Pharmacology and Clinical pharmacy

The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine in solution and in liposome preparations following subcutaneous administration were studied in rats. Multilamellar vesicles entrapping bupivacaine solution were prepared. The local anaesthetic effect was estimated by the tail-flick test in Wistar rats treated with 1 mg bupivacaine in 0.2-ml. preparations. Plasma concentrations of bupivacaine were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that both bupivacaine solution and bupivacaine liposomes revealed local anaesthetic effects in the initial tail-flick test (15 min after injection). With bupivacaine liposomes, the duration of action was 5-fold (447 ± 28.9 vs 87 ± 6.7 min), the maximum possible effect was 2-fold (100 ± 0 vs 47.6 ± 13%), and the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) was less than one-fifth (0.12 ± 0.04 vs 0.65 ± 0.04 μg mL−1) that with bupivacaine solution. The sensory block effect of bupivacaine solution completely resolved at 90 min,...

Objective: Biodegradable polycaprolactone/starch composites can be used for bone tissue engineering applications. The effect of the ratio of components on composite properties is of tremendous importance. Methods: Polycaprolactone/starch composite of 80/20 and 70/30 ratios were fabricated by dissolving them in chloroform followed by evaporation of the solvent. Results: The composites were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Their bioactivity was evaluated by studying the apatite formation ability after immersing the specimens in simulated body fluid. The results of compressive test on samples showed that the composite's modulus and strength approximated that of human trabecular bone. Mass loss in distilled water and starch degradation rate in PBS was evaluated, which showed that the starch ratio was effective in composite degradation. MTT analysis and alkaline phosphatase levels showed that this composite had no toxicity and could increase G-299 cell line osteoblastic activities. Conclusion: The increase in cellular osteoblastic activities and the ability for apatite formation on the composite surface, in addition to the polycaprolactone/starch samples' mechanical properties shows their capability to be used as substitutes for bone. Because this composite degradation rate is controlled by changing the starch ratio, it has the potential for use in bone tissue engineering applications. Samples that have a 70/30 ratio are considered optimal due to their enhanced cellular response and better mechanical properties.

Spray drying techniques have been applied to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble salicylic acid. Spray drying of the acid dispersed in acacia solutions resulted in as much as a 50% improvement in the solubility of the product. Solubility improvement was closely related not only to the concentration of acacia but also the amount of amorphous material in the spray-dried products. The heat of solution was inversely related to these parameters. The dissolution rate of spray-dried product was almost instantaneous being about 60 times faster than that of the original powder. A great improvement in the wettability of the spray-dried material seemed to be mainly responsible for the increase of dissolution rate.

Objectives In experimental pharmacology, drug effect studies currently establish and analyse cumulative concentration-response curves (CCRC) under repeated measurements designs. Usually the CCRC parameters are estimated using the Hill's function in a nonlinear regression for independent data. The two-way analysis of variance is generally used to identify a statistical difference between the responses for two treatments but that analysis does not take into account the nonlinearity of the model and the heteroscedasticity (uneven distribution) of the data. We presently tested the possibility of finding a statistical solution for the nonlinear response in repeated measurements data using the nonlinear mixed effects (nlme) models. Methods Experimental data sets, originating from studies on b-adrenoceptor-induced relaxation in rat thoracic aorta ring, were analysed using the nlme methods. Key findings Comparison with classical methods showed the superiority of the nlme models approach. For each pharmacological parameter (E m , n, pD 2), a point estimate, a standard error and a confidence interval are returned by the nlme procedures respecting the assumption of independency and normality of the residuals. Conclusions Using the method presently described, it is now possible to detect significant differences for each pharmacological parameter estimated in different situations, even for designs with small samples size (i.e. at least six complete curves).

Antineoplastic phospholipids are a new class of antitumor agents. These molecules interact with the plasma membrane, changing numerous pathways that induce cell death, with high selectivity for cancer cells. A representative of this class of antineoplastic agents is 2-aminoethyl dihydrogen phosphate (2-AEH2P). It is present in high intracellular concentrations in various tissues and organelles with antitumor, antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic action. Therefore, 4T1 triple-negative tumor cells were treated in different concentrations in order to assess the cytotoxic potential and its effects on the modulation of cell death pathways in association with the chemotherapeutic drug Paclitaxel. 2-AEH2P promoted cytotoxicity in tumor cells and significant morphological changes, however, it did not cause these effects in normal cells. There was positive regulation of proteins involved in the intrinsic pathway of cell death by apoptosis and regulation of the phases of cell cycle progression...

Aims: Pharmacological treatment of chronic (neuropathic) pain is often disappointing. In order to enhance our insight in the complex interaction between analgesic drug and chronic pain relief, we performed a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling study on the effect of S(+)-ketamine on pain scores in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS-1) patients. Methods: Sixty CRPS-1 patients were randomly allocated to received a 100-h infusion of S(+)-ketamine or placebo. The drug infusion rate was slowly increased from 5 mg/h (per 70 kg) to 20 mg/h based upon the effect/side effect profile. Pain scores and drug blood samples were obtained during the treatment phase and pain scores were further obtained weekly for another 11 weeks. A population PK-PD model was developed to analyze the S(+)-ketamine-pain data. Results: Plasma concentrations of S(+)-ketamine and its metabolite decreased rapidly upon the termination of S(+)-ketamine infusion. The chance for an analgesic effect from ketamine and placebo treatment was 67 ± 10% and 23 ± 9% (population value ± SE), respectively. The pain data were well described by the PK-PD model with parameters C 50 = 10.5 ± 4.8 ng/ml (95% ci 4.37-21.2 ng/ml) and t½ for onset/offset = 10.9 ± 4.0 days (5.3-20.5 days). Discussion: Long-term S(+)-ketamine treatment is effective in causing pain relief in CRPS-1 patients with analgesia outlasting the treatment period by 50 days. These data suggest that ketamine initiated a cascade of events, including desensitization of excitatory receptor systems in the central nervous system, which persisted but slowly abated when ketamine molecules were no longer present.

HPLC analysis of the urine of autistic subjects indicated the presence of an unidenti ed component in greatly increased concentrations. We have reported the isolation of this component by HPLC and its identi cation. Mass spectrometry, NMR and UV spectroscopy identi ed the peak as corresponding to indolyl-3-acryloylglycine (IAG, 3), and this has been con rmed by an independent synthesis.

In 2017, a patient case in Sangau, West Kalimantan, involving a women with syringomyelia has drawn public attention. The case ended with the arrest of her husband who cultivated Cannabis to treat her disease. Currently, Indonesian regulation classifies Cannabis as the first group of narcotics which are prohibited to be used as medicine. This research aimed to ellaborate whether Cannabis as medicine should be specifically regulated. Data source was national and international regulation on narcotics and scientific evidence regarding medical benefit of Cannabis The data was obtained from literature search with following keywords; regulation of Cannabis, medical use of Cannabis, Cannabis medicine. Analysis was conducted using qualitative approach. The results of this study showed that Indonesian regulation regarding Cannabis is associated with International Convention on narcotics. Evidencebased data on Cannabis application in medical treatment have been extensively studied. Given beneficial effect of Cannabis to treat many diseases, several countries have already regulated the use of Cannabis for medical purpose. In conclusion, it is worth to consider a specific regulation for medical Cannabis in Indonesia, given its beneficial utilization to treat certain diseases.

Objectives This article is aimed to review the novel actions of progesterone, which otherwise is considered as a female reproductive hormone. The article focuses on its important physiological actions in males too and gives an overview of its novel perspectives in disorders of central and peripheral nervous system.

Objectives The objective of this study was to systematically assess the mucus thickness in the gastrointestinal tract of laboratory animals commonly used in preclinical studies. Methods Mucus thickness was studied post-mortem in the rat, rabbit and pig, using cryosections stained by the modified periodic acid Schiff/Alcian blue method. Key findings The mucus thickness in the fundus region of the stomach was higher in the pig (190.7 Ϯ 80.7 mm) than in the rabbit (155.1 Ϯ 85.8 mm) and the rat (31.3 Ϯ 11.4 mm). However, along the small intestine (ileum), mucus was thicker in the rabbit (147.8 Ϯ 115.6 mm), followed by the pig (53.8 Ϯ 22.1 mm) and the rat (34.1 Ϯ 14.9 mm). This rank order was also observed in the ascending colon. Conclusions Inter-species variability in mucus thickness along the gut was demonstrated and suggests that the pig resembles more closely the mucus pattern of humans. This may be highly relevant when preclinical animal models are used in drug absorption studies or in the development of oral mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.

This latest edition of L. S. Goodman and A. Gilman continues a time-honored tradition of serving as an accurate source of past and present knowledge upon which therapeutics is based. It differs from its predecessors, however, in the recognition that diseases are dynamic and that standard therapy is inadequate to meet the needs of a patient who, for example, has a myocardial infarction accompanied by diabetes mellitus. Much emphasis is placed on individualization of therapy, the need for compliance, and the results of noncompliance.

Peptic ulcer is a disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract that is caused by gastric acid. There are various chemical agents available for the treatment of peptic ulcers, but claim serious side effects. Herbal drugs are preferred over chemical agents due to their relatively less toxicity, better acceptability and better compatibility with human body. Lesser adverse effects, economical, effective and easy availability. The present research has been carried out to investigate antiulcer activity of Hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Pisonia grandis R.Br (HEPG) using Indomethacin induced gastric ulcer and Pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer in wistar rats. Ulcer score, ulcer index and number of ulcers were determined for indomethacin and pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcers. Antiulcer effect of Pisonia grandis R.Br (HEPG) was compared with standard drug omepprazole (20mg/kg). These observations helped us to conclude that Hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Pisonia grandis R.Br had significant antiulcer properties.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: In Russian traditional medicine, an extract from the mushroom Inonotus obliquus (Fr.) Pil´at is used as an anti-tumor medicine and diuretic. It has been reported that Inonotus obliquus has therapeutic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulatory and hepatoprotective effects. This study was designed to investigate the chemical composition and biological properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Inonotus obliquus from Finland, Russia, and Thailand. Their antioxidative, antimicrobial, and antiquorum properties were tested as well as the cytotoxicity on various tumor cell lines.

In order to determine the impact of nitrogen deficiency in medium, growth rate and carotenoids contents were followed during 15 days in two strain Dunaliella spp. (DUN2 and DUN3), isolated respectively from Azla and Idao Iaaza saltworks in the Essaouira region (Morocco). These microalgae were incubated at 25 ± 1 °C with a salinity of 35‰ and continuous light in four growth media with different concentrations of sodium nitrate (NaNO 3): 18.75 g/L, 2.5 g/L, 37.5 g/L and 75 g/L. Maximum of cell density was observed under high sodium nitrate concentration during logarithmic phase of growth. The highest specific growth rate was 0.450 × 10 6 ± 0.006 cells/mL and 2.680 × 10 6 ± 0.216 cells/mL, respectively for DUN2 and DUN3. Carotenoids production mean were not stimulated under nitrogen deficiency, and the highest content was showed in DUN2 at high nitrogen concentration (3.210 ± 0.261 μg•mL-1) compared with DUN3 strain.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of metronidazole (Mtz) tablet and to compare Mtz gel and tablet concentrations in both blood plasma and saliva. Methods In this randomized cross-over study with a 1-week washout period, 13 volunteers randomly received one (a single oral dose of 750 mg Mtz (Flagyl®tablet) and 2) 3 g of 15% Mtz benzoate gel (applied by using a dental tray). The HPLC with ultraviolet detection was used to quantify plasma and saliva concentrations of Mtz. The pharmacokinetic parameters (PPs) areas under the curves from 0 to 48 h (AUC0-48) and from 0 to infinity (AUC0-∞), the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), the time to Cmax, volume of distribution and renal clearance were determined for Mtz tablet. Key findings Considering the Mtz tablet, plasma showed higher Mtz concentration from 6 to 24 h after drug administration and the highest values concerning AUC0-48h and AUC0-∞ than those obtained in saliva (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between plasma and saliva concentrations for Mtz gel.

