Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics
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Editor: Mr R Raveendran
Language: English
Open Access Peer-reviewed journal
Web site: https://www.jpharmacol.com/>
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Item Protamine-Induced Hypotension and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-03) Chooriyil, Nidheesh; Jom, Doyce; Panattil, Prabitha; Sreedharan, SyamProtamine is a routinely used safe antidote for heparin reversal in cardiovascular surgeries. Protamine was first introduced to prolong the action of insulin preparations. As protamine interacts with platelets and fibrinogen and has an anticoagulant effect of its own, minimal amount is given to neutralize heparin present in plasma. Although infrequent, protamine is associated with serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs), especially in patients with previous history of protamine hypersensitivity. Here, we report a case of protamine-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension and peripheral vascular collapse in a 60-year-old diabetic male patient who had undergone on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in a tertiary care center. This was a definite, nonpreventable, severe ADR as per causality, preventability, and severity assessment scale. This patient had no previous history of protamine hypersensitivity and was not on any insulin preparations. Despite precise timely treatment and other resuscitative measures, the patient expired subsequent to these ADRs. This case report throws light on the grave requirement in urgent evolvement of pharmacogenetic and pharmacokinetic tools to detect patients who are at risk of precipitating these ADRs and thus to take precautions to prevent themItem Efficacy and Safety Comparison between Pioglitazone and Linagliptin in Combination with Metformin among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-03) Toufiq, Omaimah; Gillani, Syed Wasif; Mohamed, Farhanah; Pasha, Nafis; Chiraparambil, Muhsina; Parveen, AffanaObjective: To compare the safety and efficacy of linagliptin with pioglitazone in combination therapy of metformin for the management of type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: A meta-analayis research design is applied to evaluate the primary and secondary outcomes. Literature search was carried out using databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE Complete, Scopus, Clinical Trial Registry, and Web of Science. Studies were considered eligible if the eligibility criteria were met. Cochrane Collaboration Tool was used to assess the risk of bias in randomized clinical trials. Results: A total of 170 citations were identified during the database search. Further evaluation of articles confirmed 16 clinical trials suitable for the research which were randomized, double-blinded, and published as full articles. The articles were evaluated with low risk of bias and high-quality evidence. The mean baseline hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) ranged from 6.93% to 9.99% and 7.1% to 8.89% for linagliptin with metformin and pioglitazone with metformin groups, respectively. Two among the 12 groups show a slight increase in the mean HbA1c levels which is nonsignificant due to their sample size. Overall, the combination therapy of linagliptin with metformin led to a reduction of 1.35% which is significantly higher than pioglitazone combined with metformin which led to a 1.27% reduction. The mean baseline values of fasting plasma glucose levels varied from 158.2 mg/dl to 198.0 mg/dl in linagliptin plus metformin group, whereas in pioglitazone plus metformin group, the values varied from 137.0 mg/dL to 212.4 mg/dL. The high heterogeneity could refer to the inconsistencies between the studies. The combination of linagliptin with metformin showed a significant reduction of 0.56% in body mass index, whereas pioglitazone with metformin led to a 0.37% reduction.Conclusion: The findings showed better efficacy profiling of lingaliptin–metformin combination compared with pioglitazone combination therapy.Item Relugolix: A Novel Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonist for Prostate Cancer(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-03) Babu, Merin; Pavithran, KeechilatAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) is currently the mainstay of treatment for advanced prostate cancer. The peptide formulations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists need to be given subcutaneously every month. This led to the development of an oral, nonpeptide GnRH antagonist formulation relugolix which promptly lowers the levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicular-stimulating hormone. On