Journal of Pharmacovigilance and Drug Research

Peptic ulcer in nephrotic syndrome patients due to steroid therapy

Sreeja Ankireddypalli — 2023-03-01

Peptic ulcers comprise gastric and duodenal ulcers. Complications of peptic ulcers include bleeding, perforation, and obstruction. Bleeding is a major problem of peptic ulcers, as it is at times fatal. Peptic ulcer bleeding is diagnosed and treated by upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Oral glucocorticosteroids (referred to hereafter as corticosteroids) are commonly prescribed for symptom control in patients receiving palliative care. A recent study has shown that one-third of patients admitted to an inpatient hospice unit were receiving corticosteroids. This frequency in prescribing exposes a large number of patients to the potential side effects known to be associated with corticosteroids, including weight gain, impaired glucose tolerance, and proximal myopathy.H. pylori infection is a risk factor for PUD in aspirin and NSAID users.

Evaluation of short-term COVID-19 vaccines adverse events following immunization severity as reported by Iraqi consumers

Ban Al-Shimran — 2023-03-01

Introduction: Consumer-generated Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) reports are a major source of vaccine safety information in pharmacovigilance, which was unprecedented within the Iraqi settings.

Methods: A self-assessment form was developed to be accessed by the consumers country-wide via the Iraqi pharmacovigilance center’s (IPvC) WhatsApp number. A retrospective analysis was then performed on the responses submitted from April 2021 until April 2022. Different independent variables were analyzed for their influence on subjective AEFI severity.

Results: 2843 responses were finally included. The average number of reported AEFI was 4.03 (S.D. ± 2.58) per response and significantly different among vaccine types. Both Comirnaty and Vaxzevria-associated AEFIs were reported to affect daily life similarly (~59 %), while Sinopharm was 42.4 %. Treatment-seeking was highest in Vaxzervria reports (22.8 %). Factors associated with higher reported severity include; younger people, females, and previous COVID-19 infection. Also, for the Comirnaty vaccine, the second dose. Fever, body rash, and difficulty breathing were the most significantly associated with treatment-seeking. A very small number of serious AEFIs were also detected.

Conclusion: Consumer reporting is valuable for generating data regarding COVID-19 vaccines’ AEFIs within the Iraqi spontaneous surveillance system and their engagement is recommended in the future for other medicinal products as well.

A cross-sectional survey to assess the efficacy of home remedies during Covid times from a Pharmacovigilance perspective

Shubhashree MN — 2023-03-01

Introduction: Many strategies have been suggested for the prevention of COVID-19 such as the intake of certain home remedies.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of home remedies like Kadha (Decoction) consumed during covid times and document the adverse events if any due to indiscriminate use of home remedies.

To document various home remedies used by the public to boost immunity.

Method: About 130 patients who attended the OPD at Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru were included in the survey by using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was prepared to collect information regarding the intake, type, duration, and benefits of home remedies.

Results: It was observed that a majority of the participants in the study were not aware of the long-term consequences of consuming a particular home remedy. Due to the fear of covid and faith in home remedies, many opted for a preventive measure. Ginger was the most frequently used drug as a home remedy and hyperacidity with heartburn was the most common untoward effect observed due to the inappropriate use of the home remedies.

Conclusion: Ayurveda emphasizes diet and regimen as a part of the treatment along with Aushadha Sevana Kaala (the time of administration of medicine). When home remedies are consumed without medical supervision and without adhering to the basic principles as cautioned in Ayurvedic medicine, it is bound to cause some untoward effects. This study is a humble attempt in this direction.

A factor of anti-atherosclerotic activity-fibrinolytic activity of venom of Buthus tumulus species (Indian red scorpion)

Renuka Bhoi — 2023-03-01

Introduction: Atherosclerosis (AS) is an inflammatory disease of the arterial blood vessels (arteries), in which the walls of the blood vessels become thickened and hardened specifically due to atheromatous plaques. The plaques are composed of cholesterol and other lipids, inflammatory cells, and calcium deposits. There are five different types of atherosclerosis such as in the aorta, coronary, cerebral, renal, and pulmonary arteries. The scorpion species that present medical importance belonging to the family Buthidae Scorpion toxins consist of several peptides isolated from the venom of different species of scorpion and are based on their pharmacological action and also agree well with the structural properties of this peptide family.

Method: The study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Modern College of Pharmacy, Nigadi, Pune in the year June 2012- June-2013 by In-vitro blood clot dissolving activity of SV and artificial blood clot degradation method

Results: It was observed that SV was evaluated for its fibrinolytic properties in the In-vitro blood clot dissolving method and shown to decrease the stained area of the blood-stained cloth as compared to the control.

Conclusion: In the artificial blood clot degradation method, the color intensity is higher in the test tube containing SV compared to the control and hence, it can be stated that SV has fibrinolytic activity.

Oxytocin induced itching in a 37 week primigravida with meconium stained liquor

Disha Sai M Chandavar — 2023-03-01

Introduction: Oxytocin is the most frequently used medication for labour augmentation in obstetrics. One of the known benefits of its use is the improvement of uterine contractions. An injectable form of oxytocin is administered intravenously as an infusion. Adverse drug reactions at this stage may distress the baby and worsen the outcome of the pregnancy.

Case details: A 19-year-old female with a history of nine months gestation presented in labour. She was administered oxytocin infusion in ringer lactate to augment labor. She developed itching all over her body and was immediately administered Inj. hydrocortisone intravenously. As the foetus was in distress, she was taken for an emergency lower segment cesarean section (LSCS).

Conclusion: The administration of IV oxytocin was considered the possible cause of the development of rashes in this case. We suggest adopting preventive strategies to avoid ADRs in emergencies to avoid deleterious consequences. The preventive strategies may include screening in the antenatal period for previous history of sensitivity to oxytocin, latex, etc. In addition, other strategies are discussed in this article.

Rifampicin-Amlodipine Interaction: A Case Report of Hypertension Exacerbation

Sinchana Bojamma P.K — 2023-03-01

Introduction: Rifampicin, a first-line anti-tubercular therapy drug, is a strong inducer of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP). Amlodipine and metoprolol, two anti-hypertensives that are CYP substrates, have the potential to interact pharmacologically with rifampicin. Therefore, individuals with hypertension receiving rifampicin-based anti-tubercular therapy are at risk for worsening hypertension.

Case Details: We report a case of a 63-year-old female patient, who developed accelerated hypertension after initiating rifampicin. Later, up to four antihypertensive drugs were administered as part of a gradual increase in dosage but did not successfully lower blood pressure to a desirable level. After clinical pharmacist intervention, Tab. Amlodipine+Metoprolol 5 mg+50 mg was discontinued and the blood pressure measurements gradually improved.

Conclusion: We postulate that rifampicin diminished the therapeutic effect of amlodipine and metoprolol and hence recommend that prudent monitoring for worsening hypertension should be carried out in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease receiving anti-tubercular therapy.

AICTE Sponsored National Conference

Pratap Kumar Patra — 2023-03-01

Sovenier (ETRAPS- 2023)