Background: Ichnocarpus frutescens has been used as Ayurvedic herbal medicine by Gond tribes in India to treat several diseases such as diabetes mellitus and Jaundice. The growing incidence of diabetes mellitus and its complications have headed to the search of novel therapeutic approaches engrossed on preventing postprandial hyperglycemia. The practice of carbohydrate breakdown enzyme inhibitors from plant resources might be a potential approach to prevent glucose absorption with the least adverse effects. Aims: The objective of the present investigation was to provide in-vitro evidence for the potential inhibitory activity of polyphenolic extract (PPE) of Ichnocarpus frutescens on α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Methods: the in the vitro inhibitory effect of polyphenolic extract (PPE) of Ichnocarpus frutescens focused on the evaluation of pancreatic α- amylase inhibition, rat serum α- amylase inhibition and rat intestinal α-glucosidase inhibition of polyphenolic extract (PPE) of Ichnocarpus frutescens by in vitro. The different concentrations of polyphenolic extract were subjected to α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay and the percentage of α- amylase and α- glucosidase inhibitory activity and IC50 values were calculated. Results: Polyphenolic extract shows appreciable pancreatic α- amylase inhibitory activity in vitro. The extract also showed an appreciable α-glucosidase inhibitory effect in a concentration-dependent manner with a moderate α-amylase inhibitory activity. The in vitro examination of the inhibitory effect of PPE on maltase and sucrase activities revealed that PPE inhibited rat small intestine disaccharidase (α-glucosidase) activity. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that inhibitory effect of PPE on α- amylase and α- glucosidase activities may delay carbohydrate digestion and absorption with subsequent lowering of blood glucose level leading to prevention of postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes and its complication.

Mesalazine and budesonide are anti-inflammatory drugs that are used to induce and maintain remission of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both drug substances are intended to act locally at the inflamed sites of the gastrointestinal tract. The therapeutic objective for per oral treatment with these drugs is to achieve a high concentration of the active drug at the sites of inflammation while minimizing systemic absorption. The aim of this study was to develop a test system able to reflect the changing environment that a dosage form incorporating the anti-inflammatory agent is exposed to as it moves through the gastrointestinal tract. The USP dissolution apparatus 3 was used for all experiments. Compendial, as well as biorelevant, media were used to simulate passage through the gastrointestinal tract under various physiological conditions. Different dosage forms of mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA) and budesonide available on the German market were tested. Although all dosage forms were indicated for the same therapeutic objectives, each of the dosage forms exhibited a characteristic release pattern under in-vitro conditions simulating a passage through the fasted-state gastrointestinal tract. Results from this test series indicate that, in the case of various dosage forms of mesalazine and budesonide used for the therapy of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, release patterns as the dosage form moves through the gastrointestinal tract may vary widely. As the various phenotypes of IBD have different requirements in terms of pattern of distribution of the inflamed sites, and because other aspects of gastrointestinal physiology vary within the patient population, the test methods and approach described here should be very useful in designing therapy tailored to the needs of each individual patient.

The studies on metabolic compound of Andrographis paniculata shows that it possess potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. The aqueous extract of leaf samples was qualitatively analyzed for the presence of phytochemicals and it was conformed that the plant extract contain metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, aminoacids. The plant extract showed potential antibacterial activity. The chromatographical nalysis revealed the presence of possible metabolites. The purified active compounds through TLC and crude plant extract were subjected to analyze the anti-inflammatory activity and shows potent inhibitory activity against the adverse effects of the inflammation such as tissue damage and protein denaturation.

