Pharmacy Papers & Publications

Antimicrobial resistance poses a critical threat to global health, exacerbated by inappropriate antibiotic usage. This study evaluates antibiotic consumption at Hospital 199, a public security hospital in Vietnam, using the defined daily dose per 100 bed-days and the World Health Organization AWaRe classification framework. Data were collected retrospectively from inpatient departments over 2022, analyzing prescribing trends to assess stewardship effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. The findings reveal a total antibiotic usage rate of 60.8 defined daily dose per 100 bed-days, predominantly driven by watch antibiotics (63.8%), followed by access antibiotics (36.2%), and minimal use of reserve antibiotics (0.0003%). Critical care departments, such as anesthesiology and intensive care, reported the highest consumption (190.54 DDD/100 bed-days), which may reflect the complexity of care provided and potential empirical prescribing practices, or an elevated infectious burden. β-lactam antibiotics accounted for 59.4% of total use, with third-generation cephalosporins representing the largest subgroup at 40.2% of defined daily doses. While adherence to stewardship principles was evident in the limited use of reserve antibiotics, the reliance on broad-spectrum agents highlighted systemic challenges, including empirical prescribing practices and limited diagnostic capacity. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to promote access to antibiotics, reduce over-reliance on watch agents, and enhance diagnostic support. By aligning local practices with World Health Organization guidelines, Hospital 199 demonstrates its potential to combat antimicrobial resistance effectively. These findings offer insights for similar low- and middle-income settings, contributing to global efforts to mitigate resistance and optimize antibiotic stewardship.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Self-medication, the practice of using medications without professional guidance, is a significant public health concern globally, particularly among medical students who, despite their pharmacological training, often engage in this practice at high rates. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of self-medication among medical students at the University of Tripoli, Libya. A sample of 121 undergraduate medical students was surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results revealed a high prevalence of self-medication (82.6%), with analgesics (51.2%) and vitamins (31.4%) being the most commonly used medications. Headache (80.4%), pain (79.9%), and respiratory issues (73.2%) were the primary health complaints prompting self-medication. Key determinants included pharmacist advice (43.8%), prior medical knowledge (32.2%), and recommendations from family or friends (12.4%). Factors such as residing in Tripoli and higher parental education levels were significantly associated with increased self-medication practices. Notably, 62.0% of the students reported using antibiotics without a prescription, raising concerns about antimicrobial resistance. The study highlights the need for educational interventions to promote responsible self-medication practices among medical students, emphasizing the risks associated with inappropriate drug use. Addressing these issues early in medical education could help mitigate the public health implications of widespread self-medication.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The primary cause of many fatalities is hypertension (high blood pressure). Many hypertensive patients are not even aware that they have the condition. As a result, hypertension is sometimes referred to as a silent killer. Until the harmful effects of high blood pressure, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, renal abnormalities, and vision problems, are identified, hypertension is typically asymptomatic. Without the use of herbs and dietary control, conventional medication therapy could not be enough to treat hypertension. The growing number of persons with high blood pressure can be effectively treated using alternative medicine. Numerous alternative therapies, such as diet, exercise, stress management, vitamins, and herbs, have been proven to be effective in lowering high blood pressure. There are several medications available to treat this disorder however popular antihypertensive medications typically have a long list of adverse effects. Numerous active ingredients with pharmacological and preventative qualities found in medicinal plants can be used to treat hypertension. This review discusses an overview of important medicinal plants and phytochemicals with hypotensive or antihypertensive effects.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

The primary cause of many fatalities is hypertension (high blood pressure). Many hypertensive patients are not even aware that they have the condition. As a result, hypertension is sometimes referred to as a silent killer. Until the harmful effects of high blood pressure, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, renal abnormalities, and vision problems, are identified, hypertension is typically asymptomatic. Without the use of herbs and dietary control, conventional medication therapy could not be enough to treat hypertension. The growing number of persons with high blood pressure can be effectively treated using alternative medicine. Numerous alternative therapies, such as diet, exercise, stress management, vitamins, and herbs, have been proven to be effective in lowering high blood pressure. There are several medications available to treat this disorder however popular antihypertensive medications typically have a long list of adverse effects. Numerous active ingredients with pharmacological and preventative qualities found in medicinal plants can be used to treat hypertension. This review discusses an overview of important medicinal plants and phytochemicals with hypotensive or antihypertensive effects.

Mediterranean Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences