ABSTRACT
Background: Undergraduate medical students acquire knowledge about use of drugs during teaching sessions related to prescription of drugs. Appropriate selection of drugs from the available list of numerous formulations requires skill. This can be imparted using the concept of personal drugs (P-drugs). Knowledge of the price of drugs is important consideration in selection of drug. This paper describes method of introducing medical student to the concept of P-drugs, essential drug list (ED list) and economic aspects of drug utilization. Methods: Students are divided into groups, guided by faculty member. Each group is allotted a clinical case scenario with specific questions; students have to select suitable drugs which can be prescribed. They also have to search for the suitable drug included in the ED list and price of different brands of the same drug. The work done by the group is presented as a report to the whole class. Results: Each group presented the list of P-drugs and ED list and price of the drugs for the selected cases viz.: pharyngitis, urinary tract infection, hypertension, diabetes mellitus. After collecting the information on these aspects each group selected the most appropriate drug for the clinical condition allotted to them. Comparison of prices of various brands provided opportunity to learn about economic aspects of drug use. Conclusion: This method of study using patient oriented problems is a useful method to impart knowledge to medical students about concept of P-drugs, ED list and economic aspects of using drugs.
ABSTRACT
Background: The objective of this study was to look into the protective role of vitamin E (Vit.E) on drug induced neuropathy. Methods: The study involved 18 albino rats; rats were divided into 3 Groups; Group 1 control (n = 6), Group 2 - anti leukemic drugs treated rats (n = 6), Group 3 - anti leukemic drugs and Vit.E treated rats (n = 6). Anti leukemic drugs which included vincristine (VCR), L asparaginase (L Asp), doxorubicin (ADR), prednisolone (PDN), were administered to Group 2 and Group 3 rats according to acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment regimen (MCP841). Group 3 rats were given in addition to the anti leukemic drugs, Vit.E (100 mg/kg bodyweight/orally) daily. Tests for neuropathy were done using tail clip method, tail flick method, hot plate method on the 2nd week and tail clip method on 4th week of therapy. Results: At the end of 2nd week by tail clip method and tail flick method the mean reaction time of the anti leukemic drugs alone treated group (Group 2) was increased showing the development of neuropathy. The mean reaction time of the anti leukemic drugs + Vit.E treated group (Group 3) showed a reduction in the reaction time, showing the protective role of Vitamin E. Hot plate method done at the end of 2nd week showed a decrease in mean reaction time in Group 2 rats compared with Group 3. This could be due to the hyperthermalgesia by VCR. Group 3 was protected by Vit.E. Conclusion: Observations showed a protective role of Vit.E on drug induced neuropathy.