December 18, 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration approved relugolix for the treatment of adult advanced prostate cancer. The recommended loading dose of 360 mg on the 1st day of treatment, followed by 120 mg once daily orally, approximately the same time each day. The maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) is obtained within 2.25 h and is metabolized to a major extent by CYP3A mediated mechanism. Hot flushes, musculoskeletal pain, and fatigue are some of its common adverse effects. High rates of testosterone suppression with a limited adverse event profile make it an ideal therapy for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.Item Effect of HMG?Co?A Reductase Inhibitors on Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy in Diabetic Patients(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-03) Kshirsagar, Aarya Jitendra; Karandikar, Yogita; Phadake, LeenaObjective: : To observe the effect of statins on cardiac autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes and to study the correlation between cardiac autonomic neuropathy as assessed by cardiac autonomic reflex tests (CARTs) and by Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale (COMPASS)-31. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 62 patients having Type 2 diabetes mellitus for more than 5 years. Patients were randomized into two groups, one group received standard antidiabetic therapy and other group received standard antidiabetic along with statin medication at least for more than 1 year. Each patient underwent CART and heart rate variability to assess autonomic dysfunction. In addition, COMPASS 31 questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms subjectively. Statin Experience Assessment Questionnaire was used to note adverse effects of statins. Chi-square test, Spearman correlation test, and Mann–Whitney U-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A significant difference in severity of cardiac autonomic dysfunction was observed between two groups as measured by CART (P = 0.016) and COMPASS-31 questionnaire (P = 0.008). Moreover, COMPASS score of >16 was observed in patients with advanced cardiac autonomic neuropathy. A significant correlation was found between COMPASS 31 score and CART results (r = 0.29, P = 0.02). Conclusion: Our study highlights the potential utility of statins in curbing progression of cardiac autonomic neuropathy and can be safely administered in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. COMPASS 31 questionnaire can be used as an effective screening tool for CART referral, facilitating the early detection of cardiac autonomic neuropathy.Item Comparison of Intravenous Ramosetron and Ondansetron as Prophylaxis for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting following General Anesthesia(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-03) Opneja, Sonali; Souza, Shirley Ann D; Sureshan, Roopesh; Ghoshal, PabitraObjective: To compare the efficacy and side effects of 5HT3 antagonists, ramosetron, and ondansetron as prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ten patients of the American Society of Anesthesiology Grade I–II, between the age group of 18 to 60 years weighing 40 to 70 kg, undergoing general anesthesia were studied. Group 1 received ramosetron 0.3 mg intravenous (IV) and Group 2 received ondansetron 8 mg IV 15 min before the end of surgery. The incidence of PONV, need for rescue antiemetic, and side effects were evaluated in both the groups. QTc interval prolongation was also evaluated in both the groups by taking electrocardiograms at regular intervals. Results: This study showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of PONV between the ondansetron group and the ramosetron group during the first 24 h after surgery. For PONV score of ?2 during the first 6 h, the incidence was 3.59% and 1.81% for ramosetron and ondansetron, respectively, and during 6–24 h, the incidence was 1.81% for both the drugs. Conclusion: IV ramosetron 0.3 mg is as effective as IV ondansetron 8 mg in preventing PONV in patients undergoing general anesthesiaItem Antibacterial Use in Admitted Patients of a Super Speciality Hospital in Western India(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-03) Shyam, Sharan; Jaiswal, SanjayItem Fostemsavir, a Drug with Novel Mechanism for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Priyadharsini, Raman Palanisamy; Divyashanthi, C. M.; Elango, DhivyaHIV is a global problem with increased mortality and morbidity. The highly active antiretroviral therapy is effective in reducing the HIV RNA and improving the immune response. The drugs in the current regimen have certain disadvantages such as adverse effects, drug