Publications

Abstract

A survey was carried out to assess the level of knowledge and vaccination coverage of hepatitis A and B among 753 subjects (>12 years of age) from rural areas, town areas, undergraduates and healthcare workers. The main objective of the study was to assess the relationship between the extent of hepatitis A and B knowledge and vaccination status of the participants. A questionnaire was distributed and completed by the subjects. The results showed that the overall level of knowledge among the public was low compared to healthcare workers and undergraduates. The hepatitis A vaccination coverage was very low among all the groups (<8%). The hepatitis B vaccination coverage was generally low among the groups of non- healthcare workers (<35%) and higher among healthcare workers (65.6%). There was a strong correlation between the extent of knowledge of hepatitis A and B and the status of vaccination among the participants (p<0.01). The study concluded that health education on hepatitis A and B should be provided and vaccination programmes should be held more frequently among the public, especially in rural areas.

Brief History And Development Of Parenteral Nutrition Support

DOI: 10.52494/VIPX1100

by Ahmad Fuad Shamsuddin.

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: April 1, 2003

Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

Abstract

Patients who are unable to use their gastrointestinal system for feeding purposes are now usually started on parenteral nutrition. It is a therapeutic tool used in the clinical management of patients requiring special nutritional care both in the hospital, and at home (home parenteral nutrition). The idea of providing nutrients intravenously in humans was first realised when Sir Christopher Wren injected wine and ale in dogs way back in the middle of the 17th century. The historic experiment initiated further investigation and studies on this novel approach to nutrition. Better understanding of the metabolic and pharmacological properties of the macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and lipid), the micronutrients (trace elements, and vitamins), and the electrolytes have made it possible to administer parenteral nutrition safely to all types of patients where it is indicated. Continuous development and improvement in the pharmaceutical presentations of these nutrients have helped to minimise the metabolic problems seen in the early days of parenteral nutrition administration. Production of the single- or multilayered parenteral nutrition bags using materials which are inert and capable of reducing oxygen permeability such as the combination of ethylenevinylacetate-polyvinylidine chloride has ensured better stability of the parenteral nutrition admixture. The multicompartmental bag has provided a much more simpler and convenient way of initiating parenteral nutrition. The increase in knowledge, development and improvement in parenteral nutrition support has made it possible to provide parenteral nutrition support at home.

Managing Cytotoxic Drugs

DOI: 10.52494/BWLZ9208

by Amiruddin Ahmad.

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: April 1, 2003

Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

Abstract

Cytotoxic drugs are used in the management of malignant diseases. They have been found to be carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic. There is growing concern that the handling, preparation, administration and disposal of these substances may constitute an occupational hazard. These guidelines aim to identify, and help avoid or minimize occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs and related wastes within health care establishments. It is necessary that individuals involved in the use or handling of cytotoxic drugs are made aware of associated matters relating to the safe handling of such drugs.

Medication Safety Issues – 1

DOI: 10.52494/EESB7558

by David Kong Chee Ming.

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: April 1, 2003

Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

Abstract

Preventing medical or medication errors is pivotal in quality patient care and safety. Significantly, error prevention activities are multifactorial. These include, (i) enlisting staff creativity in improving safe practices, (ii) patient education, (iii) provision of information leaflet, (iv) clarity in instructions, (v) application of failure mode and effects analysis, and (vi) care in approving access to medications.

The Full Extent of Alcoholism: A Worldwide Economic and Social Tragedy

DOI: 10.52494/SVCV8804

by Albert I. Wertheimer and Nicole M. Chaney.

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2003): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: April 1, 2003

Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

Abstract

Alcohol abuse affects many people directly or indirectly all over the world. Alcoholism often causes major damage and can also lead to death. It seems as though people underestimate the prevalence of alcohol abuse and the damage done by alcohol abuse. Loss of labour, birth defects, liver cirrhosis, and damage from vehicle accidents, are a small portion of the damage caused by alcohol abuse. The damage caused by alcohol abuse affects people physically, emotionally, and economically. All this damage is preventable. Treatment for this problem is available, but the effects differ among patients. Pharmacotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy are used separately or collectively. Results can vary depending upon the treatment and patient. The pharmacist plays an important role in the lives of alcoholic patients. Pharmacists can notice a patient’s behaviour, notice their prescription patterns, and most importantly, the pharmacist is a knowledgeable mentor that many patients look up to. Feeling comfortable with and trusting the pharmacist is very important for the patient. Patients may come to the pharmacist with their problems, and the pharmacist should be able to offer sound medical advice.

