Efficacy of generic granisetron vs kytril[registered] for PONV in major gynecological operations: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Background Granisetron is a first-generation 5-HT3-receptor antagonist that has shown efficacy in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV]. In this randomized double-blind parallel-group clinical trial, we assessed the efficacy of generic granisetron versus Kytril[registered], in the prevention of PONV in patients undergoing general anesthesia for gynaecological surgeries. Method One hundred and twenty patients who were supposed to undergo major gynaecological surgeries [myomectomy and hysterectomy] in Dr. Shariati Teaching Hospital, Tehran, Iran were randomly assigned to either single dose generic granisetron [40 mcg/kg], or Kytril[registered] [40 mcg/kg] at the end of the surgery. Two episodes of emetic symptoms [nausea and vomiting] were recorded by a gynaecologist who had no knowledge of which treatment each patient had received. This gynaecologist observed the patients at three different intervals: 6, 12 and 18 h post surgery. At the end of the observation period each patient evaluated the satisfaction with the study drug, and the gynaecologist evaluated sedation of the patients. Results In the generic granisetron group 47 and 13 patients, and in the Kytril[registered] group 45 and 15 patients underwent hysterectomy and myomectomy respectively. No difference was observed between two treatment groups regarding postoperative nausea and vomiting control during 18 hours after the drugs administration. Also there were no differences in the satisfaction with the study drug between the generic granisetron and Kytril[registered]. No difference in sedation scores was observed between two groups. Conclusion Generic granisetron exerts efficacy against PONV after gynaecological surgeries which is non-inferior to that of Kytril[registered]

Evaluation of knowledge and expectations of Dr. shariati Hospital health care professionals regarding the services of the Hospital's Drug and Poison Information Center

This study was conducted to clarify the expectations of the health care professionals [professors, residents, interns, nurses and head nurses] in Dr. shariati Hospital regarding the services of the Drug and Poison Information Center in this Hospital. Data was collected from a questionnaire which was distributed among 400 people in April 2009. Only 157 respondents fulfilled the questionnaire. So a return rate of 39% was achieved. According to the results, medical reference books and drug information textbooks [36.7%] and expert colleagues [29.7%] were the [most commonly] used drug information resources. 77.8% of respondents [almost never] use DPICs. According to the results, 77.5% of respondents were non- acquainted with these centers' activities. 44.4% of respondents included [adverse drug reactions] and 33.3% included [availability of drugs in pharmacy] in the blank space considered for them to mention any expectation [s] they rank as the most important. In addition, 74% of them rank [incompatibility of injectable drugs] and [70.1% rank] drug interactions [as the [extremely important] issues. Being non acquaintance with services of DPIC centers can be considered as the most important reason of not using them. Even after 13 years of opening of the first DPIC in IRAN, the health care professionals are not familiar with these centers' services and activities yet. It shows an urgent need for culture building activities to introduce them these centers services