Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2026 in |
Background: Medication reconciliation is an essential step in ensuring patient safety, particularly among the elderly, who are more prone to medication-related errors. Discrepancies often occur during transitions of care due to incomplete communication or missing medication details. Clinical pharmacists play a key role in minimizing such errors by carefully reviewing and reconciling medications. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and improve the medication reconciliation process in geriatric inpatients using the MATCH (Medications at Transitions and Clinical Handoffs) Toolkit and to highlight the contribution of clinical pharmacists in enhancing patient safety. Methodology: A prospective interventional study was conducted at Ganga Medical Centre and Hospital, Coimbatore, from February to July 2024, involving 600 inpatients aged above 50 years. Data were collected using the MATCH Toolkit and the Best Possible Medication History (BPMH). Discrepancies were categorized (A–D) based on their clinical importance and analyzed during admission, consultant review, internal transfer and discharge. Statistical analysis was done using QI Macros software. Results: Among the initial 400 cases, 71.5% showed medication deviations, which reduced...
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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2026 in |
Breast carcinoma continues to pose significant healthcare challenges globally, contributing substantially to oncological morbidity and mortality rates, thereby highlighting the urgent need for enhanced therapeutic strategies with improved safety profiles. Traditional Siddha medicine offers valuable resources for the development of potential anticancer compounds. Irunelli Karpam, a classical Siddha formulation composed of purified sulfur and Phyllanthus emblica Linn., was evaluated for its cytotoxic activity against the human triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) in-vitro. The formulation was tested at concentrations of 12.5–200 µg/mL using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The findings revealed a progressive decline in viability across the tested concentrations, from 94.61% (12.5 µg/mL) to 12.48% (200 µg/mL), yielding a calculated half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 47.17 µg/mL. Microscopic assessment identified the hallmark features of programmed cell death, including cellular contraction, spherical transformation, and loss of substrate adhesion. The current results demonstrate the substantial growth-inhibitory capacity of Irunelli Karpam against MDA-MB-231 cells which make it a complementary therapeutic agent, warranting further mechanistic studies, toxicity profiling, and preclinical...
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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2026 in |
Parangi Kashayam is a traditional Siddha decoction used for Perumootu vatham (Osteoarthritis) that lacks established pharmacopoeial standards despite its clinical use. This study aimed to develop comprehensive quality control parameters following PLIM guidelines through physicochemical profiling, chromatographic fingerprinting, and safety validation. Authenticated herbs including Smilax china, Zingiber officinale, and Senna alexandriana were formulated according to Kumbamuni Vatha Nithanam 800. Various physicochemical parameters were determined, and HPTLC fingerprinting was performed using toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5:2:0.1 v/v/v) as the mobile phase with detection at 254 nm, 366 nm, and post-derivatization. Safety profiling included analysis of heavy metals by ICP-MS, pesticides by GC-MS, aflatoxins by HPLC, and microbial contamination testing. Physicochemical analysis revealed moisture content of 9.09±0.24% w/w, total ash of 4.74±0.18% w/w, acid-insoluble ash of 0.10±0.02% w/w, and pH of 5.20±0.03. The water-extractive value (15.37±0.32% w/w) was significantly higher than the alcohol-extractive value (10.50±0.21% w/w). HPTLC analysis generated reproducible fingerprints with 20 distinct spots having Rf values ranging from 0.04 to 0.82. Heavy metals, pesticides, and aflatoxins remained below...
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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2026 in |
Aim: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) of COVID-19 vaccines among MBBS students of Madras Medical College. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a Google Forms questionnaire circulated via e-mail and WhatsApp. A total of 256 MBBS students participated in the study. Responses related to knowledge, attitude and practice of AEFI reporting were collected and analysed descriptively. Results: Among the respondents, 98% knew the correct expansion of AEFI, 94.1% identified the symptoms of mild AEFI, and 92.7% were aware of cluster AEFI. Regarding attitude, 64.8% agreed that local post-vaccination symptoms resolve spontaneously, and an equal proportion strongly agreed that AEFI reporting contributes to vaccine safety. For practice, 95.7% strongly agreed that they would encourage their peers to report AEFI, and mobile applications were the most commonly used reporting method. Conclusion: MBBS students demonstrated adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards AEFI associated with COVID-19 vaccines. However, the actual practice of AEFI reporting was relatively lower, indicating...
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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2026 in |
Background: Fast-dissolving oral films (FDFs) represent a modern drug delivery system designed to disintegrate rapidly in the mouth without water, making them highly suitable for pediatric and geriatric populations. Eucalyptus oil, rich in 1,8-cineole, is utilized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects on oral and respiratory conditions. Integrating this essential oil into an FDF platform ensures a rapid onset of action and improves patient compliance for managing respiratory relief. Objective: The primary goal of this study was to formulate and characterize eucalyptus oil-loaded FDFs and evaluate the impact of different hydrophilic polymer types and their concentrations on the films’ physicomechanical properties. Methods: Twelve formulations (F1 to F12) were prepared using the solvent casting technique. The study utilized four polymers at varying concentrations: HPMC E5, PVA, NaCMC, and PVP K30. Eucalyptus oil loading (5% w/w), PEG 400 as a plasticizer (15% w/w), and Tween 80 as a surfactant were maintained across formulations. The films were characterized for appearance, thickness, folding endurance, surface pH, moisture content, tensile strength, and disintegration...
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