Nigella sativa (NS) (Ranunculaceae family) is generally utilized as a therapeutic plant all over the world. The seeds of the plant have a long history of use in different frameworks of medicines and food. N. sativa seeds reveal a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities including immunopotentiation and antihistaminic, antiseptic, antiallergic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. It is known as a source of thymoquinone (TQ), thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, p-cymene, carvacrol, 4-terpineol, t-anethol, sesquiterpene longifolene, nigellicimine and nigellicimine-N-oxide, α-pinene and thymol etc. Additionally, this is uncovered that the majority of therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is a major bioactive component of the essential oil. The incalculable medicinal properties and therapeutic uses of N. sativa prove its importance as a valuable medicinal plant. The aim of this review is to summarize some imp...

Objectives Co-extrusion implies the simultaneous hot-melt extrusion of two or more materials through the same die, creating a multi-layered extrudate. It is an innovative continuous production technology that offers numerous advantages over traditional pharmaceutical processing techniques. This review provides an overview of the co-extrusion equipment, material requirements and medical and pharmaceutical applications. Key findings The co-extrusion equipment needed for pharmaceutical production has been summarized. Because the geometrical design of the die dictates the shape of the final product, different die types have been discussed. As one of the major challenges at the moment is shaping the final product in a continuous way, an overview of downstream solutions for processing co-extrudates into drug products is provided. Layer adhesion, extrusion temperature and viscosity matching are pointed out as most important requirements for material selection. Examples of medical and pharmaceutical applications are presented and some recent findings considering the production of oral drug delivery systems have been summarized. Summary Co-extrusion provides great potential for the continuous production of fixed-dose combination products which are gaining importance in pharmaceutical industry. There are still some barriers to the implementation of co-extrusion in the pharmaceutical industry. The optimization of downstream processing remains a point of attention. bs_bs_banner And Pharmacology Journal of Pharmacy Review

To better predict food effects on the bioavailability/bioequivalence of drugs and drug products from in-vitro data, a dissolution medium that simulates the initial composition of the postprandial stomach was developed. First, the physical parameters of two homogenized standard breakfasts often administered to assess food effects in pharmacokinetic studies were measured. These included pH, buffer capacity, osmolality, surface tension and viscosity. Subsequently, the match of the physical parameters of several commercially available liquid meals, including long-life milk, Ensure and Ensure Plus to those of the breakfasts was evaluated. Of the three liquid meals studied, Ensure Plus had the closest physicochemical behaviour to that of homogenized standard breakfasts. By increasing the viscosity of Ensure Plus with 0.45% pectin, it was possible to obtain a medium that closely resembles the FDA standard breakfast.

Objectives To investigate the effect of St John's wort (SJW) and its active constituents hypericin and hyperforin on detrusor smooth muscle contractility and their possible neuroprotective role against ischaemic-like conditions, which could arise during overactive bladder disease. Methods In whole bladders, intrinsic nerves underwent electrical field stimulation (EFS). The effect of drugs on the contractile response and its recovery in reperfusion phase (R) was monitored at different concentrations during 1 or 2 h of anoxiaglucopenia (A-G) and the first 30 min of R. The effects of the drugs were also investigated on rat detrusor muscle strips contracted with carbachol, KCl and electrically. Key Findings SJW has spasmolytic activity, which increases with increasing concentration and it worsens the damage induced by A-G/R on rat urinary bladder. Hypericin and hyperforin had no effect during ischemic-like conditions but they both exert a dual modulation of rat detrusor strips contraction. At high micromolar concentrations they showed a relaxing effect, but at submicromolar range hypericin increased the plasma membrane depolarisation and hyperforin showed a stimulatory effect on the cholinergic system. Conclusions The results of our study showed that SJW and its constituents could modulate urinary bladder contractility and even worsen A-G/R injury.

Sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate) is used as an oral medication in disorders such as mild metabolic acidosis and chronic kidney disease. The two commercial products on the German market, bicaNorm and Nephrotrans, and also newly developed multiple-unit pellet formulations, have been characterized in these investigations by in-vitro methods like disintegration and dissolution testing. Both marketed products containing sodium bicarbonate are of sufficient pharmaceutical quality according to the European Pharmacopoeia. However, they and the novel pellet preparations showed different drug release at moderately elevated pH values. Early drug release may cause dose dumping in the stomach and adverse drug effects from the developed carbon dioxide. The soft capsule preparation (Nephrotrans) released the smallest amount of sodium bicarbonate at pH 1 and 4.5 of all formulations tested. It appeared that oral dosage formulations of sodium bicarbonate were an exception to the rule: the monolithic soft capsule seemed to be superior to an enteric-coated tablet as well as to multiple-unit pellet formulations from the biopharmaceutical point of view. Our results correspond with individual reports on adverse effects from patients treated with the sodium bicarbonate products.

