ABSTRACT
With the mutual communication and penetration of traditional Chinese medicine and modem medicine,the combination of traditional Chinese and western medicine is common in clinical practice.However,since western-style doctor is usually lack of traditional Chinese medicine theory knowledge,many problems exist in the combination of Chinese and western medicine.The problem that Chinese medicine containing ephedra alkaloids in combination with western medicine in pediatric medicine is especially serious.Because of the complexity of the children's drugs,improper use of the ephedra alkaloids is prone to adverse reactions.A comprehensive analysis of drugs containing ephedra alkaloids existing in the pediatric clinical application is performed,and in order to provide guidance for clinical rational drug use.
ABSTRACT
Background: Cough and common cold are one of the commonest morbidities in the community. Cough and cold medicines are abound in Indian market despite the fact that majority of them lack scientific evidence of their use in this common condition. Aims & Objective: To analyze the prescribing pattern of ‘cough and cold’ medicines in Central Gujarat. Material and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, questionnaire- based study was carried out to assess the prescribing pattern of doctors with regard to cough and cold. A total of 100 prescribers with a graduate degree (n=50) or a post-graduate degree (n=50) from Central Gujarat were selected randomly. After interviewing all doctors, data were analyzed to find the percentage of patients prescribed ‘cough & cold medicines’, their types of dosage form, use of FDCs, indications, any adverse events encountered and non-pharmacological measures advocated. Results: Prescribing FDCs for cough and cold was significantly higher (92% vs 72%, P<0.05) in post graduate prescribers attached to private hospitals than in graduate prescribers attached to government/teaching hospitals. Usage of solid dosage forms was significantly higher (p<0.05) in prescribers attached to government or teaching hospitals as compared to prescribers attached to private hospitals (84% vs 60%). About 18% of graduate and 25% of post graduate prescribers gave cough and cold medicines at patients’ behest. Only 15% prescribers prescribed cough and cold medicines for dry cough while antihistamines were advocated by 96% of prescribers. About 50% of the physicians prescribed these medicines for conditions like upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Non pharmacological measures were recommended by 75% prescribers. Conclusion: Efforts are needed to create awareness amongst prescribers about the rational use of cough & cold medicines and also pay attention to ADR caused by them. Reforms in medical education and CME are recommended.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:To introduce positive response to the security and effectiveness issues on OTC cough and cold medicines for children in New Zealand in order to provide reference for drug risk-benefit evaluation and putting forward reasonable management measures in China. METHODS:The concept of OTC cough and cold medicines for children were introduced firstly. Then the evaluation and countermeasures of OTC cough and cold medicines for children in New Zealand were also introduced. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS:It has significance for the evaluation of drugs for sale that are review and evaluation,study and countermea-sures and dynamic tracking for OTC cough and cold medicines for children in New Zealand and the realistic attitude of New Zealand Drug and Medical Instruments Security Bureau.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:To provide reference for rational administration of cough and cold medicines (CCMs) for children. METHODS: Through reviewing pertinent literature both at home and abroad, the data about the efficacy, safety and use of over the counter drug CCMs for children and the progress of the relative policy were analyzed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS: It has been shown that the CCMs have potential risks for children’s healthy although no proven evidence has been shown that these drugs are responsible for a series of the serious adverse events and death cases reported in literature. It is urgent to tighten control on the production, circulation and use of these drugs in view of the various drug varieties, frequent use, dosage error and repeated use caused by parents’ poor sense on drug safety.