intolerance, and drug resistance. Since there is a demand for identifying the drugs with new mechanism of action, the compounds which target the viral gp120 receptor were screened and the most suitable drug among them was identified. In a Phase II and Phase III trial, the drug BMS-663068 fostemsavir was found to be efficacious in reducing the viral RNA levels. The drug is a prodrug that gets converted into metabolite temsavir BMS-626529. The preferred dose is 600 mg orally 12 hourly in patients who had undergone many treatment schedules with multidrug-resistant infection and those who cannot tolerate the drug regimen due to resistance and safety issues. The drug is metabolized by CYP3A4 and has drug interactions with CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors. This review mainly comprises the mechanism of action, clinical trials, pharmacological properties, and adverse effects of the drug fostemsavir.Item Monday Blues - Rare Cause of Hypoglycemia in a Child with Leukemia(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Krishnakumar, Gowshika; Jayaraman, Dhaarani; Jeevarathnam, Dhivyalakshmi; Kommu, Peter Prasanth Kumar; Scott, Julius XavierHypoglycemia in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) often makes the clinician think of sepsis or metabolic disturbances due to relative adrenal insufficiency with steroid withdrawal. We report a rare scenario of drug-induced hypoglycemia in a child on treatment for ALL. Recurrent symptomatic episodes of hypoglycemia in a 4-year-girl on treatment for high-risk ALL were analyzed and it was surprising to note that the episodes were noted on early hours on Monday and Sunday nights. Detailed evaluation for the etiology and the workup was not contributory. With the background of drug history for ALL maintenance and occurrence of episodes on Mondays, possibility of drug-induced hypoglycemia secondary to cotrimoxazole was considered. Dose alteration for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was considered stopping the drug is not feasible. Malnutrition was attributed as the coexisting risk factor in our childItem Evaluation of Recent Prescription Pattern in Cornea Clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Developing Country's Perspective(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Niraj, Niraj; Shafiq, Nusrat; Mothsara, Chakrant; Garg, Gaurav; Gupta, Amit; Malhotra, SamirItem A Survival Case of Premature Infant with Hepatoblastoma (Fetal Pattern) along with Other Serious Comorbidities and Surgical Interventions(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Fardan, Mohammed; Shiva, A. Priya; Shaji, Aswathy M.; Yadav, K. Arun ChanderAn estimated ratio (i.e., 1 in 10) babies are born too early every year. Roughly 1 million children die each year due to impediments raised pertaining to preterm birth. One such extreme preterm male baby was presented in the neonatal care unit with respiratory distress and grunting. Baby was confirmed to have ventricular septal defect along with patent ductus arteriosus and craniosynostosis which was treated with medications and surgical managements. He was also engaged with various prophylactic and empirical antibiotic therapies to cover the microbial growth. The most disturbing stage here was the appearance of liver mass sizing 5.8 cm × 1.3 cm accompanied with area of necrosis, diagnosed with hepatoblastoma which was evident with the aid of ultrasound. Hence, chemotherapy was commenced which was in accordance with Societe Internationale d Oncologie Pediatrique Epithelial Liver Tumor Study Group-3. Although the existing comorbidities haunted the baby for a long time, he finally made it successfully to get into track by fighting all the hurdles bravely, which was a sheer miracle. Along with the clinicians/surgeons, we Clinical Pharmacists worked hand in hand to ensure the baby to be receiving optimized drug regimen keeping in mind the risk-benefit ratio.Item Role of Vitamin B Complex as an Add-on Therapy to Diclofenac in Patients with Primary Osteoarthritis of the Knee(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Kaur, Jasmine; Rani, Seema; Gulia, Anil; Bhutani, Garima; Kumar, Sanjeev; Narwat, ArvindObjective: This study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vitamin B complex as an add-on therapy to diclofenac in patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, open-labeled, randomized, and comparative clinical study, a total of 130 patients of age >40 years with primary OA of knee attending orthopedics OPD were randomly allocated into two groups of 65 each, i.e., Group D and Group B. In Group D, patients received tablet diclofenac 75 mg and in Group B, patients received tablet Vitamin B complex along with diclofenac once daily