Increasing awareness among community pharmacists regarding the pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting systems is highly recommended in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Adverse drug reactions, Community, Hospital, Pharmacist, Pharmacovigilance, Practice, Saudi Arabia}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.15}, author = {Fatima Fouad Al Doughan and Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Mais Hasan Iflaifel} } @article {89, title = {Comparative Study of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin in Combination with Fenofibrate in Mixed Hyperlipidemia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {March 2016}, pages = {25-31}, type = {Research Articles}, chapter = {25}, abstract = {

Aim: To compare the effects of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin in combination with fenofibrate in patients with mixed Hyperlipidemia. Materials and Methods: It was an open label, randomized, parallel group, comparative, prospective clinical study. A total of 70 subjects diagnosed with mixed hyperlipidemia were screened and were randomly allocated into two groups of thirty each. Initial readings of lipid levels like TC, TG, HDL, LDL and VLDL for both the groups were taken as baseline values. Then, Group I received Tab Atorvastatin 10 mg + Fenofibrate 160 mg and Group II received Tab Rosuvastatin 10 mg+ Fenofibrate 160 mg once a day at night for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed after 12 weeks and their Lipid profile was done. Results: Patients who received a combination of atorvastatin with fenofibrate had a reduction of Total cholesterol by 39\%, Triglycerides by 47\%, LDL-C by 50\% and VLDL-C by 35\% respectively. In group treated with combination of rosuvastatin with fenofibrate there was a decrease in TC by 54\%, TGs by 58\%, LDL-C by 52\% and VLDL-C by 56\% respectively. At the same time, HDL-C levels were increased by 14\% in the group treated with rosuvastatin with fenofibrate as compared to atorvastatin with fenofibrate treated group which increased the HDL-C levels by 6\%. Conclusion: Both the treatment regimens significantly decreased TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, but the reduction was more and statistically significant in Rosuvastatin and fenofibrate combination group when compared with atorvastatin and fenofibrate treated group at the end of 12 weeks.

}, keywords = {Atherosclerosis, Cholesterol, Heart, Lipoprotein, Statins}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.5.1.5}, author = {Rohit Dixit and Shankar Jagan} } @article {96, title = {ABCB1 C3435T Genetic Polymorphism and Response to Glibenclamide Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {June 2015}, pages = {12-15}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {12}, abstract = {

Background: Glibenclamide is a substrate and an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein which is coded by the gene ABCB1. Objective: To study the influence of ABCB1 C3435T gene polymorphism on the therapeutic effect of glibenclamide, its plasma levels and hypoglycemic adverse effects. Materials and Methods: The study was done in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of South India (n=80) who were on treatment with glibenclamide as a single agent or along with metformin. From a venous blood sample, ABCB1 C3435T genetic polymorphism and plasma levels of glibenclamide were determined. The parameters were compared between genotype groups. Patient characteristics across genotypes were analyzed using one way ANOVA and the association between glycemic status and genotype was studied using Chi Square test. The association between genotypes and parameters such as C/D values, hypoglycemic episodes were compared using Kruskal Wallis Test. Results:There were no significant differences in age, body mass index and duration of treatment between the genotype groups ABCB1 CC, CT and TT. There was no significant association between glycemic status of type 2 diabetes and presence of variant genotypes ABCB1 CT and TT. There were no statistically significant differences in plasma concentration of glibenclamide, number and severity of adverse effects between the genotype groups. Conclusion: ABCB1 C3435T genetic polymorphism did not produce any significant influence on the therapeutic response to glibenclamide, plasma glibenclamide levels and the occurrence of adverse events in South Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

}, keywords = {ABCB1 C3435T, Diabetes Mellitus, Drug Transporters, Glibenclamide, MDR1, Personalized Medicine, Pharmacogenetics}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.4.2.1}, author = {Surendiran A and Pradhan SC and Subrahmanyam DKS and Aparna Agrawal and Umamaheswaran G and Rajan S and Adithan C} } @article {124, title = {Anti-Fibrotic Effect of Irbesartan via Attenuation of Endoplasmic Reticulum stress in Isoprenaline-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {Dec 2015}, pages = {76-82}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {76}, abstract = {

