Current scenario of rational usage of various drugs in indoor patients

Background: Irrational prescribing of drugs is of common occurrence in clinical practice. Rational drug prescribing is defined as “the use of the least number of drugs to obtain the best possible effects in the shortest period and at a reasonable cost”. The present study was designed to evaluate the practice of rational prescription in patients (cases) admitted in various wards ofG.S.V.M.MedicalCollege and associated hospitals atKanpur.Methods: This study was carried out on patients admitted in different wards. For the study of drug prescribing patterns, each prescribed drug was counted only once for a patient, irrespective of change in dose and route of administration. WHO guidelines were taken into consideration. Both distribution of type of drug as well as drug category were evaluated in different departments thereafter.  The characteristics chosen on each prescription provided the incidence of poly pharmacy and frequencies of prescribing of individual drug were analyzed.  The data obtained were subsequently categorized systematically and analyzed by taking WHO guidelines into consideration.Results: The most commonly prescribed drugs were vitamins and tonics (57.5%) followed by anti-microbial agents (12.7%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (10.5%), anti-hypertensive (5.2%), anti cough remedies and acid peptic disease drugs. Generic drug prescription was very low as most of drugs prescribed were proprietary. A low number of Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) were prescribed, this finding was in accordance with the WHO recommended list of FDCs. Items on the WHO model list of essential drugs were prescribed frequently. The use of drugs has been found to be in accordance with the disease, the patient had.Conclusions: Present study highlighted that there was a high incidence of irrational prescribing practice that increased with the total number of drugs per prescription

Nutraceuticals as Functional Foods

Nutraceuticals are considered to be fortified or enriched foods providing all the essential nutrients required for maintaining the optimal health. A numerous studies have suggested the potential association of nutraceuticals with diet and health. This article gives a brief review on the classification of nutraceuticals on the basis of the availability of the nutraceutical from the natural sources which is further being processed and proving its medical health benefits in the market. The review also summarizes about the functional nutraceuticals acting as dietary supplements, suggested to have the capacity to significantly contribute to the modulation of the complex mechanisms of disease pathology with a view being that they may be essential in optimizing in vivo defences and help in maintaining wellness. Nonetheless, several more clinical and biological studies are needed to support guidelines for the intake of nutraceutical for the prevention and treatment in specific diseases and its medical benefits

Deformable Nanovesicles Synthesized through an Adaptable Microfluidic Platform for Enhanced Localized Transdermal Drug Delivery.

Phospholipid-based deformable nanovesicles (DNVs) that have flexibility in shape offer an adaptable and facile method to encapsulate diverse classes of therapeutics and facilitate localized transdermal delivery while minimizing systemic exposure. Here we report the use of a microfluidic reactor for the synthesis of DNVs and show that alteration of input parameters such as flow speeds as well as molar and flow rate ratios increases entrapment efficiency of drugs and allows fine-tuning of DNV size, elasticity, and surface charge. To determine the ability of DNV-encapsulated drug to be delivered transdermally to a local site, we synthesized, characterized, and tested DNVs carrying the fluorescently labeled hydrophilic bisphosphonate drug AF-647 zoledronate (AF647-Zol). AF647-Zol DNVs were lyophilized, resuspended, and applied topically as a paste to the calvarial skin of mice. High-resolution fluorescent imaging and confocal microscopy revealed significant increase of encapsulated payload delivery to the target tissue-cranial bone-by DNVs as compared to nondeformable nanovesicles (NVs) or aqueous drug solutions. Interestingly, NV delivery was not superior to aqueous drug solution. Our studies show that microfluidic reactor-synthesized DNVs can be produced in good yield, with high encapsulation efficiency, reproducibility, and stability after storage, and represent a useful vehicle for localized transdermal drug delivery

An insight to self emulsifying drug delivery systems, their applications and importance in novel drug delivery

Abstract Since last couple of years Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems are becoming important tool in novel drug delivery. It is very useful in solving problems such as low bioavailability issues associated with poorly water soluble drugs. The bioavailability of lipophilic drugs (BCS-II and IV) can be enhanced by these systems. SEDDS is released in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) after administration and with the aid of GI fluid a fine emulsion (micro-/nanoemulsion) is formed. The increased surface area and amphoteric nature of SEDDS lead to increase in bioavailability. The hepatic first-pass effect can be bypassed by these systems because the drugs can subsequently be absorbed by lymphatic pathways. In this review we present a report on the formulation, characterization and dosage forms and applications of selfemulsifying formulations, with examples of currently marketed preparations

Clinical profile and management of head injury at tertiary health care center in rural area, India

Background: Trauma is a major public health issue and head injury is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Head injury is the injury on head with alteration in the level of consciousness with or without vomiting. Alcohol is the major contributing factor causing majority of cases.Methods: This study analyzes the increasing occurrence of head injury in the developing rural area in India. Because of increasing trend of head injury, a total of 100 cases were studied from a period of March 2012 to July 2015.  Results: Most of the cases were due to road traffic accident, assault and fall from height with maximum cases in young age group. In our study CT scan was decisive in 43% cases which were operated. The role of paramedical staff taking care at the site of accident and on the way up to hospital causing reduction in the death and disability. For the improvement of outcome there should be easily recognition and prevention of secondary insults and for this CT scan has a decisive and important role.Conclusions: By studying the common causes of head injury, identifying the preventable factors causing mortality and morbidity and explaining the important role of pre hospital management, we would like to conclude how we can prevent the morbidity and mortality and improving the overall outcome of head injury from road traffic accident by early treatment in the tertiary hospital.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF PIROXICAM FAST DISSOLVING TABLETS USING DIFFERENT NATURAL SUPERDISINTEGRANTS

The demand for fast dissolving tablets has been growing during the last decade, especially for geriatric and pediatric patients who have swallowing rapidly. Piroxicam is a potent anti-inflammatory drug used in treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing Spondylitis and acute gout disease. In the present work, 9 formulations of fast dissolving Tablets of Piroxicam (F1 to F9) were prepared using three different Superdisintegrants namely isapghula, fenugreek and guar gum with three concentrations (4%, 5% and 6%) and a control F10 (without superdisintegrant) by direct compression method. The final blend of the drug and excipients were evaluated for powder flow properties, bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index and hausner’s ratio. All the formulations were evaluated for thickness, weight variation, disintegration time, hardness, friability. Formulation F7 showed the lowest disintegration time. In-vitro dissolution studies revealed that formulation F4 showed 99.18 % percent drug release at the end of 60 minutes. Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, Direct compression, fast dissolving, Piroxicam,      Superdisintegran

EXTRACTION AND EVALUATION OF ISAPGHULA SEED POLYMER AS PHARMACEUTICAL EXCIPIENT

Aim of study. Present study includes extraction and characterization the isapghula (Plantago Ovata) seed polymer as pharmaceutical excipients. Material and methods: By using water based extraction by heating mental isapghula seed polymer was obtained. For characterization of the extracted isapghula seed polymer phyto chemical screening was done and micromeritic properties, flow behavior, Solid forming capacity of polymer was also evaluated. Results: The result predicts that extracted isapghula seed polymer was soluble in warm water while insoluble in cold water and in organic solvents. It was also exhibited that extracted isapghula seed polymer had good flow properties. pH was found 7.3, this showed that can be used in dosage form without any irritation. Results also showed that this polymer can be used to tablets binder. Conclusions: From the results it was concluded that evaluated parameters showed that isapghula derived seed polymer can be used as pharmaceutical excipient to prepare solid as well as semisolid dosage form. Key words: Isapghula seed polymer, extraction, characterization, natural polymer, pharmaceutical excipients

Sector 17-A, Yamuna Expressway

Oral route is the most preferred route for administration of different drugs because it is regarded as safest, most convenient, and economical route. Fast disintegrating tablets are very popular nowadays as they get dissolved or facilely disintegrated in mouth within few seconds of administration without the need of water. The disadvantages of conventional dosage form, especially dysphagia (arduousness in swallowing), in pediatric and geriatric patients have been overcome by fast dissolving tablets. Natural materials have advantages over synthetic ones since they are chemically inert, non-toxic, less expensive, biodegradable and widely available. Natural polymers like locust bean gum, banana powder, mango peel pectin, Mangifera indica gum, and Hibiscus rosasinenses mucilage ameliorate the properties of tablet and utilized as binder, diluent, and superdisintegrants increase the solubility of poorly water soluble drug, decrease the disintegration time, and provide nutritional supplement. Natural polymers are obtained from the natural origin and they are cost efficacious, nontoxic, biodegradable, eco-friendly, devoid of any side effect, renewable, and provide nutritional supplement. It is proved from the studies that natural polymers are more safe and efficacious than the synthetic polymers. The aim of the present article is to study the FDA-approved natural polymers utilized in fast dissolving tablets

Deformable Nanovesicles Synthesized through an Adaptable Microfluidic Platform for Enhanced Localized Transdermal Drug Delivery

Phospholipid-based deformable nanovesicles (DNVs) that have flexibility in shape offer an adaptable and facile method to encapsulate diverse classes of therapeutics and facilitate localized transdermal delivery while minimizing systemic exposure. Here we report the use of a microfluidic reactor for the synthesis of DNVs and show that alteration of input parameters such as flow speeds as well as molar and flow rate ratios increases entrapment efficiency of drugs and allows fine-tuning of DNV size, elasticity, and surface charge. To determine the ability of DNV-encapsulated drug to be delivered transdermally to a local site, we synthesized, characterized, and tested DNVs carrying the fluorescently labeled hydrophilic bisphosphonate drug AF-647 zoledronate (AF647-Zol). AF647-Zol DNVs were lyophilized, resuspended, and applied topically as a paste to the calvarial skin of mice. High-resolution fluorescent imaging and confocal microscopy revealed significant increase of encapsulated payload delivery to the target tissue—cranial bone—by DNVs as compared to nondeformable nanovesicles (NVs) or aqueous drug solutions. Interestingly, NV delivery was not superior to aqueous drug solution. Our studies show that microfluidic reactor-synthesized DNVs can be produced in good yield, with high encapsulation efficiency, reproducibility, and stability after storage, and represent a useful vehicle for localized transdermal drug delivery