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…
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….
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…
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….
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…
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are critical documents that provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for performing specific organizational tasks or processes. In the healthcare sector, SOPs are of utmost importance, as they ensure consistency, safety, and quality in the delivery of patient care and the operation of healthcare facilities. Let’s take a closer look at SOPs in…
Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) is a set of standards and principles that guide the practice of pharmacy professionals to ensure the safe, effective, and ethical use of medications and the provision of high-quality pharmaceutical care. It is an essential framework for pharmacists and other healthcare providers in various healthcare settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and…
Community pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system and have a range of professional responsibilities to ensure the safe and effective use of medications, promote health and wellness, and provide quality patient care. Here’s a detailed note on the professional responsibilities of community pharmacists: 1. Medication Dispensing Accurate Dispensing: Community pharmacists are responsible…
Community pharmacy practice in international and Indian scenarios is crucial in delivering healthcare services to the general public. Here’s a detailed overview of the international and Indian contexts in community pharmacy practice: International Scenario of Community pharmacy 1. Scope of Services: Community pharmacies have evolved beyond medication dispensing in many developed countries. They offer a…
The history and development of community pharmacy date back many centuries, evolving into the modern, accessible healthcare establishments we have today. Here’s an overview of its historical progression: Ancient and Early Civilizations Community pharmacy can be traced back to ancient civilizations. In these societies, healers, herbalists, and medicine men prepared and distributed remedies. Ancient Egyptian,…