Background: Angiotensin receptor blockers are the new class of compounds used for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate cardioprotective effect of irbesartan in isoproterenol induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, which results in myocardial fibrosis. Materials and Methods: Thirty wistar rats were assigned to study, 6 rats in a group. Myocardial fibrosis was induced by isoproterenol (5 mg/kg, s.c. for 15 days) which can cause cardiac toxicity. Irbesartan (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered for 15 days after administration of isoproterenol. Post-treatment with irbesartan, cardiac functional measurements and the left and right ventricular weight indices were analyzed. Pathological alteration of levels of soluble collagen was determined. Results: The administration of irbesartan resulted in a significant (p\<0.01) improvement in cardiac function and reduced levels of soluble collagen. Irbesartan also showed decrease in the level of malondialdehyde and an increase in defensive antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH) thus, exerts antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Irbesartan possesses anti-fibrotic activity and offers protection against myocardial fibrosis, due to regulation of angiotensin II activity through blockade of AT1 receptors which might attenuate the endoplasmic reticulum stress and thus inhibit myocardial fibrosis via inhibition of oxidative stress. The regulation of antioxidant defensive enzymes may be involved in anti-fibrotic effect of irbesartan

}, keywords = {Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Irbesartan, Isoproterenol, Myocardial Fibrosis, Oxidative Stress, Soluble Collagen}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.4.4.2}, author = {Vandana Shamrao Nade and Pranita Pradip Dharmadhikari and Laxman Ashok Kawale} } @article {113, title = {Cost, Benefit and Risks Associated with in-Campus and off-Campus Accommodations of Medical Students: A cross-Sectional Study}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {Sept 2015}, pages = {58-62}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {58}, abstract = {

Background: Students{\textquoteright} accommodation might influence their growth, behaviour and study performance. There is no clarity yet about safety issues, trends in substance abuse and on effect of type of accommodations on students{\textquoteright} academic performance. Objectives: To compare students{\textquoteright} perceptions regarding in campus and off campus accommodations with respect to cost, benefit and risks associated with them and also to investigate whether type of accommodation affect medical students{\textquoteright} academic performance. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, the data was collected using newly designed validated questionnaires from students who had stayed in campus accommodation (n=100) and students who had stayed in off campus accommodation (n=100). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. The group wise comparison was made using Mann-Whitney test. A p value of \< 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The difference in the direct cost related to in campus and off campus accommodation was INR 43, 800/month with in-campus accommodation exceeding over off campus accommodation. Off-campus accommodation was perceived as more comfortable than in-campus accommodation, promoting collaborative learning and alcohol and substance abuse (p\<0.05) compared to in-campus accommodation. In addition, students who stayed in the campus performed significantly better academically than those who stayed outside the campus. Conclusion: The outside hostel accommodation is favorable to students in terms of direct cost and benefits. However, risks, including alcohol and substance abuse must be considered and appropriate precautions should be taken and counseling must be provided to students to avoid these risks.

}, keywords = {Academic Performance, Accommodation, Benefits, Cost, Medical Students}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.4.3.5}, author = {Vasudha Devi and Sabrina Najiha Binti Mohamad Ashari and Syahirah Binti Abd Rashid and Muhammad Azim Bin NurAdlan and Mohamed Mazlan Bin Mohamed Musadiq} } @article {120, title = {Effect of Notchi kudineer (Vitex negundo Aqueous Extract) on Surgically Induced Endometriosis in Sprague Dawley Rats}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences |}, volume = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {Sept 2015}, pages = {35-43}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {35}, abstract = {

Background: Endometriosis is the growth of endometrial tissue in ectopic places outside the uterus. Siddha physicians claim that Vitex negundo leaf decoction reduces the symptoms of endometriosis in clinical practice. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Vitex negundo aqueous extract on surgically induced endometriosis in Sprague Dawley rats. Materials and Methods: Endometriosis was surgically induced in nulliparous female Sprague Dawley rats with regular estrus cycle by autografting endometrium tissue on posterior abdominal wall. After 30 days of implantation, rats were allocated into two groups (n=6). Control group did not receive any drug, whereas test group received an oral dose of Vitex negundo aqueous extract (300 mg/kg) for 30 days. After 30 days of treatment, the endometriosis cyst size and adhesion were measured and blood was collected for hematology. Malondialdehyde (MDA, an oxidant) and thiol (antioxidant) levels were estimated in blood as well as in cyst. Endometriosis cyst was studied for histopathological grading. Statistical analysis was done using independent t test by keeping p\<0.05. Results: Test drug reduced the adhesion and cyst size compared to control, but the difference was not statistically significant. Histological grade was reduced from 3 to 0 in test group. The test drug significantly increased thiol in blood (p=0.016), and also reduced the blood MDA level (p=0.001) compared to control. Test drug increased the red blood cell distribution width (RDW_CV: p=0.009 and RDW_SD: p=0.003), platelet (p=0.03) and plateletcrit (p=0.026) compared to control group. Conclusion: Our study has created the scientific evidence for the siddha physician{\textquoteright}s claim on Vitex negundo by demonstrating reduction in endometriosis cyst size, adhesion, histological grading and oxidant levels as well as elevation in antioxidant level.

