ABSTRACT
Arsenic is detected virtually in all environmental matrices.Two forms of arsenic, reduced and oxidized can be absorbed and accumulates in tissues and body fluids causing impairment of cell respiration and subsequently diminishes ATP formation. Several million people are exposed to arsenic chronically throughout the world. Diet, for most individuals, is the largest source of exposure. It is also called as "king of poisons". Immediate symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea being followed by numbness, tingling of extremities, muscle cramping and death. Long-term exposure to high arsenic level usually affects skin. Blood, urine, hair, and fingernails are used for diagnosis of toxicity.This is treated by chelating agents and removal of arsenic from body. Awareness should be created among the communities. Governmental measures for provision of clean water, uncontaminated food and reduction of hazards at occupational level could play a vital role for preventing morbidity and mortality
ABSTRACT
Objective:To identify the errors in the prescription writing of general practitioners [GPx] from different parts of Karachi
Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology at Bahria University Medical and Dental College, Karachi, from 1st January to 30th February 2014. A total of 100 prescriptions were collected 25 each, randomly, from 04 general practitioner`s clinics [east, west, central and south districts] of Karachi. Verbal consent of the respective [GPx] was taken few days prior to collection of prescriptions. Patient's consent was taken at the time of obtaining the prescription.All prescriptions were analysed for errors in superscription, inscription, subscription, transcription, signatures and refill information
Results:A total of 473errors were identified in 100 prescriptions. 303 errors in superscription, 06 in inscription, 67 in subscription, 34 in transcription, 1 in prescriber's signature , and 62 in refill information
Conclusion: Errors in prescription writing are found to be common in the prescriptions of general practitioners. Measures should be taken to refresh the prescription writing skills of general practitioners through Continuous Medical Education Sessions [CMEs] and workshops