for 4 weeks, respectively. Clinical assessment was done at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks and 8 weeks by the visual analog scale (VAS), WOMAC index, and Lequesne index. Results: During the intergroup comparison, it was found that Vitamin B complex as an add-on therapy to diclofenac produced statistically significant reduction in mean VAS pain score (P < 0.05). However, the difference in mean WOMAC index and Lequesne index was not statistically different at 4 and 8 weeks between the two groups (P > 0.05). Mild side effects were seen at 4 weeks, but no side effects persisted up to 8 weeks in both the groups. Conclusion: The present study suggested that Vitamin B complex as an add-on therapy was found to cause a significant reduction in pain score. It could be a promising drug in patients with OA to improve the analgesic effect, when combined can reduce the dose of diclofenac, thereby minimizing the side effects.Item Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Imatinib in Patients of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia - Chronic Phase(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Khurana, Harshit; Kumar, Ashwini; Khurana, Abha; Kumar Abhisheka; Jha, Vijoy KumarIntroduction: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor is recommended for the initial management of chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP CML) based on the more favorable balance of toxicity and long-term disease control. Background: Mean trough plasma Imatinib Mesylate (IM) levels are detected to be significantly higher in patients with a complete cytogenetic response or major molecular response (MMR). Methodology: The primary objective of the study was to correlate the IM drug levels with MMR on two different occasions at least 3 months apart and to study the variation in the plasma trough levels of IM during the treatment with standard dose for at least 12 months. Results: After exclusion, 30 patients of CML-CP in MMR, on standard dose over a period of 2 years were finally analyzed. The mean IM plasma levels (IPLs) of the first sample for all patients were 1722 ± 566 ng/ml (IPL-1) with a corresponding mean molecular response (MR) 0.0257 ± 0.0279 breakpoint cluster region-abelson murine leukemia (BCR-ABL) IS % (MR-1). The mean IPLs of the second sample for all patients were 1549 ± 375 ng/ml (IPL-2) with a corresponding mean MR 0.0143 ± 0.0184 BCR-ABL IS % (MR-2). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for IPL-1 was 0.565 and IPL-2 was 0.639. For IM level at second point of 1800 ng/ml, the specificity for predicting MMR was 81.8% and sensitivity was 31.6%. Conclusion: Monitoring of trough IM plasma concentrations may become the part of standard management of CML patients.Item Is a Glucocorticoid Antagonist a Potential Treatment Alternative for Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain?(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Wisam Al, Jumaili; Trivedi, Chintan; Shah, Kaushal; Adnan, Mahwish; Mansuri, Zeeshan; Jain, ShaileshObjective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mifepristone as a new treatment modality for antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Methods: We searched databases up to March 2021, for the published English-language literature including a Medical Subject Heading “Mifepristone,”“Receptors, Glucocorticoid,” “Weight gain,” “Overweight,” “Obesity,” “Body Weight Change,” “Antipsychotics Agents,” “Glucocorticoid Receptor Blocker,” “Glucocorticoid Receptor antagonist.” We identified two clinical and four preclinical studies utilizing mifepristone as a treatment modality. Results: The results of the olanzapine clinical trial showed that mean increase in weight from baseline to day 14 was greater in the olanzapine with the placebo group (3.2 ± 0.9 kg) than the olanzapine with mifepristone group (2.0 ± 1.2 kg) and the mifepristone with placebo (2.0 ± 0.7 kg), and a similar effect was observed in the risperidone with mifepristone clinical trial. Conclusions: Mifepristone shows potential in the management of AIWG. Glucocorticoid antagonists can be a viable alternative to curb this side effect. Large-scale clinical studies are warranted to determine the medication’s safety and efficacy based on this mechanism of action.Item Effect of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin on the Glycemic Control in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative, Randomized, Double-Blind Study(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Mahatme, Mohini Sachin; Bargade, Mukunda Bharat; Hiware, Sachin K.; Motlag, M. M.Objectives: To compare the effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients with history of T2DM of more than 3 months duration, glycated