Drugs are chemical compounds that appear in different dosage forms used to prevent or treat symptoms of illness or diseases
The use of inhalational anaesthetic agents date back to 1840s, with the emergence of nitrous oxide (1844), ether (1846), and chloroform (1847). However, these agents were found to be effective but highly flammable or toxic to biological tissues, leading to research and discovery of other inhalational agents like fluorinated ethers and hydrocarbons. Halothane, discovered in … Read more
Fungal infections are caused by microorganisms that attack the epithelial tissue. They obtain their food from the environment, just like animals (heterotrophic). Some fungi can be beneficial, and help in biodegradation, others cause opportunistic infections when they find their way to the skin, lungs and nasal passages. The fungal kingdom includes yeasts, molds, rusts, and … Read more
Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid also called co-amoxiclav or amox-clav, is an antimicrobial combination drug of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid used in emergency and primary care unit. The amoxicillin is a penicillin drug that has activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Clavulanic acid is a β-lactamase inhibitor. Important brand names of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid are Augmentin, Clavulin, Amoclan. Why … Read more
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication regimen for people who risk getting HIV infection either through sex or by injection drug use (needle, syringe sharing). Both PrEP and PEP are part of a larger HIV prevention strategies such as condom use, prompt treatment of infected persons. If taken properly, this regimen will help to prevent … Read more
Preventive measures against HIV infection after exposure involve two medication regimens – PrEP and PEP. As we explained earlier, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency medication regimen for HIV negative patient who is recently exposed to HIV, especially in the last 72 hours (3 days), to prevent the infection with the virus. HIV exposure can … Read more
There are many pharmacy prescription abbreviations used in the clinical settings by the physician or any qualified healthcare giver while writing a prescription to the pharmacist. A medical prescription is a written direction by the physician to the pharmacist to dispense medications. It specifies the medicine, the dose, delivery route, frequency, regimen, and purpose of … Read more
Xylocaine jelly, or lidocaine hydrochloride jelly USP, lignocaine jelly is a topical anaesthetic agent that contains lidocaine. It is used for surface anesthesia and lubrication during medical procedures such as proctoscopy and rectoscopy, tracheal intubation, in the nasal and pharyngeal cavities during endoscopic procedures such as gastroscopy and bronchoscopy. It is also used in both … Read more
Povidone iodine, also called popularly called betadine, is a topical antimicrobial antiseptic used to provide antimicrobial action against bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, protozoa, yeast, and viruses in acute and chronic wounds. It is an iodine complex. They can be used directly on the wound, or covered with a bandage, like crepe bandage. How Iodine became an … Read more
Hydrogen peroxide, or H2O2, was discovered in 1818 by a French chemist, Louis Jacques Thenard, and was originally used to bleach hats. He reacted barium peroxide with nitric acid to produce a low concentration of aqueous H2O2. H2O2, is a colorless, odorless liquid at room temperature, with bitter taste. A small amount of gaseous hydrogen … Read more
Methylated spirit is a clear and colorless liquid used in industries, clinical settings and households. Methylated spirit is a denatured alcohol (or alcohol), as it contain additives that render it unsafe for drinking but for use as disinfectant, and for industrial purposes. The denaturing makes it the most bitter substance to taste, unpleasant in smell … Read more