A survey on confusing brand name / generic name drug in prescription

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A survey on confusing brand name / generic name drug in prescription
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

Chaudhari Pankaj M., Mahajan Sachin M., Patil Pankaj S. andDr. Patil Prakash S.


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: A survey on confusing brand name / generic name drug in prescription

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20193-14434

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study conducted by Chaudhari Pankaj M. et al. addresses the significant issue of confusion arising from similar or phonetic brand and generic drug names in pharmacy practices. The aim was to investigate the awareness of retail pharmacists regarding these confusing drug names and the errors associated with misdispensing due to such confusions. Medication errors resulting from these look-alike and sound-alike (LA/SA) drug names can lead to adverse consequences for patients if an incorrect medication with a different active ingredient is dispensed. The research notably surveyed pharmacists in urban and rural areas of Maharashtra, India, focusing on their responses to potential confusions and measures taken to avoid errors.

Importance of Pharmacist Awareness

The survey revealed that a substantial majority of retail pharmacists (70%) have a D. Pharm degree, with 5% possessing a B. Pharm degree. A notable finding was that 75% of pharmacists reported confusion caused by spelling errors in prescriptions, indicating a profound need for improved awareness and careful prescribing practices. The study highlights the critical role that pharmacist education and training play in recognizing and managing drug name confusions, ultimately affecting patient safety and care quality.

Response to Confusion in Prescriptions

When faced with spelling mistakes or potential name confusion in prescriptions, pharmacists employed various strategies: 55% would contact the prescribing doctor directly for clarification, 25% would send the patient back for correction, while 10% might proceed to assume the prescription themselves. This reveals the uncertainty among pharmacists in differentiating drug names and the importance of clear communication between healthcare providers to mitigate risks associated with misdispensing. The tendency of pharmacists to make assumptions emphasizes the need for protocols to guide decision-making in instances of confusion.

Dispensing Non-OTC and Prescription Medications

The study also highlighted alarming practices regarding the dispensing of prescription medications. Approximately 80% of pharmacists reported providing non-OTC drugs without a prescription, and 35% admitted to dispensing medications without a prescription altogether. This statistic underscores potential regulatory compliance issues and the risk of medications being dispensed irresponsibly, potentially leading to further medication errors and adverse effects for patients. The implications of this practice on patient health and safety are significant and warrant immediate attention and intervention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the prevalence of confusion surrounding brand and generic drug names among pharmacists, alongside concerning trends in prescription practices. The results suggest that despite qualifications, a notable proportion of pharmacy personnel may lack essential knowledge and robustness in managing LA/SA medication issues, thereby increasing the risk of errors. To enhance patient safety, there is an urgent need for more comprehensive training for pharmacists, stricter adherence to prescription protocols, and greater communication among healthcare professionals involved in medication management. Addressing these issues will contribute to reducing medication-related errors and improving overall healthcare quality.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the main objective of the survey conducted?

The main objective of the survey was to assess awareness of confusing brand names and generic names among pharmacy personnel, identify potential dispensing errors, and suggest ways to minimize such errors.

What percentage of pharmacists reported confusion due to prescription spelling errors?

According to the survey, 75% of pharmacists experienced confusion due to spelling mistakes in prescriptions, indicating significant potential for medication errors.

How do pharmacists typically respond to prescription confusion?

When faced with confusion due to spelling mistakes, 55% contact the doctor directly, while 25% send the patient back to the doctor for confirmation of the prescription.

What are the suggested solutions to reduce medication errors?

To reduce confusion, the study suggests changing product names, increasing awareness of look-alike/sound-alike products, and ensuring clarity in prescriptions to minimize potential errors.

What is the awareness level of pharmacy personnel regarding confusing drug names?

The survey found that many non-pharmacists (up to 25%) working in pharmacies are unaware of the risks associated with confusing brand names and may contribute to dispensing errors.

How frequently do pharmacists dispense non-OTC drugs without a prescription?

The survey revealed that 80% of pharmacists dispense non-OTC drugs without a formal prescription, highlighting a potential concern for patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A survey on confusing brand name / generic name drug in prescription”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Drug:
Drugs refer to a broader class of chemical substances that can alter physiological functions when introduced into the body. The research article underscores the importance of recognizing brand and generic drug names to prevent dispensing errors, as confusion among these drugs poses significant risks to patient safety.

2) Education:
Education is crucial in the pharmaceutical field for understanding drugs, their effects, and proper dispensing practices. The survey aimed to evaluate the educational background of pharmacy personnel, revealing a mix of qualifications, which directly correlates with their competence in preventing errors associated with confusing drug names.

3) Dhule:
Dhule is a district in the Indian state of Maharashtra, where the survey was conducted. The geographic focus provides context to the study, emphasizing regional pharmacy practices and highlighting potential variations in awareness and behaviors among pharmacists in rural versus urban areas concerning drug name confusion.

4) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to substances that inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria. In the study, the mention of antibacterial drugs, along with other categories, underlines the diversity in medications that could be confused due to similar names, with significant implications for treating infections and ensuring patient safety in pharmacy practices.

5) Similarity:
Similarity pertains to the degree to which two or more items share characteristics, which, in the survey's context, refers to the phonetic or orthographic resemblance between drug names. This similarity is a root cause of dispensing errors and necessitates vigilant practices in pharmacies to ensure patient safety.

6) Medicine:
Medicines encompass a variety of preparations used for treatment and prevention of diseases. The research highlights the significance of correctly identifying brand and generic medicines to avoid incorrect prescriptions, as mix-ups can lead to severe patient health consequences, emphasizing the importance of proper education among pharmacists.

7) Vidya:
Vidya translates to 'knowledge' or 'education' in various Indian languages, emphasizing the study's focus on enhancing the understanding and awareness of pharmacists in Dhule. It reinforces the notion that increasing knowledge about drug naming can mitigate risks associated with prescribing and dispensing.

8) Table:
The term 'table' in the document refers to organized data presentation summarizing the results and findings. It serves as a means to clearly convey the survey's statistical analyses, helping to identify trends in pharmacist education and their responses to confusion between drug names.

9) Study (Studying):
Study denotes the systematic investigation conducted to understand the awareness of pharmacy personnel regarding confusing drug names. The results from the study highlight critical insights into the potential for errors in medication dispensing and recommend ways to enhance education and practices in pharmacies.

10) Veterinary medicine:
Veterinary medicine is the branch of medicine focused on animal health and treatment. The research also acknowledges the importance of distinguishing between human and veterinary drug names, as similar names can lead to harmful mistakes in administering medication to animals, necessitating proper awareness among pharmacists.

11) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the scientific study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. The survey's emphasis on the educational background of pharmacists relates to pharmacology, underscoring the need for a solid foundation in drug knowledge to prevent errors associated with name confusion in medication dispensing.

12) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the part of the study where findings are interpreted and implications are drawn. This section critically analyzes the survey results, providing insights on the potential impacts of confusing drug names, and suggesting measures for improving practices in pharmacies to enhance patient care.

13) Animal:
Animals, as non-human subjects in veterinary medicine, highlight the critical importance of accurate drug identification in veterinary practices. Pharmacists must be aware of possible confusions between animal drug names and human medications, as errors may lead to dire health consequences for animal patients.

14) Indian:
The term 'Indian' refers to the nationality or context relating to India, where the study is geographically situated. This relevance is vital as it reflects cultural and regulatory aspects unique to India's pharmacy landscape, impacting practices and pharmacist education regarding drug dispensing and safety.

15) Patil:
Patil is a common surname in India and denotes one of the authors of the study. The inclusion indicates the collaborative effort among pharmacy professionals in the research, highlighting the importance of diverse insights in addressing the issue of medication errors and enhancing pharmacy practices.

16) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra is an Indian state where the research was conducted, impacting the study's context regarding pharmacy practices and regulatory environment. The demographic factors specific to Maharashtra can influence pharmacist training and awareness levels concerning medication errors associated with confusing drug names.

17) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of growth or improvement, as seen in the objective to enhance pharmacist knowledge and practices regarding drug name confusion. This signifies the continuous need to evolve pharmacy education and practices in response to emerging issues in medication safety.

18) Knowledge:
Knowledge represents the understanding and awareness that pharmacy personnel need to have about drug names, their potential confusion, and implications for patient safety. Increasing knowledge is crucial for reducing errors in prescribing and dispensing, making it a key focus of the research - enhancing pharmacy education.

19) Account:
Account refers to a record or narrative reflecting experiences or data collected during the study. It is essential in conveying survey findings regarding the awareness and educational gaps among pharmacists about drug name confusion to inform future educational strategies and policies.

20) Quality:
Quality pertains to the standard of care provided in pharmacies, linked directly to proper handling and dispensing of medications. Improving quality in pharmacy practices requires diligent training and awareness to prevent errors arising from confusing drug names, thus enhancing patient safety and care outcomes.

21) Mineral:
Mineral signifies inorganic substances that are essential for various biological functions, and their relevance underscores the necessity of careful differentiation in pharmacological products. Mistaken identity among mineral-based medications can lead to adverse health effects, highlighting the importance of accurate naming and dispensing practices.

22) Farmer:
A farmer refers to an individual engaged in the agriculture sector, which can involve administering veterinary drugs. This relevance underlines the importance of pharmacists understanding the implications of confusing drug names not just for human patients but also for farmers treating their animals with proper medications.

23) Manas (Mano, Manash):
Mano, similar to Patil, denotes another author of the research. Including multiple authors represents a collaborative effort in addressing significant challenges related to drug name confusion in the pharmacy sector, emphasizing the collective expertise required to tackle such complex issues.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘A survey on confusing brand name / generic name drug in prescription’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Public awareness, Medication error, Vulnerable patients.

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