Problems and suggestions on the use of cough and cold medicines containing ephedra alkaloids in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

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.

Analysis of Drug Instruction and Irrational Prescription of Anti-cold Compound Preparations for Children in Our Hospital / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To explore the situation of anti-cold compound preparations for children,and provide reference for clinical rational drug use. METHODS:The drug instructions of anti-cold compound preparations for children were collected from our hospital and analyzed statistically in recpects of drug components,specifications,formulations and dosages of those prepara-tions;typical irrational prescriptions from Jan. to May 2015 were also analyzed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS:40 kinds of an-ti-cold compound preparations for children were currently used in our hospital,including 14 chemical drugs and 26 Chinese medi-cine,in which,15 were not specified in the drug instructions for pediatric dosage (accounting for 37.5%). Anti-cold compound preparations had many kinds,varied largely in specifications and dosages. The children with same constitution and age take differ-ent drugs according to the drug instructions,the dosages of the same component are greatly different,the child dosages in the drug instructions need to be further improved. There are problems of irrational drug use in our hospital, such as repeated medication, medicine incompatibility,in appropriate dose.

Cold Medications Aggravated Rhabdomyolysis Symptoms Induced by Building Construction Work and Strenuous Exercise: a Case Report

SUMMARY: A 21-year-old healthy Korean man worked on a building construction site every day for almost 2 months and exercised every day for 1 or 2 hours after working hard. He felt dizziness, nausea, and experienced vomiting and body aches immediately after exercise and immediately took cold medicines including acetaminophen, cimetidine, bepotastine, and Codenal? complex for the common cold symptoms for 2 days because he was scheduled to participate in navy training at that time. He complained of severe trapezius pain and aches in his left calf 3 days after joining the Navy training. Testing revealed creatine phosphokinase (CPK) 6260 U/L, myogloblin 176 mcg/L in the urine, liver enzymes increased, and oliguria, suggesting rhabdomyolysis. He recovered with intravenous fluids without any complications.

Prescribing pattern of cough and cold medicines in central Gujarat.

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.

Evaluation and Countermeasures on OTC Cough and Cold Medicines for Children in New Zealand / 中国药房

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.

Correct Understanding on the Safety of Children's Cough and Cold Medicines / 中国药房

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.