Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Hasan Najmul ¹, V. Barar Kiran ²

Affiliations
1 Near Mumtaj Manzil, Tajiyon Wali Gali, Mohalla Vyaparian, Bikaner, Rajasthan - 334 001, IN
2 D-8, Nagnechi Scheme, Pawanpuri, Bikaner, Rajasthan - 334 003, IN

Abstract

Self Medication is dened as "Use of pharmaceutical or medicinal products by the consumer to treat selfrecognized disorders or symptoms, the intermittent or continued use of a medication previously prescribed by a physician for chronic or recurring disease or symptom or the use of medication recommended by lay sources or health workers not entitled to prescribe medicine."

The primary objective of our study was to determine the pattern of self medication practice in the communities of urban areas of Bikaner. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out from February 2013 to July 2013 among '365' participants and it was found that self medication practice was quite prevalent (82.1%) among them. Headache, fever and cough/cold were the most common illnesses for which analgesics/antipyretics and cold remedies were found to be consumed by the subjects. The other frequently self taken medicines belonged to antispasmodic, antiallergic and antacid group. This shows that for minor illnesses people show reluctance to consult the physician and take medicines by themselves for quick relief. Chemists were found to be giving the information about medicines most commonly, however, participants do get the information about medicines from previous experiences and from relatives also. It was further observed that patients have been obtaining medicines without prescription mostly from either pharmacies or grocery shops.

Keywords

Self Medication Determinants,Urban Area,Over-the-counter (OTC), Questionnaire for Self Medication.

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Saini Savita ¹, V. Barar Kiran ²

Affiliations
1 Type-2/114, Anudeep Colony, Rawatbhata, Rajasthan - 323 307, IN
2 D-8, Nagnechi Scheme, Pawanpuri, Bikaner, Rajasthan - 334 003, IN

Abstract

The HIV infection is associated with neurocognitive decits in attention/working memory, motor abilities and executive functioning, which are often attributed to disruption in fronto-striatal circuitry. These conditions, however, remain largely unrecognized. The primary objective of this study was to delineate the factors affecting the neurocognitive functions in HIV/AIDS patients undergoing Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). This prospective cohort study was carried out between October 2011 to September 2012 in '80' HIV positive individuals, randomly selected from ART Centre of PBM and AG Hospital, Bikaner, India. The neurocognitive features were assessed using International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS). The lower baseline CD4 cell count and duration of HAART for less than one year, both were found to be signicantly associated with cognitive impairment. However, the patients receiving Stavudine, Lamivudine and Nevirapine combination regimen had better status of cognitive functions in comparison to patients receiving other regimens.

Keywords

HIV/AIDS, HAART, Neurocognitive Features, IHDS, CD4 Cell Count.

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K. Karnani Rakesh ¹, V. Barar Kiran ²

Affiliations
1 120/172, Vijay Path, Agrawal Farm, Mansarovar, Jaipur-302020, IN
2 D-8, Nagnechi Scheme, Pawanpuri, Bikaner- 334003, Rajasthan, IN

Abstract

Adverse drug events caused by Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) varies from patient to patient and from country to country. This prospective cohort study was carried out to document the adverse drug events caused by fixed dose combination (FDC) of stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine regimen (NACO) in HIV patients. A total of 181 adult HIV/AIDS patients received above FDC regimen during the period from October 2009 to September 2010 in ART centre of PBM and AG Hospital, Bikaner, India. Out of these '36' patients (19.9%) had shown one or more adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The mean (± SD) of age was 35.3±8.13 years and of weight was 47.6±10.8 kg. About 64% patients were found to have advanced stages of HIV infection. The patients who had shown ADRs were divided into two subgroups on the basis of CD4 cell counts (group A<200 cell/mm³ and group B≥200 cell/mm³). The 14 patients of group A having mean (± SD) CD4 cell count 120.86±50 cells/mm³ and 22 patients of group B having mean (± SD) CD4 cell count 409.73±176.64 cells/mm³. The most frequently observed adverse event was skin reactions in 9.95% and peripheral neuropathy in 7.2% (out of 181) patients. Most of patients of peripheral neuropathy were from group B, i.e. 10 out of 13. However, there was no significant difference in ADR profile of group A and group B (p>0.05). Severe adverse events (S.J. Syndrome and hepatitis) were seen in 1.66% of total 181 patients and all were females. Lipodystrophy was observed late (after 3 yrs) in only 1.10% of patients. Nausea/vomiting and skin reactions were reported in early part of treatment. In conclusion, stavudine/ lamivudine/nevirapine regimen was safe and well tolerated by HIV-infected patients with baseline CD4 cell count<200 and ≥200 cells/mm³ in resource-poor countries like India.

Keywords

HIV/AIDS, ADRs, HAART, Stavudine/Lamivudine/Nevirapine, Resource-Poor Countries.

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