BDH REMINDS PATIENTS ON RATIONAL USE OF MEDICINES
By: Melanie Holt, GPC-BDH | Photo By: Mhark Parchamento | Date: December 10, 2019
RATIONAL USE OF MEDICINES. Bacnotan District Hospital (BDH) Pharmacist Maria Teresa Ramos reminds patients and their companions about the rational use of medicines during her lecture at BDH out-patient department in observance of National Pharmacy Week on December 10, 2019. She warned listeners that improper use of medicines may lead to adverse effects, drug dependence, and even death.
In observance of National Pharmacy Week, a lecture on Rational Use of Medicines was conducted at BDH out-patient department on December 10, 2019.
In her lecture, BDH Pharmacist Ms. Maria Teresa Ramos reminded patients and their companions about rational use of medicines and the consequences of not doing so. Examples of irrational use mentioned were self-medication or taking medicines not appropriate to the disease; under or overdosage; stoppage of medication intake when symptoms were alleviated; and use of intravenous drugs instead of the more appropriate modes.
She warned that improper use of medicines can lead to adverse effects, drug dependence, and even death. Moreover, she discussed about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in which germs will develop the characteristics to protect themselves against antimicrobials. Self-medication of antibiotics; incomplete dosage and not taking the medication at the right time in the prescribed number of days; and giving antibiotics as supplement to animals were the causes of AMR she said.
To conclude her lecture, she advised her audience to consult a doctor; read and follow what is written in the prescription; avoid exposure of medicines to heat and direct sunlight; take a missed dose immediately upon remembering but do not double the dose; and consult a doctor in case of adverse reactions.
