Kollimalai Masi Periyannasamy – Prayers and Offerings

Masi Periyannasamy is known as the village guardian deity located in Kollimalai Masi hills in Namakkal district. The structure of temple is built under a roof covered with grass. It has a lion as its vehicle. This temple at Masi hills is considered to be the original temple. It is said that Masi Periyannan Swamy temples have been constructed at Namakkal and Trichy by taking soil from this temple. The little deity is associated with folklore and dialects. This idolatry began to worship human beings in order to continuously exchange the memory of the ancestors who lived with them among the progeny and to worship them in the hope that they might help them in some way or the other. While prayer and offering obeisance are fundamental to these two forms of worship, it is different in terms of Saivism and Non-vegetarianism. In the form of minor deity worship, worship is mostly non-vegetarian. There is no sacrifice in the worship of the great deity. But it assumes significance in the worship of the minor deities. However, there is also a tendency for people who are overly believers in the worship of the deity to associate the minor deity with the deities like Shiva and Thirumal. But it does not have long-standing legends. Associated with folk tales, they see Shiva as the form and the incarnation of Thirumal. In this system, nowadays there is a tendency for people to see Kollimalai Masi Periyannasamy, a small deity, as an incarnation of Thirumal. In this article, the methods of worship performed to Masi Periyannasamy are dealt with

PHARMACOLOGY OF NOVAL CANNABINOIDS

Cannabis is a plant rich in various compounds that have a variety of impacts on the physiology of humans and the effects of these metabolites have a significant role in managing a variety of clinical diseases. A substantial increase in the use of SC (synthetic cannabinoids) had seen in the last few years especially infrequent cannabis users. The SCs will generate psychoactive effects that were similar to cannabis. However, the composition and pharmacological characteristics of these drugs make them possibly hazardous. Like all drugs, cannabis’ pharmacokinetics depends on the route of administration. Several studies showed that the bioavailability is less in oral administration when compared to inhalation. The main reason for this decrease in oral bioavailability is that cannabinoids undergo the first-pass metabolism before entering into the systemic circulation whereas in inhalation, it enters the circulation directly through the lungs. Cannabis sativa is a psychoactive plant that contains more than 500 components of which 104 cannabinoids had been identified. Of these, 2 components such as Δ9-THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidol) were under the scientific investigation. Δ9-THC is the primary cannabinoid which was responsible for the consequences of psychotrophy. The potency of cannabis is assessed based on the THC concentration of a sample that is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis. The adverse effects are in direct relation to the concentration of THC in the product after regular cannabis use. It can be assumed that several cannabinoids will find their way into the pharmacies from preclinical research within a century

IN-VIVO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF ETHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF BAUHINIA VARIEGATA LINN

Objective: The objective of present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Bauhinia variegate root. Methods: In the present study BVEE at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight was studied for anti-inflammatory activities in different animal models.. Anti- inflammatory activity was carried out by using carrageenan induced paw edema model and cotton pellet induced granuloma model in wistar rats. Results: The results shows that BVEE possess anti-inflammatory activity in acute as well as sub acute models of inflammation in rats. BVEE (200 and 400 mg/kg) showed significant (p <0.01) anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the paw edema volume in carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats in the late phase (2to4h)regulated by prostaglandins and leucotrienes and in cotton pellet induced granuloma model BVEE decreased dry weight of granuloma. Conclusion: The observed pharmacological activity may be due to presence of phytochemical compounds present in the extract like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins and tannins

AN ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL DRUG-DRUG INTERACTIONS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: To an assessment of potential drug-drug interactions in hypertensive patients in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Erode for a period of 8 mo. A sample of 480 patients was assessed for PDDIs using drug checker in Micromedex®-2.7. Results: A total of 430 patients were analyzed and it was found to be 396 (82.50%) hypertensive patients had PDDIs, and a sum total of 1160 PDDIs were observed. Potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) higher in female hypertensive patients [255 (64.39%)] compared to males. Incidences of PDDIs were found to be higher in the age group of 60-70 y were [177 (44.69%)] and incidences of interactions based on the duration of (4-6 d) hospital stays were 272 (68.68%). Moreover, 49.24% of patients were found to be prescribed with more than 7 drugs, with higher incidences of PDDIs. Some of the most common drug interacting pair was between aspirin and clopidogrel combination observed in 325 PDDIs in the major, with pharmacodynamics in nature. Conclusion: Clinical pharmacist ought to have the role of regular monitoring of drug therapy in identifying and preventing the medications that have the potential to cause drug-drug interactions, thereby minimizing the undesirable outcomes in drug medical care and improving the quality of care

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN APPROACH TO FABRICATE AND OPTIMIZE FLOATING TABLETS OF LEVOFLOXACIN FOR HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION

Objective: To improve the treatment of H. pylori infection, by achieving the required bactericidal concentrations of antibiotics in the stomach, by delivering the antibiotics to the mucus layer and release the drug at the site of infection for a prolonged period would be significantly more effective than conventional dosage forms. Methods: The experimental method of the research was designed to prepare Levofloxacin floating by using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC K4M), Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC K100M) and Xanthan gum by Three-level Box–Behnken design optimization method. The prepared tablets were evaluated for Thickness, Hardness, Friability, Weight variation, Swelling index (SI), Floating lag time (FLT) and Time required to release 90% of the drug from the tablet (T90%). Results: It was found that the Thickness-3.12±0.11 mm to 3.28±0.10 mm, Hardness-4.52±0.36 kg/cm2 to 4.81±0.24 kg/cm2, Friability-0.81±0.02g to 0.86±0.12g, Weight variation-480±1.90 mg to 523±0.89 mg, Swelling index (SI)-61.9±0.624% to 99.95±0.226%, Floating lag time (FLT)-81.12±0.63 s to 119.7±0.567 s and Time required to release 90% of the drug from the tablet (T90%)-7.0±0.55 h to 10.33±0.289 h. HPMC K100M and Xanthan gum showed good swelling as compared to HPMC K4M. The study revealed that HPMC K100M grade had a significant effect on drug release. Conclusion: The developed gastro-floating tablets can extend levofloxacin duration in the stomach and produce a prolonged release effect. The prepared levofloxacin floating tablet oral drug delivery system appears to be a promising choice for the efficient eradication of H. pylor

MONSTER PHASE OF ACETAMINOPHEN USE IN PREGNANCY: CURRENT VISION OF AN OLD DRUG

In various countries, Acetaminophen [APAP] is the frequently used painkiller found in hundreds of medications during pregnancy. It has been broadly used for eras and health care professionals prefer acetaminophen as a choice during pregnancy for relieving pain and fever. Current research reports bothersome inclinations in the rate of acetaminophen exposure and related pregnancy outcome. The exposure of pregnant women to acetaminophen is of great concern. Existing literature evidence shows that acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy may leads to preterm birth, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, male infertility, asthma in pediatrics. Therefore, the prophylactic anticipation of acetaminophen exposure can be a far-sighted approach in order to safeguard humans and wildlife from enduring dangerous effects. This article reviews the epidemiological findings and aims to shed awareness into the second generation outcome of an old drug in pregnant women

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF MEDICATION ERRORS AMONG PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the common medication error (ME), and its causes, category, and severity by using suitable questionnaire.Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for 6 months in a psychiatric department. Demographic data, clinical history, and complete prescription were noted.Results: A total of 120 psychiatric cases were collected, among that 116 MEs were identified in which male patients were 64 (55%) and females 52 (44.8%). The number of MEs occurred due to physician was 67 (57.7%), due to nurses was 15 (12.9%), and combined was 38 (32.7%). Incomplete prescription was the main type of error that we found. About 43.1% of the error we identified was informed to the staff and and no specific action was needed for 37.1% of errors. In our study, we found that majority of 54 (46.5%) errors were categorized under category B, but there was no harm to the patient.Conclusion: The present study concluded that most of the patients admitted in the psychiatry department would experience MEs. Clinical pharmacist can play a major role in the early detection and prevention of MEs and thus can improve the quality of care to the patients

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF PEDIATRIC DRUG FORMULARY IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, ERODE.

ObjectivesTo develop and evaluate a pediatric hospital formulary in a tertiary care hospital erode. 2)To provide an updated information about the use of medicines to physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in the hospital for appropriate use of the drugsMethodsThe prospective developmental study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital, Erode, Tamil Nadu for a period of six months. A survey was conducted using a validated questionnaire for the identification of the need and content of pediatric formulary among physicians in the hospital.The pediatric formulary was developed and the quality was evaluated using a validated questionnaire form.The content of the formulary was framed based on the opinion of physicians.ResultsThe prepared pediatric formulary was assessed with the validated feedback questionnaire. Out of 58 doctors 50 (86.2%) doctors were satisfied with the developed formulary for about 29 (50%) doctors formulary was very useful in their clinical practice and. The necessity of pediatric formulary was supported by 80 % of physcians at first but after the implementation of formulary 86% were highly satisfied with the formulary and appreciated the work that was carried out to a great level.Conclusion The formulary was handy, user friendly and saves the precious time of busy physician. It may also promotesthe safe and effective use of medicines thereby minimizing drug related problems in pediatric population. Key words: Formulary, paediatrics, clinical practice. Â

PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN RELATIONSHIP WITH VARIOUS RISK FACTORS

ABSTRACTObjective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risk factors which influence the increased rate of myocardial infarction in atertiary care hospital.Methods: Data for this 6 months prospective observational study were collected from 227 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital with acutemyocardial infarction, through patient interviews and case reports and were analyzed.Results: A total of 227 cases were taken for this study. Out of 227 patients, 168 (74.19%) were males and 59 (25.81%) were females. This studyreveals some major risk factors which contribute the increased rate of myocardial infarction and were smoking, chronic alcoholism, obesity, sedentarylifestyle, male sex, physical inactivity, comorbid diseases, sleep disorders as well as age group between 41 and 60 years. No association between oilconsumption coffee intake and a positive association between tea intake was observed. Out of 105 patients diagnosed with ST elevated MI, 55 (52.23%)were treated with fibrinolytic therapy and 50 (47.77%) were excluded from this therapy mainly due to delayed admission. All the patients were foundto be benefited by beta-blocker therapy.Conclusion: Results suggested that awareness regarding moderate physical activity, cessation of cigarette smoking, increased daily consumption offruits and vegetables may reduce the increased myocardial infarction risk.Keywords: Myocardial infarction, Risk factors, Fibrinolytic therapy, Beta blockers