}, keywords = {Antioxidants, Endometriosis, Sprague Dawley Rats, Vitex Negundo}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.4.3.1}, author = {Arul Amuthan and Shabari Anandh and Syed Musharraf and Nupur Agarwal and Vasudha Devi and Revathi P Shenoy and Bhavna Nayal} } @article {206, title = {Learning Habits of Undergraduate Medical Students in Pharmacology}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {September 2015}, pages = {63-67}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {63}, abstract = {

Background: Learning pharmacology may be challenging to medical students as drug information is expanding and students are required to adopt suitable study habits to remember pharmacological aspects to develop higher cognitive skills for better academic performance. Objective: To compare the learning habits of students of various levels of academic performances in pharmacology. Methods and Material: Study was cross sectional in which students{\textquoteright} learning habits and examination scores in pharmacology were collected in a questionnaire. The questionnaire had Likert type items (1: never{\textendash}5: every time) related to learning habits of students that could influence academic performance in pharmacology. It was distributed to 2nd year MBBS students (n=243) after the two assessments in pharmacology. Based on the \% of marks obtained in previous assessments, students were categoriesed into 5 groups (1=\<50, 2=50-59, 3=60-69, 4=70-79, 5=80-100). Statistical analysis used: The categorical variables were described as median and interquartile range. Learning habits of students of various level of academic performances were compared using non parametric tests. A p value of \<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Group 1 less frequently revised the topics more than two times compared to the group 2 (p=0.015) and 5 (p=0.002). Compared to groups 1, 2 and 3, group 5 had started the preparation \>3 days before the scheduled pharmacology class test (p\<0.05). Compared to failed students, students who passed had revised topics more than 2 times and had set the target score of \>60\% and did not momorise the topics by mere byhearting. Conclusion: Reinforcement in the form of revisions, goal setting and developing deeper understanding of concepts have emerged as major determinants of students{\textquoteright} performance in examination in pharmacology. Hence, students should be made aware of these aspects to improve the quality of studies.

}, keywords = {Academic Performance, Learning Habits, Medical, Pharmacology, Students}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.4.3.6}, author = {Vasudha Devi and Zulhashime bin Zulkifli and Abdul Hadi bin Abd Rahman and Nurul Wahida Amalin binti Razali and Nur Atiqah binti Md Salehuddin} } @article {142, title = {Cerebroprotein Hydrolysate in Treatment of Vascular Dementia - a Case Report}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {December 2014}, pages = {75-78}, type = {Case Report}, chapter = {75}, abstract = {

Vascular dementia (VD) is a dementia due to vascular factors and is one of common causes of dementia. Neurotrophic factors and anticholinesterases are useful in the management of disorders such as dementia or stroke. A new phar-macological agent called cerebroprotein hydrolysate has been used in the management of dementia with promising results. Here we present a case report where cerebroprotein hydrolysate showed promising improvement in the man-agement of vascular dementia.

}, keywords = {Cerebroprotein hydrolysate, Dementia, Vascular, Vascular dementia}, author = {Mosam Phirke and Anup Bharati and Avinash De Sousa and Nilesh Shah and Sushma Sonavane} } @article {117, title = {Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Anticonvulsant Induced Cases of Steven Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {March 2014}, pages = {1-6}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {1}, abstract = {

