Taxonomical Classification of Drugs

Taxonomy is a systematic approach to classifying and categorizing living organisms based on their characteristics, relationships, and evolutionary history. While this biological science primarily deals with living organisms, a taxonomical classification can also be applied to the classification of drugs, particularly in pharmacology. Here is a note on the taxonomical classification of drugs: 1. The … Read more

Alphabetical Classification of Drugs

Alphabetical classification is a convenient method of organizing and referencing drugs based on their names, typically following the order of the alphabet. This classification system provides a quick and straightforward way to locate information about various drugs, especially when searching through pharmaceutical literature, databases, or medication reference guides. Here are some key points regarding alphabetical … Read more

Present status and scope of Pharmacognosy

Pharmacognosy is a dynamic and evolving field with a broad scope and relevance in contemporary medicine, pharmaceuticals, and various industries. The present status and scope of pharmacognosy are as follows: 1. Drug Discovery and Development Pharmacognosy plays a crucial role in drug discovery by identifying and isolating bioactive compounds from natural sources. Many drugs in … Read more

Definition of pharmacognosy

Pharmacognosy is the branch of pharmacology and biology that studies natural products, particularly plant-based substances, and their various uses in medicine and healthcare. It involves identifying, isolating, characterizing, and evaluating natural compounds derived from plants, animals, microorganisms, and other natural sources for their potential pharmacological and therapeutic properties. Pharmacognosy encompasses a wide range of activities, … Read more

Pediatric dose calculations based on body surface area (BSA)

Pediatric dose calculations based on body surface area (BSA) are particularly important for medications with a narrow therapeutic index or when dealing with older children and adolescents. Here are formulas and examples: Body Surface Area (BSA) Dosing: Formula (Mosteller): Example: Calculation: If a child has a height of 120 cm and a weight of 22 … Read more

Pediatric dose calculations based on body weight

Pediatric dose calculations based on body weight are crucial for ensuring accurate and safe medication administration. Here are formulas and examples: Weight-Based Dosing 1. Formula Dose= Weight × Dose per kg 2. Examples Infants (0–1 year): If a healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic at 20 mg/kg for an infant weighing 7 kg, the calculation is: … Read more

Pediatric Dose Calculations based on Age

Pediatric dose calculations are a critical aspect of healthcare, requiring precision and consideration of age-related factors to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications administered to children. While age alone is not the sole determinant of pediatric dosing, it is a fundamental parameter in dosage calculations. Let’s delve into the considerations and methodologies involved in … Read more

Posology – Definition, Factor affecting

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

SOURCES OF ERROR IN PRESCRIPTIONS

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

HANDLING OF PRESCRIPTION

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