ABSTRACT
Background: Rational prescribing of the medicines is an essential skill required by all the doctors. Interns are not prepared or confident in rational prescription either because of inadequate training or knowledge is not retained by the time they come to internship or due to fast change in the concepts or protocols in pharmacology. The objectives of the study were to introduce and assess a short sensitization and training for interns regarding clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (CPT).Methods: It was a quasi-experimental type of interventional study done on 30 pediatrics interns. A short sensitization and training was given regarding CPT using flipped classroom model. Pre-test and post-test was conducted to know the effectiveness of the sensitization/training. Students’ opinion was also taken regarding the training and incorporation of similar training in other departments.Results: The mean percentage scores of the objective type questions in the pretest was 40.6±3.25 which increased significantly (p<0.05) to 74±2.95 in post-test. The mean percentage scores of the problem solving type questions in the pretest was 30.78±5.25 which increased significantly (p<0.05) to 65.21±4.65 in post-test.Conclusions: The sensitization and training was effective and there was overall satisfaction of conduct of such training among pediatrics interns. Further detailed research has to be conducted in different departments and faculties’ opinion regarding incorporation of CPT training and feasibility has to be considered before we recommend such training during internship.
ABSTRACT
Background: Every medical graduate must have the intention to prescribe rationally. It is pharmacology which teaches rational of prescribing of drug in undergraduate medical course. Therefore, many eminent medical educationists believe that pharmacology is the most essential part of the medical curriculum. Medical graduates join as interns in their respective teaching hospital immediately after graduation. Although interns work is usually under the supervision of a senior consultant but there are occasions, when they need to make their own decision. Internship is the intermediate period between under-graduation and general practice. The dexterity of health professional relies upon prescribing practices. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (CPT) is a crucial discipline for interns to acquire safe and rational prescription of drugs. This study was conducted with the intention to provide some light about the knowledge of pharmacology among the interns in RIMS Hospital Raichur, Karnataka.Methods: The study was done on interns of RIMS, Raichur. It was a descriptive questionnaire-based prospective study. A structured questionnaire modified from the work of Oshikoya et al, was used in the study which included four major categories namely basic demographic information, undergraduate CPT teaching, experience of adverse drug reaction (ADR) and any deficiency in the under-graduate CPT teaching.Results: Out of these 107 participants 54 (42%) rated pharmacology knowledge is good, while another 53(40%) had average understanding. As high as 80% (85) intern population feel that undergraduate training has prepared them to prescribe safely. 45 (41%) interns have already observed cases of adverse drug reactions in their short active clinical life.Conclusions: The present study has identified that pharmacology and therapeutics course curriculum is not enough to produce safe prescribers.
ABSTRACT
The objective of present study was to investigate Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and hydroalcoholic extracts of B. racemosa fruits in vitro on human polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells to screen their effects on phagocytosis and chemotaxis. Ethyl acetate extract of B. racemosa fruitswas found to be a stimulant of PMN cell phagocytosis of Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye and candida albicans. It also stimulated intracellur killing capacity of PMN cells. It was further found to increase the chemotaxis of human PMN cells.While, petroleum ether extract and hydroalcoholic extract were lesser active as far as these activities are concerned.
ABSTRACT
Background: Different species of frogs had been used by many researchers for evaluation of analgesic drugs e.g., Rana pipiens and African claw frog. In our study, we used Rana tigrina, which was never used for evaluation of analgesic activity of drugs. So by doing this project, we judged usefulness of R. tigrina to evaluate analgesic drugs. Methods: Animals used were R. tigrina of either sex weighing 100-150 g. Glass flask with porous platform was used for observation of frog. All groups were treated with 4% NaCl solution S.C. on abdomen). Characteristic parameter i.e., number of eye blinkings (this parameter was observed during the pilot study after 4% NaCl S.C. injection on lower third of frogs abdominal wall) were observed before and after drug administration. Each observation was for 5 mins. Centrally and periphrally acting drugs effect was tested on the number of blinks and buccal oscillations. Results: Centrally acting drug inhibit rise in number of eye blinkings and buccal oscillation significantly. Piroxicam diclofenac sodium and ketoprofen decreased rise in number of blinks; but, it was not significant as compared with control. Conclusion: This animal may be used alternative to existing methods of evaluating analgesics in Indian setup.
ABSTRACT
The diuretic activity of Benincasa hispida fruit rind extract (outer thick pericarp) was investigated and its activity was compared to control (normal saline) and standard diuretic hydrochlorothiazide in albino rats. Total of 54 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were taken whose weights ranged from 175-225 gm. The rats were divided into three groups of 18 rats each (control, standard and test). Control group received 0.9% normal saline 25ml/kg orally. Standard group received hydrochlorothiazide 2.5mg/kg body weight orally along with normal saline keeping the volume of the fluid administered constant. Test group received aqueous extract of rind of Benincasa hispida at the dose of 100mg/kg orally along with normal saline 25ml/kg. Urine was collected for a period of 5 hours by placing the animals in metabolic cages. The urinary volume, pH, and urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride were measured and compared. The extract produced significant increase (p<0.001) in urine volume, sodium and chloride levels, and significant decrease (p<0.001) in potassium excretion. Benincasa hispida rind extract possesses significant diuretic activity.