Allopathic Medicines and Types

Transcription

1 Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines Allopathic Medicines and Types What are MEDICINES? ü Medicines are any substances that are meant to change the way your body deals with an illness or injury or to maintain your health and wellbeing. ü Used for or in prevention, treatment, cure or mitigation of diseases in humans or animals. ü Medicines help us to get better when we are unwell. Non-prescription MEDICINES ü Non-prescription or OTC (Over the counter) medicines are allopathic medicines which by law can be purchased by a customer without the prescription of a doctor or can be recommended by the Pharmacist. ü OTC medicines are safe and can be used for self-medication; however, they too can cause side effects and thus need to be used carefully. ü Are often advertised to public Eg: Paracetamol, asprin, vitamins, minerals, antiseptic creams, calamine lotion etc. ü Some of these medicines are available in other stores too. Prescription MEDICINES ü These are medicines which by law can only be purchased by a customer only against the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner (Allopathic Doctor/Dentist/Veterinarian). ü A pharmacy / medical store is legally not permitted to sell such medicines unless a proper prescription is produced. ü They can be dangerous if not taken as per the doctor s advice or taken without being prescribed by a doctor. They need to be used carefully. ü These medicines can be identified by a Red line on the left, a Rx sign in red on the left top of the label, and a boxed warning which says ü NRx is written in red colour on the left top corner of the label of some medicines. And XRx is written on top left corner in red on label of Drugs falling under Schedule X Eg Ketamine, Methylphenidate, Oseltamivir, etc. ü Schedule G drugs bear a label Caution- it is dangerous to take this preparation except under medical supervision Eg Insulin, Metformin, and Promethazine, etc. ü For Narcotic drugs and Schedule X drugs, the prescription has to be in duplicate and the pharmacy has to retain one copy.

2 Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines TYPES OF DOSAGE FORMS Drugs are made into various dosage forms so that they can be easily administered or can be delivered to the right part of the body. Oral Dosage Forms: Tablets: Film coated, Sugar coated, Enteric coated, Bi-layered, Sublingual, Dispersible etc. Capsules: Soft gel capsules, Hard gel capsules Tablets, Capsules, Lozenges, Oral liquids Lin Oral liquids: Suspensions, Emulsions, Linctuses, Elixirs, Syrups, Solutions. Lozenges For external use agents: Lotion, Creams, Ointments, Liniments, Gel, Dusting powders, Transdermal patch, Plaster, Nasal drops, Nasal spray, Eye-drops, Eye ointment, Ear drops, Gargle, Mouth wash, Suppositories, Pessaries, Vaginal creams, Inhalers. Lotions, Creams, Ointments, Liniments, Gels Eye-drops, Eye ointments, Ear drops Dusting powders Transdermal patches, Plasters. Suppositories Vaginal pessaries, Vaginal creams. Parenteral preparations: Mouth wash Gargles Injection Intravenous, Intra-muscular, Spinal, Intra-dermal Injections, I.V. Fluids, Intra muscular, Spinal, Subcutaneous, Intradermal. Nasal drops Nasal spray Inhalers Metred dose inhalers Rotahalers

3 Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines Prescription and Its Importance Important Legal Document A prescription is an important legal document. It is an order for medication issued by a qualified doctor to a patient. The pharmacy honours this by dispensing medicines to the patient. When you visit a pharmacy, asking for your medicines verbally, by colour, price, showing old packages of the medicines, writing the name of medicines on hands, bits of paper, showing the name on mobile messages, using old prescriptions, asking for medicines over the phone are all wrong practices. These are illegal as well as dangerous. Recheck your prescription every time you buy Dr. Pradeep Mishra, M.B.B.S., M.D. Reg. No.: GMC 123 Address : F1-G7, South End Apts., Charmawood (Fbd.) , Tel No.: Date : Patient s Name : Achin Oberoi Sex: M Age: 20 Wt: 75 Kg. Patient's Address : 1A, Surajkund Road, Prahladpur, New Delhi Rx Valium (DIAZEPAM) 5 mg 1 tab at night x 20 days tab Doctor's usual sign Date: Sample DO NOT REFILL (DISPENSE ONLY ONCE) For your own safety, always carry your prescription when you visit the pharmacy Medicines come in a variety of dosage forms, potencies, combinations of drugs, bearing same trade names but with minor changes in extension. A prescription helps the pharmacist to check for correctness of medicines, potency, doses, etc. A prescription helps the pharmacist to serve you better and faster. The prescription contains the instructions and direction to use your medication and the effectiveness of treatment depends on adherence to therapy. Hence it is important to take your medicines as per the information on the prescription