Background: Steven Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) constitute a spectrum of severe, potentially life threatening, mucocutaneous adverse drug reactions. Antimicrobial agents and anticonvulsants are the most commonly implicated drugs. This study was aimed to compare and analyse the differences in the incubation peri-od, clinical presentation and outcome in patients of SJS/TEN caused by the antimicrobials and anticonvulsants. Materials and Methods: Patients of SJS, TEN and SJS/TEN overlap admitted in the dermatology ward of our hospi-tal, in whom an antimicrobial agent or an anticonvulsant were found to be probable causative agent by Naranjo score were assigned to Group A and B respectively. Inpatient records of the selected patients were studied to compare the differences. Results: Total of forty patients (twenty each of Group A and B) were included in the study. Fluoroquinolones followed by chloroquine were the most commonly implicated antimicrobials. The anticonvulsants most commonly implicated were phenytoin followed by carbamazepine. Incubation period in the antimicrobial group was significantly shorter [Group A (7.32 {\textpm} 5.4 days) vs Group B (28.58 {\textpm} 19.35 days)] with p value \< 0.001. The duration of stay, in the derma-tology ward, was significantly longer (p value\< 0.05) in the cases of TEN caused by antimicrobials (20.1 {\textpm} 7.49 days) as compared to those caused by anticonvulsants (14.5 {\textpm} 5.36 days). Three patients in Group A and one patient in Group B expired. Conclusion: A shorter incubation period and a higher morbidity and mortality were seen in the antimicrobial induced cases as compared to the anticonvulsant group.

}, keywords = {Anticonvulsants, Antimicrobials, Steven Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis}, author = {Surabhi Dayal and Brahmita Monga and V. K. Jain and Kamal Aggarwal and Anuradha} } @article {121, title = {Design of Drug Dosage Regimen for Valproate: Exploring Modeling and Simulation Based Approach}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {June 2014}, pages = {22-27}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {22}, abstract = {

Background: Population pharmacokinetic studies attempt to explain the variability in pharmacokinetics among study subjects and explore the role of covariates on the pharmacokinetics. The present study was planned to evaluate by simulation, the various dosage regimens of valproate and their predicted relevance to achieve desired therapeutic ranges and to see the effect of various covariates. Materials and Methods: This study utilized the previous database of therapeutic drug monitoring data of valproate available in the department and population pharmacokinetic models developed by a group in the department. From the database, 93 patients{\textquoteright} details have been used in this study. The simulation studies were carried out for various dosage regimens such as 400mgQ12Hr, 500mgQ12Hr, 800mgQ12Hr, 1000mgQ24Hr for 100 simulated patients using NON-MEM software package. Results: 500mg BID dosage regimen was found to be more advantageous as more number of simulated patients were having the Css within the therapeutic range and the effect of covariates like sex and concomitant phenytoin use were found to be insignificant but with 1000mg OD regimen in females, the number of individuals with Css within the therapeutic range were found to be less with which we could say that the induction effect of phenytoin on valproate metabolism in females could be more than that of males. Conclusion: The present study was able to predict steady state concentrations for various dosage regimen scenarios with possible pharmacokinetic and therapeutic outcomes. This study underscores the relevance of population pharma-cokinetic based simulations in dosage regimen design.

}, keywords = {Dosage regimen, NONMEM, Population pharmacokinetics, Simulations, Valproate}, author = {Shiv sagar K and Nithya Duggirala and Chintan Y Patel and Leelavathy D Acharya and Surulivelrajan Mallayasamy} } @article {135, title = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences (IJPCS): The Journey}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {December 2014}, pages = {73-74}, type = {Editorial}, chapter = {73}, abstract = {

IJPCS, which began 3 years ago in the year 2012, with the intention of widely dissem-inating authentic scientific knowledge through open access and double blind peer review pro-cess, has published 55 articles till date free of charge to authors. All the articles are available for free download in the journal{\textquoteright}s website www.ijpcs.net. Since its inception in April, 2012 to Dec, 2014, IJPCS has received 148 articles from various fields of traditional and modern medicine including, pharmacology, surgery, anesthesiology, ethnopharmacology, medical education etc. In 2014, among articles submitted, 18\% were of authors from outside India. 28.8\% of articles submitted were published with a re-jection rate of 33.3\%. The review process could identify 6.6\% of articles as redundant submis-sions. Read more...

}, keywords = {Nill}, author = {Vasudha Devi} } @article {119, title = {An Open Label, Randomized, Comparative Study of Antiscabietic Drugs Permethrin, Gamma Benzene Hexachloride and Ivermectin in Patients of Uncomplicated Scabies}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {3}, year = {2014}, month = {June 2014}, pages = {15-21}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {15}, abstract = {