hemoglobin <7%, dyslipidemia, and normal electrocardiogram were included in the randomized double-blind trial. The patients received either tablet atorvastatin 20 mg or rosuvastatin 10 mg once a day along with metformin and glimepiride twice daily orally. Patients were evaluated by the change in estimated average glucose (eAG), lipid profile, and incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Results: Rise in fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar, and eAG were significant in the atorvastatin group as compared to the rosuvastatin group where there was a significant increase only in FBS levels. Changes in lipid parameters and incidence of ADR were similar in both the groups. Conclusion: Rosuvastatin can be preferred to atorvastatin in T2DM with dyslipidemia due to less variation in the blood sugar parameters, effective control over lipid profile, pleiotropic effects, and less microsomal interactions.Item Vitamin D3 Attenuates Type 3 Diabetic-Associated Cognitive Deficits in Rats through Regulating Neurotrophins and Enhancing Cholinergic Transmission Pathway(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Al?Zahrani, Yahya Abdullah; Sattar, Mai A. Alim A.; Al?Harthi, Sameer E.; Alkatheeri, Ayed A.; Al?Zahrani, Yahya MohammedObjective: To examine the protective effect of Vitamin D3 against Type 3 diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats. Materials and Methods: Type 3 diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet plus streptozotocin in rats. Rats were divided into seven groups: negative control, positive control, Vitamin D3 groups (100, 500 and 1000 IU/kg/day), Vitamin D3 plus rivastigmine, and rivastigmine monotherapy. A radial arm maze test was used to assess cognitive function. Levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), dopamine (DA), nerve growth factor, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the hippocampus were estimated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: Chronic treatment with Vitamin D3 significantly (P < 0.05) and dose dependently alleviated cognitive deficits, with enhancing cholinergic transmission pathway activity through attenuated hippocampal AChE and increased DA level (P < 0.001). Moreover, Vitamin D3 significantly increased (P < 0.001) neurotrophin levels as an underlying mechanism for the resulted improvement. Conclusion: Vitamin D3 plus rivastigmine (combined group) is better than Vitamin D (100 and 500 mg/kg/day) for improvement of AChE, DA, NT-3, and GDNF levels. Vitamin D (500 and 1000 IU/kg/day) was effective as a combined group in terms of the behavioral test.Item Assessment of Potential Drug - Drug Interaction among the Patients Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy: A Cross-sectional Study(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Venkatesh, K. M.; Acharya, Swathi; Holla, RajendraObjectives: To identify and assess the various potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) among the patients receiving cancer chemotherapy, using the database from Lexicomp® Solutions with the ultimate goal of raising awareness among clinicians for safe medication usage. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective, cross-sectional study engaged at a tertiary care hospital in South India. Data regarding clinically prescribed drugs were obtained from the patients admitted to the oncology unit of tertiary care hospital within the time frame of 6 months (June 2018 to December 2018). Frequency and clinical relevance, the onset, and Severity of pDDIs were assessed using the database from Lexicomp® Solutions version 4.1.2. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics. Statistical significance was analyzed using the Mann–Whitney andChi-square tests. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to identify the correlation between the incidence of drug-drug interactions with age, the number of drugs prescribed, and the type of cancer. Results: A total of 895 pDDIs were seen, including 261 with chemotherapeutic drugs and 634 with supportive medication. It was observed that around 14.18% of cyclophosphamide showing interaction with Ondansetron among chemotherapeutic drugs, whereas 9.14% of lithium presenting interaction with Ondansetron among supportive therapy. A statistically significant higher interaction was noted among supportive medications provided when compared to anticancer drugs (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The majority of pDDIs observed among the patients receiving chemotherapy with supportive medications as compared to anticancer chemotherapy. There is an urgent need for special safety measures to monitor and prevent drug interactions in the oncology unit.Item Risk Factors and