Present and future prospect of combination drugs therapy

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Present and future prospect of combination drugs therapy
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:

MD. Mominur Rahman, Fahadul Islam, Abdur Rahman, Tanjin Ahmed, Mohammad Borhan Uddin, Sharif Mohammad Shaheen and Sumaya Yasmin Khushi


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Present and future prospect of combination drugs therapy

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

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20203-17000


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Combination drug therapy is a treatment approach that involves using two or more pharmacologic agents concurrently, either separately or in fixed-dose combinations (FDCs). This method is particularly relevant in the management of various medical conditions, as it allows for targeting multiple pathologic processes simultaneously. The research conducted by Rahman et al. elucidates the current practices surrounding combination drug therapy in Bangladesh, highlighting the balance between single drug prescriptions and combination therapies across different medical specialties.

Efficacy of Combination Therapy in Hypertension

Hypertension is one of the conditions where combination drug therapy shows notable effectiveness. According to findings from the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC 7), achieving target blood pressure levels often necessitates administering two or more antihypertensive agents. The study indicates that many patients, especially those with comorbid conditions, require combinations of medications with different mechanisms of action to achieve satisfactory blood pressure control. Combination therapies, such as those involving thiazide diuretics with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, have been shown to lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease and stroke effectively, supporting the need for this therapeutic approach in hypertension management.

Overview of Combination Therapy in Diabetes

Combination drug therapy is also commonly used in the treatment of diabetes. Patients benefit from multi-drug regimens that permit better glycemic control through different action sites, reducing potential side effects associated with higher doses of singular medications. Additionally, combining drugs in one pill may enhance patient adherence to therapy and could result in lower treatment costs. The synergistic effect of different medications also facilitates comprehensive care by addressing associated complications, such as the need for cardiovascular and renal protective agents in diabetic patients.

Challenges of Fixed-Dose Combination Therapy

While there are advantages to fixed-dose combination therapy—such as reduced pill burden and improved adherence—there are also inherent challenges. One significant concern is the rigidity of dosing that fixed combinations impose on clinicians, which may lead to either dosage excess or insufficient treatment for patients. The potential difficulty in identifying the specific drug responsible for adverse reactions when using FDCs can complicate patient care. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying situations where customized drug regimens may be necessary to meet individual patient needs effectively.

Conclusion

Combination drug therapy represents a significant advancement in treating chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. However, there remains a dominant reliance on single-drug prescriptions among many healthcare providers in Bangladesh. As the pharmacological landscape continues to evolve with new developments in combination therapies, the importance of personalized medicine cannot be overstated. Continuous research and attention to individual patient characteristics will be vital in optimizing drug combinations, ensuring safety, reducing adverse effects, and enhancing the overall efficacy of treatments. The role of pharmacists is crucial in monitoring these therapies and providing guidance to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is combination drug therapy?

Combination drug therapy involves using two or more drugs together to treat medical conditions, either as separate medications or in a single formulation. This approach can enhance effectiveness and target various disease mechanisms.

How prevalent is combination drug therapy in hospitals?

In a study of several hospitals in Bangladesh, it was found that 70% of prescriptions contained single drugs, while only 20% involved combination drug therapy, mainly for managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

What are the advantages of using combination drug therapy?

Combination drug therapy can improve patient adherence by reducing the number of pills, minimize side effects with lower dosages, and provide a comprehensive treatment effect that targets multiple pathways of disease.

What challenges exist with fixed-dose combination drugs?

Fixed-dose combinations may limit the flexibility to adjust dosages of individual drugs and can make it challenging to identify the source of adverse reactions if they occur, complicating patient management.

Which medical conditions commonly use combination drug therapy?

Combination therapy is standard in managing cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and various types of cancer. It is beneficial for chronic conditions needing more than single-agent therapy.

What is the future outlook for combination drug therapy?

