ABSTRACT
Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a type of drug-induced skin reaction pattern that characteristically recurs at the same skin or mucosal site. Paracetamol is one of the common drugs prescribed as analgesic–antipyretic agent in all age group of patients. FDE is a well-reported, but uncommon side-effect of paracetamol, usually the classic, pigmenting type most commonly found in children and adolescents. We present a case of 52 years old male patient who developed FDE over the glans penis following paracetamol use.
ABSTRACT
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are rare (one to two per 10,00,00 population per year) but life threatening adverse drug reactions. Drugs commonly implicated are anti-epileptics, anti-microbials and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Amongst anti-epileptics, carbamazepine and phenytoin are the major culprits. We report here a fatal case of SJS due to phenytoin.
ABSTRACT
Background: To assess the knowledge about various issues concerned with rational use of medicines in second year medical students Methods: This was a survey-based, cross-sectional study in which a self developed, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used. Respondents were 153 students of second year MBBS (beginning of third semester). They were explained about nature and purpose of study and necessary consent obtained. Questions were framed to obtain information about various issues concerned with use of medicines, common beliefs /misconceptions, purchase of medicines, sources of information about medicines etc. Results were expressed as counts and percentages. Results: Majority of respondents were aware about OTC (54%) and generic medicines (96.7%), importance of reading medicine label (58.8%), that medicines are not needed for every illness (86.2%), medicines manufactures by big multinational companies are not always better (67.9%). 75.8% respondents were not influenced by direct to consumer advertising for purchase of medicines and 69.9% opined that medicines obtained from government hospital are not of inferior quality. 83.6% of respondents opined that they never mixed treatment of more than one doctor at a time and 83% always purchased all medicines written in prescription. For 93.4% respondents’ doctors’ advice was the most important factor that influenced medicine purchase. Conclusion: Though majority of respondents were aware about most of the issues addressed in the questionnaire which seems to be a positive finding, those still unaware needs to be educated by adopting suitable interventions.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Many aspects of tuberculosis (TB) and its treatment can compromise patients' quality of life (QOL). Treatment of active TB requires prolonged therapy with multiple drugs that can lead to adverse reactions. There is considerable social stigma associated with TB, leaving the individual feeling shunned and isolated. Hence, it is necessary that for a thorough assessment of patients' health status, overall impact of TB on patient's QOL should be considered. Materials and Methods:Thirty newly diagnosed smear positive cases of pulmonary TB, of either gender were interviewed using - WHO QOL BREF, which is a 26-item scale designed by WHO. It has four domains viz.: Physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Interviews were conducted thrice: Before starting treatment, after 2 months, and after 4 months of treatment. Controls ( n = 30) were selected from the general population and interviewed using same questionnaire. Results:Before treatment, scores in all domains were significantly lower in patients than controls. Worst affected were physical domain followed by psychological. Gradual increase in scores was observed over the course of treatment, indicating positive effect of medical intervention on QOL. Despite improvements, the scores in physical and psychological domain after 4 months of treatment were still significantly lower in patients than in controls. Conclusion: Measurement of QOL in TB is essential to have an in-depth understanding of effect of disease on various dimensions of health. This would enable health care professionals to devise relevant interventions such as patient counselling which would be useful in further improving quality of TB control programs.