Use of nonprescription medications by the general public in the Klang Valley.

The use of nonprescription medications is increasing worldwide as the practice of self-medication becomes more common. This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted to determine the extent and types of nonprescription medications used in the Klang Valley. Data was collected via interview using a structured questionnaire, at 10 shopping complexes and high streets in the Klang Valley. A total of 400 respondents were recruited with 61.5% female. The mean age of the respondents (standard deviation) was 33.4 (11.8) years old. Of the 400 respondents, 298 (74.5%) had used a nonprescription medication before. Demographic data of the respondents was not associated with the use of nonprescription medications except for marital status. Respondents who were single were more likely to use nonprescription medications than married or widowed/divorced respondents (p = 0.040). Analgesics were the most commonly used nonprescription medications in the Klang Valley (35.9%), followed by cough (17.2%) and cold preparations (11.7%). Whereas, paracetamol was the active ingredient most commonly found in the nonprescription medications used (47.2%). Out of the 298 respondents who have used nonprescription medications before, 234 (78.5%) obtained their medication(s) from pharmacies while 21.5% from non-pharmacy outlets such as doctors’ clinics, grocery shops, Chinese medical halls, supermarkets, 7-Eleven convenient stores and medical centres. The common sources of information on nonprescription medications were pharmacists (48%), family members or friends (18.8%) and doctors (16.8%). Therefore, pharmacists have a significant role to play in the selection and safe use of nonprescription medications.

Medication adherence and achievement of glycaemic targets in ambulatory type 2 diabetic patients.

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of nonadherence to antidiabetic medications in a Malaysian tertiary hospital and its association with patients’ glycaemic outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the diabetes clinic of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Data was collected from patients’ medical records and also via personal interviews of type 2 diabetic patients. Of the 405 respondents recruited, 41.7% (95% CI, 36.9- 46.4%) did not adhere to their antidiabetic medications. Only employment status of the respondents and the types of diabetic treatment were significantly associated with medication nonadherence. All the respondents were on antidiabetic medications, including 49.9% on insulin but only 17.4% (95% CI, 13.7-21.1%) achieved HbA1c of less than 6.5%. Those who were adherent to their antidiabetic medications were significantly more likely to achieve glycaemic control. Pharmacists should educate diabetic patients on the use of their medications and the importance of medication adherence. Such services will bring the healthcare system a step closer to achieving better clinical outcomes in this group of patients.

Umbilical artery blood gas and lactate in healthy newborns.

This study aimed to establish the normal range of umbilical artery pH, pCO2, base deficit and lactate in normal term and preterm newborn. Umbilical artery pH, pCO2, base deficit and lactate was measured in 637 newborn babies. The study included 555 babies at term with Apgar score equal to or more than 7 at 5 minutes, not requiring assisted ventilation and not admitted to the neonatal unit (NNU), as well as 47 preterm babies with Apgar score equal to or more than 7 at 5 minutes who were admitted to the NNU for observation only because of prematurity. Data was presented as mean and SD. Statistical analysis was done by t-test and simple linear regression analysis. In the newborn at term mean umbilical artery blood gas and lactate were as follows; pH = 7.25 (+/- 0.08), pCO2 = 45.66 (+/- 1.88) mmHg, base deficit = 7.69 (+/- 3.88) mEq/L, lactate = 2.96 (+/- 1.8) mMol/L. In preterm newborn the values were; pH = 7.25 (+/- 0.04), pCO2 = 51.78 (+/- 13.00) mmHg, base deficit = 5.29 (+/- 1.87) mEq/L, lactate = 2.55 (+/- 1.87) mMol/L. The range of umbilical artery blood gas and lactate parameters in term and preterm fetuses with good neonatal outcome were derived. There was a statistically significant difference in pCO2 and base deficit between term and preterm newborn. There was no linear correlation between lactate, pH, pCO2, base deficit and fetal glucose respectively in term or preterm infants.