Pharm World Sci
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To study drug use in public sector out-patient centers in Bhopal district, Madhya Pradesh Province, India. This study was conducted as part of the provincial health Department's efforts to develop a state drug policy. It was intended to inform policy elements concerned with the promotion of rational drug use. ⋯ Antibiotic use in our setting was high, while generic drug prescribing was lower in comparison to other recent studies in Asia. The study provides a baseline measure against which changes in practice can be monitored as elements of the state drug policy are put into place.
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Comparative Study
An evaluation of the effects of gatifloxacin on glucose homeostasis.
The United States labeling for gatifloxacin has been updated to include contradictions related to its reported association with dysglycemia. However, adequately controlled studies in acute care settings assessing the magnitude and clinical determinants of dysglycemia are lacking. ⋯ The risk of dysglycemia with gatifloxacin in this population of hospitalized patients was not as high as previously reported in ambulatory patients. Although these results suggest gatifloxacin use is safer in acute care settings, we recommend that clinicians monitor blood glucose levels carefully or consider alternatives to gatifloxacin therapy whenever possible.
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There is limited knowledge on repeat prescribing of different drug groups in cases where the physician does not see the patient. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of repeat prescribing of different drug groups both with and without consultation. ⋯ Repeat prescribing without consultation is common especially for elderly patients and users of psychotropics and cardiovascular drugs, and this may contribute to suboptimal therapy.