Background: To determine efficacy and cost effectiveness of antiscabietic drugs (permethrin, gamma benzene hexa-chloride and ivermectin) in patients of uncomplicated scabies. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, randomized clinical study conducted in 210 diagnosed patients of scabies (\>12years of age) from January 2011 to October 2011.They were randomly allocated into one of the three groups. Group A received topical permethrin (5\% cream), Group B received topical gamma benzene hexachloride (1\% lotion) and Group C received oral ivermectin (tab 200mcg/kg). All the three groups received treatment two times- at the time of first visit and one week later. The patients were followed up at the end of first and third week. At each visit, cure rate was assessed by clinical and itching grading score and compared to determine the efficacy. Cost effectiveness was compared on basis of cost in INR to treat one case successfully. Results: Cure rate at the end of first week was 83.87\% in Group A, 78.18\% in Group B and 55.17\% in Group C while cure rate in the three treatment groups at the end of third week was 93.55\% in Group A, 80.00\% in Group B and 98.28\% in Group C. Thus at the end of first week Group A showed better cure rate while at the end of third week Group C was equally efficacious to Group A. The cost (INR) to treat one patient was 69.19 for permethrin, 37.50 for gamma benzene hexachloride and 24.42 for ivermectin. Conclusion: A single application of permethrin is superior to both ivermectin and gamma benzene hexachloride while ivermectin in two dose regimen is equally efficacious to permethrin and more cost effective than the other two conven-tional antiscabietic drugs. Oral ivermectin can be used as an alternative to permethrin.

}, keywords = {Antiscabietic, Gamma benzene hexachloride, Ivermectin, Permethrin}, author = {Maurya Meenakshi and Kaushik Sadhna and Srivastava Neeraj and Verma Deepak and Parihar Renu} } @article {151, title = {Efficacy and Safety of Levofloxacin and Cefuroxime axetil in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: A Comparative Study}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {March 2013}, pages = {1-8}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {1}, abstract = {

Background: Acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) is a commonly encountered clinical problem and those suspected to be due to bacterial infections require antibiotic therapy. Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of two commonly used antibiotics levofloxacin, a second generation fluoroquinolone, versus cefuroxime axetil, an oral second-generation cephalosporin, for the treatment of mild to moderately severe cases of AECB. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, open labeled randomized study involving a total of 60 adult subjects diagnosed with chronic bronchitis with clinical symptoms suggestive of an Anthonisen type II acute exacerbation (any two of the following criteria - increased dyspnea, cough, sputum purulence). Forty eight patients who fulfilled the selection criteria were randomized to receive either levofloxacin 500 mg once daily or cefuroxime axetil 250 mg twice daily orally for 7 days. The primary outcome measure was clinical success rate at day 14 visit and the secondary out-come measures were changes in Clinical Global impression (CGI) scales and incidence of adverse events (AEs). Results: The clinical success rates were comparable (82.6\% in levofloxacin group versus 77.3\% in cefuroxime group) and no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. AEs were mild, self-limiting and few (two in levofloxacin and three in cefuroxime arm) and tolerability was also good. Conclusion: A 7-day course of levofloxacin was convenient with once daily dose, was found to be economical and therapeutically comparable to cefuroxime in terms of both clinical effectiveness and safety for the treatment of AECB patients

}, keywords = {Cefuroxime, Dyspnoea, Levofloxacin, Spirometry}, author = {Bhanu Prakash Kolasani and Sudheer Diyya and Sridevi Kandavalli} } @article {183, title = {A Prospective Single Arm Open Pilot Trial to Study the Antioxidant Property of Ayurvedic Massage Therapy in Healthy Individuals}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {September 2013}, pages = {121-125}, type = {Short Communication}, chapter = {121}, abstract = {

Ayurveda, the kernel of the ancient Indian wisdom, reckons abhyanga as a daily regimen owing to its univocal properties like jaraapaha (~delaying ageing process) pushtirit (nourishing), shramahara (removing tiredness) pushtya-yu (~ bestowing longevity) etc. Hence, this study was envisioned to show the antioxidant property of abhyanga on healthy individuals. Recruited voluntary healthy individuals both male and female between eighteen to seventy years of age were given Ayurvedic oil massage with simple gingili oil every day in empty stomach for forty five minutes for a period of seven days. The fasting blood samples of the subjects were collected before and after the study. The study was explicated utilizing the method of Koracevic et al method for the determination of total antioxidant status (TAS) and spectrophotometric method for accomplishing the thiol assay. The mean value with respect to the TAS was 0.88 before the treatment and 0.92 after the treatment and that of thiol was 317.39 and 311.66 before and after the therapy respectively. In TAS, p- value was 0.016 which is \< 0.05 and there was a decrease in serum thiols which was not statistically significant. However, the study establishes the antioxidant property of abhyanga and necessitates further comprehension of the same.