Adverse Effects Of Herbs And Drug-Herbal Interactions

DOI: 10.52494/CGMK2164

by Abas Hj Hussin.

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2002): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: July 1, 2002

Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

Abstract

Many people have turned away from conventional medicines, with the belief that ‘natural’ substances like herbs are safer than synthetic substances. This belief is augmented by many other unwarranted claims such as herbal products do not contain chemicals while conventional medicines do, thus contributing to the latter’s side effects. The increasing use of herbal medicines has resulted in concern about the efficacy and safety of these products. Herbs can be hazardous in many ways. They may be intrinsically toxic or toxic when taken in combination with other preparations. Because herbal preparations are usually not evaluated for purity and consistency of active compounds, they often contain contaminants. Inclusion of incorrect but toxic species, allergens, pollen, insect parts, heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic and scheduled poisons (drugs), whether intentional or unintentional, have been cited as the causes of herbal adverse reactions or toxicities. The increasing use of herbal medicines means that there is potential for more drug interactions, particularly between herbal products and conventional ‘Western’ medicines. Toxicity and drug-local herb interaction studies are scarcely conducted and therefore should be encouraged. Proper documentation of adverse effects of herbs should be initiated and patients should be asked about their use of herbal products in order to evaluate the potential of these products to interact with concurrent prescription medications. The public should be made aware of the adverse effects of herbal products.

Noncompliance with Prescription Writing Requirements and Prescribing Errors in an Outpatient Department

DOI: 10.52494/GUBZ9393

by Kuan Mun Ni, Chua Siew Siang and Mohamed Noor bin Ramli.

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2002): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: July 1, 2002

Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

Abstract

New prescriptions received by an outpatient pharmacy department of a teaching hospital were audited retrospectively for noncompliance with prescription writing requirements as well as to identify the types of prescribing errors. Of the 397 prescriptions screened in a single day, 96.7% had one or more of the legal or procedural requirements missing. These errors of omission, included prescriptions without the patient’s age, date, clinic or department where the prescription was issued, route of administration, dose and frequency of the drug to be used, strength, dosage form and quantity of drug to be supplied. Additionally, there were errors of commission involving 8.4% of the prescribed drugs. A total of 39 drug-drug interactions were identified; 15 were classified as potentially hazardous but could be overcome with careful monitoring of the patients. The results of the present study show a low compliance rate to the legal and procedural requirements in prescription writing. This indicates a need for pharmacy and medical educators to further emphasize the importance of writing clear and complete prescriptions. It also calls for the implementation of educational and monitoring programmes to bring more awareness to all concerned so as to reduce the rate of noncompliance and hence minimize the occurrence of prescribing errors.

Development of a High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for Analysis of Glibenclamide from Dissolution Studies

DOI: 10.52494/MRSG2553

by Wan Azman Wan Ismail, Mohamed Ibrahim Noordin, Hadida Hashim and Ashok Kumar Narayana.

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2001): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: May 1, 2001

Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

Abstract

A HPLC method for the detection and quantification of glibenclamide, from dissolution studies of glibenclamide tablets (5 mg), was developed. The dissolution test employed was the basket method, operating at 100 rpm, using 1000ml phosphate buffer pH 7.4 as the dissolution medium. Elution was performed on LC-18 reverse phase, SupelcosilTM ODS column (4.6mm x 25cm, 5mm) using a mobile phase consisting of 0.02M monobasic ammonium phosphate in 60%v/v acetonitrile in water at a flow rate of 2ml/min, using phenacetin as the internal standard. The eluent was monitored at 254nm with an UV detector. Retention times of the glibenclamide and phenacetin peaks were 3.61 minutes and 1.8 minutes respectively.

Public Awareness of Community Pharmacy and Pharmacist

DOI: 10.52494/QVBX2853

by Hadida Hashim, Ahmad Mahmud, Lim Wai Hing, Lum Peck Yoong, Natasha Mohd. Yusof and Tang Yoke Bun.

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2001): Malaysian Journal of Pharmacy / Published: May 1, 2001

Abstract / Full Text / Download PDF

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted among pharmacy students to determine factors influencing their choice of work place and to evaluate whether a one-year hospital pre-registration training programme had any effect on these choices. Questionnaires were distributed to graduating students at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia. The questionnaires were again sent to the same group of students by post at the end of their pre-registration training year. The response rate during the follow-up stage was 46%. Results indicated that students in the survey were more interested in independent and chain community pharmacies compared to other practice settings. Students’ choices of first place of practice appeared to be influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic job factors. Our findings did not show major changes in students’ preferences for practice sites before and after the hospital pre-registration period. This information is expected to be useful for pharmacy employers.