Objectives Based on the knowledge of human intestinal fluids, compositions of biorelevant media and their impact on solubility, dissolution and permeability studies of poorly soluble drug compounds are discussed. Key findings Human intestinal fluids show large variations with regard to composition and pH, which complicate the selection of biorelevant media. The influence of concentration and ratio of bile salts, phospholipids and hydrolysis products, such as monoglycerides and free fatty acids, in well characterised media, on the solubility, dissolution and permeability of a given drug provides valuable information on the behaviour of the drug in the intestine, thus enabling the prediction of the in-vivo absorption. Summary This review discusses the implications of biorelevant media composition on the solubility, dissolution and permeability of poorly soluble drug compounds. Biorelevant media contain bile salts and phospholipids and when simulating the fed state also monoglycerides and free fatty acids. Solubility of some poorly soluble drugs increase independently of the type of surfactants included in the biorelevant media, while others have a higher solubility in monoglyceride-and fatty acid-containing media. This is independent of the log P (the octanol-water partition coefficient) of the drug. The use of biorelevant dissolution media improves the correlation to in-vivo data, compared with compendial media, and although the field of permeability studies is complex the use of biorelevant media in this setting shows promise with respect to a better prediction of absorption.

Objective of the study was to find out the Resistogram of the urinary isolates against different commonly prescribed antimicrobials according to CLSI guidelines. Out of total 319 test samples, in 56 cases bacterial pathogens were isolated. Among those 56 isolates only 13 were resistant to Nitrofurantoin (23.21%) where as resistance to Ciprofloxacin was found in 40 isolates(71.42%), resistance against Co-Trimoxazole was found in 27 isolates (48.21%) and surprisingly, resistance against Carbapenem antibiotics (Meropenem) was in 20 isolates (35.71%). Majority of the Nitrofurantoin resistant bacterial isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (4 out of 13 i.e, 30.76%). All Nitrofurantoin resistant isolates were sensitive to both Tigecycline and Colistin and the isolated Escherichia coli (two in number) were sensitive to Meropenem also. There were no other therapeutic options like Fluroquinolones or Co-trimoxazole to manage the Nitrofurantoin resistant isolates as all of them were resistant to...

Asam  urat  adalah  hasil  produksi oleh  tubuh,  sehingga  keberadaannya  bisa normal  dalam  darah  dan  urin,  tetapi  sisa dari  metabolisme  protein  makanan  yang mengandung  purin  juga  menghasilkan asam urat, lantas...
Apa Itu GOUT (ASAM URAT) ? Apa Tanda-Tanda Klinis nya ? Ciri-Ciri nya ? Langkah Pencegahannya ? dan Apa terapi nya ?

Pioglitazone Hydrochloride is an oral anti-diabetic agent, which acts primarily by increasing insulindependent glucose disposal. There is a need for sustained release Pioglitazone formulations, which overcome the various problems associated with the use of this drug in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. In the present work efforts have been made to develop floating drug delivery system for Pioglitazone Hydrochloride containing HPMC of different viscosity grades and poly vinyl pyrollidine to achieve a sustained release for 24 hrs. The tablets of all formulation were subjected to various physicochemical evaluation parameters such as thickness, diameter, weight variation, hardness, friability, drug content, in-vitro buoyancy lag time, total floating time, tablets density, swelling index and in-vitro dissolution study. The results of all these tests were found to be satisfactory within the prescribed limits. The formulations showed higher R 2 values for zero order plots indicating that drug release followed zero order kinetics and drug release from these floating tablets were by both diffusion and erosion.