Prescription Pattern among Patients with Congestive Heart Failure(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Jose, Jison; Baby, Betty; Ahammed, Shabeer; Chand, Sharad; UP, Nandakumar; BC, Vinay; K, Subramanyam; Joel,Juno J.Item Correlation between Breakthrough Seizures and Serum Level of Phenytoin and Valproate in Indian Patients(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Katoch, Neena; Bhardwaj, Ankit; Suchal, Kapil; Sharma,SangeetaObjectives: To determine the optimum range of phenytoin (PHT) and valproate (VAP) levels and find out the critical drug levels below which chances of breakthrough seizures increase in North Indian population. Methodology: A cross-sectional, case-controlled, record-based study was conducted in a quaternary care hospital from September 2018–2019. The case group comprised epilepsy patients on monotherapy with PHT/VAP presenting with breakthrough seizures after at least 6 months of seizure control. Noncompliant, overdose, toxicity, no or partial response, any other psychiatric or neurological disorder, adverse effects, and patients taking two or more antiepileptic drugs were excluded. Results: Data of 100 patients in each group were analyzed. Significantly lower mean levels in cases were observed in PHT (5.74 ± 3.68 mg/L vs. 13.75 ± 4.27 mg/L control) and VAP (24.13 ± 27.39 mg/L vs. 76.37 ± 17.71 mg/L control). A negative correlation of drug levels was observed with age and weight in both the groups. The level/dose ratio in controls (0.05 ± 0.03; 0.09 ± 0.06) was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than cases (0.02 ± 0.01; 0.02 ± 0.03) in PHT and VAP, respectively. Conclusions: This study identifies the critical levels and level/dose ratio at which the risk of breakthrough seizures increases. A wide level/dose ratio was found in controls, more so in the VAP group. A prospective study with larger group size along with genetic studies should be done to evaluate further.Item Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Prescribing Trends in Chronic Renal Failure in the Indian Population(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Suthar, Jalpa; Patel, Rutvi D.; Desai, ShubhaObjective: To estimate the prevalence of Chronic renal failure (CRF) in the Indian subcontinent and to identify risk factors and treatment regimens for CRF. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out for 7 months. A total of 200 patients with a level of creatinine >1.5 mg/dl were enrolled. CRF prevalence was measured using the hospital’s inpatient department registry and medical records. The risk factors and prescribing were evaluated from the patient file report. Results: The prevalence rate of CRF was 13.7%. Male patients (59%) dominate the entire group of patients. Most patients (n = 52) were found between the age group of 71–80 years with a mean age of 62.67 ± 16.33 years. Drugs such as diuretics, and hypoglycemics were indicated to treat comorbidities. The average number of drugs per prescription were 7.43 ± 2.75 with high use of antimicrobial agents (88%). Out of 156 drugs prescribed, 76 were from essential as per essential Drug List 2017. Hypertension (P = 0.0072) and diabetes (P = 0.0084) were major concerns as risk factors followed by the drugs used for dyslipidemia, and recurrent infections. Conclusion: The prevalence rate was found to be 13.7% with significant association with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, dyslipidemia, chronic infections, smoking, and renal calculus for CRF. The pattern of prescribing was suitable and with few irrationalities.Item Career Vistas for Indian Medical Pharmacologists: A Comprehensive Review(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2021-06) Arivazhahan, Avinash; Raj, Gerard Marshall; Puttur, Deepthi Shridhar; Atal, Sarjana; George, Manu Mathew; Bairy,LaxminarayanaMedical postgraduation in India is available across various disciplines, one among them being pharmacology. As with the other MD courses, MD Pharmacology is a 3-year-long course that involves strenuous theoretical, practical, and clinical training. However, the curriculum does not clearly enlighten MD residents on the career vistas available for them once they pass out. The awareness level of majority of MD pharmacology postgraduates or freshers on these career options is meagre due to lack of professional guidance or literature, and hence, majority of them tend to travel along the path that is most commonly traversed by their seniors and peers. This comprehensive review details a few of the different vistas that an MD pharmacologist can pursue, highlighting the scope, roles, responsibilities, and monetary compensation of each, in an honest attempt to educate and enlighten the MD pharmacology fraternity.