4 Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines While Buying Buying Buying Your Medicines CHECK ON THE PHARMACY COUNSELOR PHARMACIST AS A MEDICATION CARRY A PRES CRIPTION Check on the Pharmacy/ Medical Store Always carry a Prescription Before you leave the pharmacy check your medicines Pharmacist is your medication counselor Ü Always buy medicines from a licensed Pharmacy/Medical Store. Look for the pharmacy license displayed. Do not buy from unauthorized sellers Ü Look for the pharmacist and ask the pharmacist to know about your medicines. Ü Always present a prescription to the pharmacist while buying prescription medicines. Ü Do not use the same old prescription repeatedly/again to buy medicines unless the doctor advices. Ü Do not hurry up the pharmacy personnel. While serving you quickly they could make mistakes. Ü Check the names, strength/potency, dosage form and quantity, expiry date of your medicines and that they are consistent with your prescription. Ü Always ask for a bill. Check whether the price charged is not more than MRP. Ü Ensure that medicines are in good condition: no leakage, damage or breakage. Ü Ask the Pharmacist for instructions for taking your medicines and any precautions to take. Ü Discuss with your pharmacist while choosing or buying non-prescription medicines. Be Safe Be Sure

5 Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines TAKING YOUR ORAL LIQUIDS 1 Use a measuring cup or measuring spoon Oral Syrup, Solution, Elixir, Linctus Measure the prescribed dose using the measuring cup or measuring spoon provided with the bottle Do not use the bottle cap or a kitchen spoon or directly drink from the bottle Do not dilute unless so instructed 2 3 Shake well before use Oral Emulsion and Suspension Shake well before use so as to disperse the emulsion/ suspension uniformly Measure the dose using the spoon or cup supplied with the bottle Reconstitution of Dry Powders Before Use Some medicines are available as powders or granules and are to be reconstituted into a suspension by the user by adding water Shake the bottle to loosen the powder. Open the cap or seal of the bottle. Slowly add previously boiled and cooled water exactly upto the mark given on the bottle. Shake the bottle vigorously till the powder is uniformly suspended. Then adjust the volume upto the mark on the bottle After reconstitution store it under the conditions mentioned on the label (generally in the refrigerator)and use it within the time as given on label (generally within 3-7 days.)

6 While Taking Your Tablets Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines Tablets (uncoated, coated): Swallow the whole tablet Do not cut or break or crush the tablet unless the doctor or pharmacist advises Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water Do not take the tablet while lying down Different Types Of Tablets Dispersible Tablet: Do not swallow Place the tablet in a tablespoon or small cup containing 5 10ml of water and allow to disperse into a suspension. Swallow the whole quantity. Chewable Tablets: Do not swallow whole Place the tablet in the mouth and chew it thoroughly till it is powdered. Then swallow and drink a glass of water Mouth dissolving tablets: Do not swallow whole Place the tablet in the mouth and allow it to dissolve in the oral cavity. Then slowly swallow the dissolved drug with saliva. Sublingual tablets: Do not bite or swallow or chew Keep the tablet below the tongue and allow it to dissolve there. The drug is released here and goes directly through the blood vessels below the tongue to blood circulation. Read the label to know the type of tablet and also consult your doctor/pharmacist.

7 Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines REMEMBERING YOUR DOSE Complete the course of your medication as prescribed by the doctor It is essential to take medicines at the right dose and frequency for the entire treatment period as advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicines in between the therapy even if you start feeling better or if you are relieved of your symptoms. Treatment of TB, HIV, diabetes and high blood pressure require long time treatment. Do not stop the treatment without consulting the doctor. Do not double your dose In case you forget to take a dose, then take it as soon as you remember, but not if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose as this could be dangerous. Contact the doctor or the pharmacist if you have missed several doses of medication. Remembering your dose Make a medication chart with a list of all your medications and timings of dosing. Put this up on your refrigerator or dressing table or bedside for easy reference to remember your dose and take the medicines correctly at the right time. Put a calendar on the wall and make a note on it after you take your dose. It helps you to keep a track of your doses. Put reminder alarms on your watch or computer or mobile that remind of you your doses through the day. Or you could put up the reminder on your refrigerator, table or wall. You could use a 'Pill Box'. This is a special box containing a compartment for each day of the week, with sub-compartments for different times of the day. It helps to remember which medicines have to be taken at different times of the day and which medicines have been consumed and which not.

