Rational use of aztreonam

Aztreonam, a beta-lactam antibiotic is effective against a number of micro-organisms including resistant strains of N. gonorrhoea, H. Influenzae and P. aeruginosa. Though a potent and useful drug in the modern physicians armamentarium it must not be used empirically; should be prescribed on the recommendations of microbiologists report. Irrational use would not only lead to the development of resistance but may lead to superinfection; one should also remember a 7 day treatment costs around pound 214 in the U.K.! It must, therefore, never be used empirically, and for trivial infections. For the simple reason 'when you can use the fly-flapper why use the sledgehammer

Topical minoxidil for baldness

Topical application of minoxidil lotion has been widely promoted as an agent for the treatment of all kinds of baldness. Neither the Ministry of Health, Government of Bahrain nor the National Health Services [NHS] of the United Kingdom allows it to be made available to the patients on the prescriptions of the government appointed doctors. This decision to exclude it from the list of approved drugs available on NHS or similar government sponsored health care programme is based on its questionable efficacy, unproven safety and its enormous cost. Local availability in Bahrain only reflects the drug regulatory policy which allows the rich the freedom to use a drug which may rarely help, often lighten their purse and enrich, at least their urine