Context: Over the last ten years, many research studies concerning pharmacists’ perceptions of generic medicines have been conducted worldwide, although this issue remains underexplored in Vietnam.

Aims: To evaluate pharmacists’ views on generic medicines and to investigate the generic substitution practices in community pharmacies in the context of Vietnam.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey comprising a 24-item self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 480 pharmacists in eleven provinces in southern Vietnam between December 2016 and March 2017. The main outcome measures were pharmacists’ views on generic medicines.

Results: Of the 480 pharmacists who received the questionnaire, the effective response rate was 35.63% (n=171 pharmacists); however, 45 pharmacists chose all three correct generic names. Some 47.3% of respondents indicated that all the products that are approved as exhibiting generic equivalence can be considered therapeutically equivalent to the innovator drugs. Yet, 25.2% of respondents agreed that generic medicines are of inferior quality to branded medicines. The pharmacists who graduated from universities and those who had undergone only a short period of training differed significantly in terms of their knowledge and perceptions. About 60.2% of pharmacists recommended generics over branded products. Approximately 89% of respondents disagreed with the notion of implementing certain compulsory generic substitutions in Vietnam.

Conclusions: The pharmacists who had completed only a short training period exhibited a lack of knowledge regarding generic names. This issue should hence be addressed by both pharmacy educators and relevant government agencies in order to ensure the wider use of generic products.

Nanosuspensions have emerged as a promising strategy for the efficient delivery of hydrophobic drugs because of their versatile features and unique advantages. Techniques such as media milling and highpressure homogenization have been used commercially for producing nanosuspensions. Recently, the engineering of nanosuspensions employing emulsions and microemulsions as templates has been addressed in the literature. The unique features of nanosuspensions have enabled their use in various dosage forms, including specialized delivery systems such as mucoadhesive hydrogels. Rapid strides have been made in the delivery of nanosuspensions by parenteral, peroral, ocular and pulmonary routes. Currently, efforts are being directed to extending their applications in site-specific drug delivery.

Resumo: A depressão é um transtorno de humor comumente encontrado em pacientes com diferentes condições crônicas que necessitam de politerapia. Neste contexto, o cuidado farmacêutico surge como uma importante ferramenta para garantir uma farmacoterapia racional a fim de favorecer uma melhora na qualidade de vida do paciente. O presente estudo tem o objetivo de apresentar um relato de caso clínico de uma paciente com histórico de depressão e polimedicada, com o intuito de avaliar o impacto do cuidado farmacêutico sobre sua qualidade de vida. Paciente A.M.D, feminino, 52 anos com diagnóstico e em tratamento para depressão, hipertensão, dislipidemia, além de automedicação. Antes do acompanhamento apresentava um quadro de depressão grave, baixa adesão medicamentosa, oscilações na pressão arterial, maus hábitos alimentares e sedentarismo. Após as intervenções farmacêuticas apresentou melhora do quadro depressivo e maior adesão medicamentosa conciliada a melhores hábitos de vida. As intervenções realizadas durante o acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico demonstraram resultados positivos, contribuindo para a melhoria da qualidade de vida da paciente e reforçando a importância do farmacêutico na atenção básica e promoção da saúde. Palavras-chave: Depressão; tratamento farmacológico; qualidade de vida; relato de caso. Abstract: Depression is a mood disorder commonly found in patients with different chronic conditions requiring polytherapy. In this context, pharmaceutical care emerges as an important tool to ensure rational pharmacotherapy in order to favor an improvement in the patient's quality of life. The present study aims to present a case report of a patient with a history of depression and polymedicated, in order to evaluate the impact of pharmaceutical care on her quality of life. Patient A.M.D, female, 52 years old with a diagnosis and under treatment for depression, hypertension, dyslipidemia, in addition to self-medication. Prior to follow-up, the patient had severe depression, poor medication adherence, fluctuations in blood pressure, poor eating habits and physical inactivity. After the pharmaceutical interventions, the patient presented improvement of the depressive condition and greater medication adherence conciliated to better life habits. Interventions performed during pharmacotherapeutic follow-up showed positive results, contributing to the improvement of the patient's quality of life and reinforcing the importance of the pharmacist in primary care and health promotion.