8 Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines Children & Medicines Image Credit: Clumsyclariss.blogspot.com CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR before giving medicines to your children Medicines must only be given to children based on the doctor's order or pharmacist's advice. Do not get carried away by advertisements of medicines. Children require a dose which depends on their body weight. Do not give your children any medicines intended for someone else even if symptoms or complaints are similar. Explain to children that medicines are taken only when one is not well and to give relief from suffering. While they make them feel better, they can also harm them. Even though some medicines may taste good, they are not candies or treats. KEEP ALL MEDICINES AWAY FROM CHILDREN FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS Keep all medicines away from their sight and out of their reach. Do not consume medicines in front of them. Do not send your children to the pharmacy to buy your medicines; it is not a good practice. Double check the prescription before administering the medicine to children. Follow the doctor's or pharmacist's instructions properly. Medicines and medical devices such as inhalers, syringes, etc. are not toys. Do not give empty medicine containers, inhaler, etc. to your Many times, children need your love, presence and attention. That can be the best medicine Make sure all prescriptions, reports of the child are put together in chronological order in a file and shown each time you visit the doctor. Also inform any allergies, interactions to any medicines that you notice. Keep medications in their original packaging and also write the child's name on them to avoid mix-up with other children's medicines Do not administer or prepare the medicine in the dark - you may choose the wrong medicine or give the wrong dose by mistake.

9 Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines MEDICINES DURING PREGNANCY Medicines are important to your health but some medicines may cause harm to your foetus. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe accordingly. Inform Doctor/Dentist/Pharmacist/Nurse if you are pregnant! Do not take ANY medicine (whether Allopathic, Ayurvedic, Homeopathic or any other) without consulting your doctor! DO NOT DRINK! DO NOT SMOKE! Some medicines, Smoking and Alcohol intake are dangerous to the baby growing inside you! BE GOOD TO YOUR BABY!

10 Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines OR OR INTERACTIONS Drug-Drug interactions Drug-Food interactions Two or more medicines/drugs, when taken together may interact with each other in our body, causing either a reduced, harmful or beneficial effect, or no difference in effect Some foods, including drinks/beverages may interact with the medicines that we consume, causing a reduced or harmful effect Whenever you visit any doctor/dentist/ pharmacist, carry all your prescriptions/ medicines you are currently taking including vitamins and herbal medicines Take all your medicines exactly according to your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions Example of Drug-Drug Interactions Ciprofloxacin and Ibuprofen, if taken together may increase the risk of convulsions If advised to take a medicine on an empty stomach (or before meals) take at least one hour before or two hour after a meal/food Examples of Drug-Food Interactions Absorption of Ciprofloxacin and thus its effect is reduced if taken within two hours of a meal/food (including milk or milk products) Paracetamol if taken with alcohol can increase the risk of liver toxicity Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to know more about your medicines. More you know, better do they work for you!

11 AD AND ME DICINES VERTISEMENTS DO NOT GET LURED BY ADVERTISEMENTS AND PLAY WITH YOUR HEALTH AND BODY No medicine is absolutely safe. It may be dangerous to self-medicate based on advertisements. Advertisements of some Allopathic (non prescription medicines), Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, Unani medicines are permitted by law. Certain diseases are incurable. Do not fall prey to such advertisements which claim to cure hair loss/baldness, increasing sexual prowess/pleasures, increasing of height, vitality, memory, fairness of skin, slimming or weight loss, weight gain and diseases like diabetes, AIDS, etc. Allopathic/Ayurvedic/Homeopathic/Unani medicines too are also potentially risky. Do not believe that they are completely safe. Take them only under medical expert's advice. DO NOT LOSE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY AND PUT YOUR HEALTH AT RISK BY MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENTS Before taking a decision to use such products ensure that: The company is trustworthy. Check if contact address, phone number, website is provided on the label Claims look reliable, reasonable and scientifically possible Keep the bills of all purchases In case of any doubts, problems with the product, complain to the nearest Drugs Control Office Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines

12 Campaign for Awareness on Responsible Use of Medicines laint p Com Form nt ai Whom to complain to if you have any complaint regarding your Pharmacy and medicines pl m y Co M COMPLAIN T BOX n By law When to file a complaint? Most medicines are required to be sold in a pharmacy/medical store only under the direct supervision of a Registered Pharmacist. Each pharmacy/medical store needs to be licensed by the local drug control authority. If you come across a pharmacy/medical store without a proper license or without a Registered Pharmacist. A bill or a cash memo is the only proof available that a particular medicine of a particular manufacturer and batch number were purchased from a particular pharmacy. This is especially important in case of any defects/complaints are detected in the medicine. If the pharmacy personnel refuse to give you a proper, complete cash memo. The pharmacy must stock and sell genuine and quality medicines. If you suspect any medicine to be not of standard quality (spurious, misbranded or fake) by visually inspecting it or if you suspect it to be ineffective. The pharmacy has to be maintained neatly and as per regulations. If on your visit you find that it is not properly maintained. The pharmacy cannot charge you more than the cost written on the label of the medicine. If the pharmacy overcharges you. All prescription medicines have to be sold only against the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner. If you find the pharmacy selling such medicines without a prescription. Whom to complain? You can complain to: Drugs control Administration of your respective State The Consumer forum in your respective district For filing an online complaint log on to: