Introduction to Posology Posology is the branch of pharmacology that deals with the determination of appropriate dosages of medications for individuals. It involves understanding how different factors influence the administration of drugs to achieve optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. Factors Affecting Posology 1. Patient Characteristics – Age: Dosages often … Read more
1. Abbreviation Prescribers often use abbreviated terms in most prescriptions, leading to significant errors during interpretation by pharmacists. For example, ‘SSKI’ abbreviates ‘Saturated Solution of Potassium Iodide.’ It is preferable to avoid these types of misleading abbreviations. 2. Name of the drugs Names of some drugs (especially the brand names) either look or sound alike. … Read more
The pharmacist should adopt the following procedures while handling the prescription for compounding and dispensing: (i) Receiving (ii) Reading and checking (iii) Collecting and weighing the materials (iv) Compounding, labeling and packaging (i) Receiving • The pharmacist should receive the prescription personally. • While receiving a prescription from a patient, a pharmacist should maintain a … Read more
A prescription is an order written by a physician, dentist, veterinarian, or any other registered medical practitioner to a pharmacist to compound and dispense a specific medication for the patient. Essential features of a prescription • Directions are given to the pharmacist about what type of preparation (tablet, powder, mixture, etc.) is to be prepared. … Read more
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a dosage form as follows: “A pharmaceutical product, in the form in which it is presented for use, containing one or more active ingredients usually mixed with excipients.” In pharmaceuticals, a unique way to make medicine for patients is a dosage form. It aims to ensure that patients take … Read more
An Extra Pharmacopoeia (EP) is a supplementary reference source or compilation of drug standards, formulas, and information that complements the official pharmacopoeias, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), or other national and international pharmacopoeias. Here is a detailed overview of the concept and role of an Extra Pharmacopoeia: 1. Complementing Official … Read more
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is a renowned compendium that establishes quality standards and guidelines for the identity, purity, strength, and quality of drugs, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare products in and globally. Here is a detailed overview of the USP: 1. Historical Background: The USP has a long history, dating to its first publication in 1820. … Read more
The British Pharmacopoeia (BP) is a comprehensive reference compendium that provides authoritative standards and guidelines for the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceuticals and medicinal products in the United Kingdom and many other countries. Here is a detailed overview of the BP: 1. Historical Background: The first edition of the British Pharmacopoeia was published in … Read more
The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) is a comprehensive reference book and official compendium of standards for pharmaceuticals, drug substances, and dosage forms in India. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of drugs and pharmaceutical products. Here is a detailed overview of the IP: 1. Historical Background: The first edition of … Read more
A pharmacopeia is a comprehensive reference book or document that contains a standardized list of pharmaceutical substances and their formulations. It serves as a vital resource for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, physicians, and regulatory agencies. Here is a detailed note on pharmacopoeias: 1. Purpose and Scope: The primary purpose of pharmacopeia is to ensure the … Read more