Objectives Curcuma zedoaria Rosc is a perennial herb found in tropical countries, such as India, Japan and Thailand. Various parts of this plant are used in Ayurveda and other folk medicines for the treatment of different ailments such as diarrhoea, cancer, flatulence and dyspepsia. This study is an attempt to compile an up-to-date and comprehensive review of C. zedoaria that covers its traditional and folk medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Key findings Research carried out using different in-vitro and in-vivo techniques of biological evaluation supports most of the claims. Summary This review presents the botany, chemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological data of the plant.

Co-extrusion implies the simultaneous hot-melt extrusion of two or more materials through the same die, creating a multi-layered extrudate. It is an innovative continuous production technology that offers numerous advantages over traditional pharmaceutical processing techniques. This review provides an overview of the co-extrusion equipment, material requirements and medical and pharmaceutical applications. The co-extrusion equipment needed for pharmaceutical production has been summarized. Because the geometrical design of the die dictates the shape of the final product, different die types have been discussed. As one of the major challenges at the moment is shaping the final product in a continuous way, an overview of downstream solutions for processing co-extrudates into drug products is provided. Layer adhesion, extrusion temperature and viscosity matching are pointed out as most important requirements for material selection. Examples of medical and pharmaceutical applications a...

Summary: Textbook suggestions for a student library on Health-Medicine-Pharmacy, alphabetically listed by First Author. Each textbook has been checked (see -c after book title) for Author Names, Publication Year, Book Title, Publisher, and for Book Cover, Title Page, Copyright Page, Table of Contents, and Subject Index. If missing, such pages have been added where available. All textbooks are .pdf, unless marked by djvu,  epub,  or  chm  after the title. To find books with a particular key word/subject in the book title, please use the Search Function of your computer on this document.

The aim of this paper is to highlight the role of pharmaceutical care at community pharmacies in Pakistan. The paper draws on the literature related to current dispensing practices at community pharmacies in developing countries as well as in Pakistan. There are approximately 63,000 community pharmacies in Pakistan, and according to an estimate, 80% of the medicines are being distributed through this channel to majority of the population. They often lack adequate facilities, staffing and equipments. Absence of pharmacists and their roles being performed by the non-qualified personnel working at community pharmacies are a common practice. There are 8102 pharmacists who are categorized as a category, 31,000 pharmacy technicians categorized in B & C category in the country. There is a shortage of pharmacists who could be engaged for ensuring good pharmacy practices. There are only ten percent of the total pharmacists who work at community pharmacies in the country according to the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan. All kind of medicines are freely available irrespective of their status as prescription or over the counter drugs. The paper highlights that the professional role of pharmacist in hospitals and community pharmacies is switching from dispensing and sale of drugs, to patient counselling. But, the concept of pharmaceutical care at community pharmacies has not been acknowledged yet in Pakistan. The process of prescription handling is poor and patients are often treated without a proper prescription. Prescription validation, drug labeling and patient counseling are the missing components in effective patient management at the community pharmacies. The paper concludes that although laws exist, but due to lack of accountability and weak regulatory framework their proper implementation is not witnessed. Moreover, due to lack of research and evidence related to problems in dispensing practices in healthcare system of Pakistan, the counteractive actions for resolving these problems are limited.

The use of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has rapidly grown partly due to demands of process analytical applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, newest regulatory guidelines have advanced the increase of the use of NIR technologies. The non-destructive and non-invasive nature of measurements makes NIR a powerful tool in characterization of pharmaceutical solids. These benefits among others often make NIR advantageous over traditional analytical methods. However, in addition to NIR, a wide variety of other tools are naturally also available for analysis in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, and those can often be more suitable for a given application. The versatility and rapidness of NIR will ensure its contribution to increased process understanding, better process control and improved quality of drug products. This review concentrates on the use of NIR spectroscopy from a process research perspective and highlights recent applications in the field.