The future of combination drug therapy includes expanded use in various diseases, ongoing research for personalized medicine approaches, and the development of new therapies that effectively combine drugs tailored to patient needs.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Present and future prospect of combination drugs therapy”. 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 are chemical substances that may affect bodily functions and are used to treat health conditions. The term 'drugs' can also include combinations of multiple agents, such as those in fixed-dose combination therapies. Understanding various drugs helps healthcare professionals choose the best therapeutic approaches for patients based on their needs.

2) Disease:
Diseases are defined disturbances in bodily functions that often require medical intervention. Understanding various diseases, especially chronic ones, is essential for determining appropriate therapeutic approaches. Combination drug therapies can provide multifaceted treatment benefits, making it critical to study disease patterns for improved management strategies and patient care.

3) Cancer:
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Combination therapies, especially in chemotherapy, are critical in cancer care to enhance efficacy and manage side effects. Knowledge of different cancer types informs treatment choices, and innovative drug combinations are continually researched to improve patient outcomes in cancer therapy.

4) Blood:
Blood is essential for various functional processes in the body, including delivering nutrients and oxygen to cells. In the context of diseases like hypertension, managing blood pressure is crucial. Understanding blood parameters aids in developing treatment regimens, particularly in combination therapies, to optimize cardiovascular health and prevent complications.

5) Medicine:
Medicines are substances used in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. The use of medicines can range from single agents to complex combination therapies. Knowledge of various medicines—including their efficacy, side effects, and interactions—is fundamental for healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate care and effective treatment outcomes.

6) Table:
A table is a structured arrangement of data typically used in research to present findings clearly. In the context of the study, tables likely contain information about single and combination drugs, their prices, and prescriptions. They aid in visualizing results, making it easier to analyze and interpret therapeutic options.

7) Study (Studying):
Study refers to a systematic investigation conducted to establish knowledge or principles regarding a specific field, such as medicine or pharmacotherapy. In the provided research, studying the effects of combination drug therapy highlights its efficacy in managing diseases. Studies underpin evidence-based practices and help refine treatment guidelines for healthcare providers.

8) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation and joint pain. Understanding the role of combination drug therapy in treating rheumatoid arthritis is crucial for enhancing patient quality of life. Various therapies can address multiple symptoms, and ongoing research seeks to optimize treatment strategies improving long-term outcomes.

9) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs. Treatment regimens for TB often require multiple drugs to ensure efficacy and prevent resistance. Understanding the pharmacological aspects of combination therapy is essential in crafting effective anti-TB strategies that improve patient recovery while minimizing side effects.

10) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of health care and the outcomes achieved for patients. In medical practice, maintaining high-quality treatments is essential for enhancing patient adherence and satisfaction. Researching various combination therapies helps evaluate their quality in managing diseases, aiming for effective and safe medication strategies.

11) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural and physical world through observation and experimentation. In medicine, scientific approaches inform the development of effective treatment strategies, including combination drug therapies. Ongoing research and clinical trials drive innovations that enhance patient care and create evidence-based solutions to health challenges.

12) Company:
Company refers to pharmaceutical companies that develop, manufacture, and market drugs. Their role is crucial in providing effective treatments, including combination therapies. Understanding the pharmaceutical landscape helps in analyzing the availability of drugs and their formulations, impacting how diseases are managed in clinical settings.

13) Beta:
Beta typically refers to beta-blockers, a class of medications used in treating conditions like hypertension. Understanding how beta-blockers work within combination therapies is essential for optimizing cardiovascular treatment regimens. Beta-blockers can effectively manage symptoms, making them important components in managing chronic diseases.

14) Life:
Life refers to the biological state of living organisms. In a medical context, ensuring a quality life involves effective disease management and symptom control. Combination drug therapies aim to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients with chronic conditions by providing multifaceted treatment options.

15) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a treatment method using drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. Combination chemotherapy involves using multiple drugs to enhance treatment efficacy and minimize resistance. Understanding the principles of chemotherapy paves the way for developing targeted therapy regimens that improve patient survival and quality of life.

16) Calculation:
Calculation involves assessing and determining quantities, often related to dosages and treatment protocols in medicine. Accurate calculations are fundamental in pharmacotherapy, particularly for combination drug therapies, as they ensure that patients receive optimal doses that maximize efficacy while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.

17) Observation:
Observation is the act of monitoring or watching something carefully. In medical research, observation is critical to understand treatment effects, drug interactions, and patient outcomes. Systematic observations lead to informed decisions in therapy choices, particularly regarding the effectiveness of various combination drug regimens in managing diseases.

18) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the exchange of ideas and opinions regarding specific topics. In the context of medical research, discussion highlights the findings, implications, and future directions of a study. A robust discussion is crucial for understanding the significance of combination therapy results for managing diseases and enhancing patient care.

19) Depression:
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest in life. Combination therapy can be effective in treating depression by utilizing different pharmacological agents to address various symptoms. Understanding the pharmacotherapy for depression is essential for optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient quality of life.

20) Relative:
Relative often refers to something that is considered in relation to other factors. In medicine, evaluating the relative efficacy of different drug therapies can assist practitioners in optimizing treatment plans. Understanding how combination drug benefits compare relative to single-drug therapies is vital for effective clinical practice.

21) Channel:
Channel can refer to a passageway or mechanism through which substances can flow. In pharmacology, channels are important for drug absorption and therapeutic action. Understanding the impact of channel mechanisms can help in developing more effective drug formulations, particularly in combination therapies that target specific pathways in disease management.

22) Visit:
Visit is an appointment or consultation where a patient seeks medical advice. The importance of regular visits lies in ensuring patients receive proper evaluations and adjustments to their treatment regimens. In the context of combination drug therapy, visits help assess the effectiveness of treatments and patient adherence.

23) Cora:
Cora may refer to Cora-D, a combination medicine that includes calcium carbonate and Vitamin C. Understanding such combination products aids healthcare professionals in providing effective treatment options, particularly for patients with specific nutritional deficiencies or conditions requiring supplementation. Combining active ingredients can enhance therapeutic effects and improve patient outcomes.

24) Food:
Food is essential for providing nutrients and energy necessary for life. In medical context, nutrition plays a role in managing chronic diseases. Research into the impact of diet on health complements pharmacological treatments, especially when considering combination therapies in dietary management alongside medicinal interventions for optimal health outcomes.

25) Line:
Line often refers to guidelines or protocols that dictate best practices in treatment. In medicine, clinical guidelines establish the preferred line of therapy for specific diseases. Understanding the appropriate line of drug therapy, particularly involving combinations, informs healthcare providers in prescribing effective treatment regimens tailored to patient needs.

26) Pain:
Pain is a multifaceted experience involving sensory and emotional components, often signaling underlying health issues. Pain management is integral to healthcare, especially in chronic conditions. Combination therapies can be beneficial for treating pain by utilizing various mechanisms of action, thus improving patient comfort and quality of life.

27) Hand:
Hand often refers to dexterity and manipulation abilities, which can be affected by various diseases. In medical terms, assessing hand function may be important in evaluating conditions such as arthritis or neurological disorders. Treatments, particularly combination drug therapies, might focus on improving hand function and alleviating associated pain to enhance daily activities.

28) Cola:
Sola may refer to Solas, a combination medicine used for treating specific health conditions. Understanding the components and effects of combination medicines like Solas aids healthcare professionals in offering effective therapeutic options, ensuring that patients benefit from enhanced treatment regimens tailored to their medical needs and improving overall health outcomes.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Present and future prospect of combination drugs therapy’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Treatment regimen, Adverse drug reaction, Therapeutic intervention, Chronic medical condition, Hypertension management, Glycemic control, Pharmacologic agents.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Medical condition.

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