}, keywords = {Abhyanga, Antioxidant, Ayurveda, Massage, Panchakarma}, author = {K.J.Malagi and Shripathi Adiga H and Anjali Rao and Revathi Shenoy and Madhusudhan Kamath and A. Sapna Devi} } @article {190, title = {Chylothorax : a Aase Report}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {Dec 2012}, pages = {115-117}, type = {Case Report}, chapter = {115}, abstract = {

Chylothorax, an accumulation of chyle in the pleural cavity, is a rare complication of penetrating or blunt trauma to the neck. It could result from damage to or obstruction of thoracic duct. Though rare in incidence, chylothorax can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. A milky fluid with high level of triglycerides in pleural fluid confirms diagnosis. This report is about a rare case of left chylothorax secondary to bull horn injury in the right side of neck and its manage-ment. A 48 year old male patient presented with bull horn injury on right side of neck with left side chylothorax. Initial management was conservative with pleural drainage. Later because of persistent chylous pleural fluid more than 1500- 2000/day for more than 5 days, we explored and ligated the thoracic duct in the neck. Post operative period was uneventful and patient was symptom free at 6 months follow up. Isolated thoracic duct injury in trauma cases is even rarer. Early diagnosis and timely surgical management saves the patient.

}, keywords = {Chylothorax, Post Operative Day, Thoracic Duct Injury}, author = {Priti P Shah and Shahaji Deshmukh and Tulshibagwala and Ravi Kharat} } @article {136, title = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences: A knowledge base for Scientific Enquiry and Better Patient Care}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {April 2012}, pages = {1-2}, type = {Editorial}, chapter = {1}, abstract = {

The current health care system of the world is dependent on the modern medicine which focusses on curative rather than preventive aspects of medicine. The modern medicine has increased the life expectancy and quality of human life by delivering remedial measures for several diseases. This was possible because of advances in research and availability of evidences to practice medicine. However, in low-income and middle-income countries, drugs account for 20{\textemdash}60\% of health-care costs. [1] The large proportion of these costs is paid out-of-pocket by patients which could be due to inadequate or no coverage by health insurance. To make the condition worse, a third of the world{\textquoteright}s population lack access to essential medicines.[2] Cost of drugs is one of the factors contributing to the problem of access to medicines. It is estimated that, in India, out-of-pocket health expenditure traps 2.2\% of the population below the poverty line each year.[3] In addition, the Indian health system has to face many other challenges like inadequately control Read More....

}, keywords = {Nil}, author = {Dr.Vasudha Devi} } @article {150, title = {Teaching P-drug Selection: Experiences from a Medical School in India}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {April 2012}, pages = {9-14}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {9}, abstract = {

Background: Incorporation of Personal drug (P-drug) selection exercise into medical undergraduate curriculum was recommended to reduce irrational prescribing during future practice. At Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC), India, P-drug selection exercise was included in pharmacology curriculum in 2010 for 2nd year MBBS students. Objective: The study was conducted to develop a module to teach P-drug selection and to investigate students{\textquoteright} perceptions regarding P-drug selection teaching and assessment. Materials and method: Module was developed to teach P-drug selection for an acute attack of angina and dry cough based on a manual called as {\textquoteleft}Guide to Good Prescribing{\textquoteright} developed by the WHO Action Program on Essential Drugs. Power point slides, handouts with drug costs and current guidelines were used during teaching learning activities. Later students were assessed on P-drug selection by asking them to derive a P-drug for an acute attack of angina. Students{\textquoteright} answers were assessed using a checklist. Later students{\textquoteright} perceptions regarding P-drug selection teaching and assessment were collected using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 16. Students{\textquoteright} responses were expressed as median and inter quartile range. Responses to open ended questions were tabulated in the decreasing order of frequency of appearance. \% of students who scored >=4 (= pass) marks was noted. Result: 90\% (95/106) of students responded in the questionnaire. Most of the items in the questionnaire related to teaching and assessment had a median score of >=3. 94.3\% of students had scored >=4 in P-drug selection exercise. 84\% of students felt that P-drug selection teaching helped them to understand pharmacology better. They wanted more such exercises and more explanation to understand P-drug concept better. Conclusion: Study led to development of P-drug selection teaching module acceptable to students. Furthermore it also provided scope for the refinement of newly developed module based on students{\textquoteright} perceptions.

}, keywords = {Medical, P-drug, Perceptions, Pharmacology, Questionnaire, Student, Teaching, Undergraduate}, author = {Vasudha Devi} }