Asian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy

STUDY ON ASSESSMENT OF PAIN MANAGEMENT AND DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN IN POSTOPERATIVE ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY PATIENTS

2026-07-20T13:40:49-04:00

Postoperative pain following orthopedic surgery is often severe and inadequately controlled, leading to delayed recovery, prolonged hospitalization, and increased morbidity. Rational analgesic prescribing and drug utilization evaluation are essential to optimize therapeutic outcomes and ensure effective pain control. The intensity and severity of postoperative pain vary depending on patient-related and procedural factors. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) is a widely used standardized tool for assessing pain intensity, where patients rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 representing the worst imaginable pain. This tool provides a simple and reliable method for evaluating pain severity and guiding analgesic therapy. The study aimed to assess the intensity and pattern of postoperative pain among orthopedic surgery patients using standardized pain scales, to identify commonly prescribed analgesics and associated medications used in postoperative pain management, and to evaluate the incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to analgesic therapy.

A Prospective Observational Study on the Clinical Safety and Efficacy of Sacubitril and Valsartan in Heart Failure Management

2026-07-23T13:00:43-04:00

Heart failure is a major cardiovascular disorder affecting millions of people worldwide and is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and frequent hospitalisation. Reduced ejection fraction (EF) is a significant indicator of disease severity and poor prognosis. The combination of Sacubitril and Valsartan has emerged as an effective therapeutic option for improving cardiac function and reducing hospitalisation in heart failure patients. The present prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure management over a period of six months at Gleneagles Hospitals. A total of 60 patients diagnosed with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction were included in the study. Patient data were collected from case records, prescriptions, laboratory reports, and medication history. Demographic distribution showed a higher prevalence among males (62%) compared to females (38%), with the majority of patients belonging to the age group of 61–70 years (33.33%). Out of 60 patients, 52 (87%) showed improvement in ejection fraction after initiation of sacubitril/valsartan therapy, indicating significant therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, 50 patients (83.33%) demonstrated reduced frequent hospitalisation and improved quality of life. Safety evaluation revealed that 50 patients experienced no adverse drug reactions, while only 10 patients reported mild adverse effects such as hyperkalemia, angioedema, hypotension, and renal impairment. The findings conclude that sacubitril/valsartan therapy significantly improves ejection fraction, reduces hospital admissions, and provides a favourable safety profile in heart failure patients.

A Prospective and Retrospective Study on Nebulized Glycopyrroniumin in Obstructive Airway Patients

2026-07-20T16:49:24-04:00

Obstructive airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are major respiratory disorders associated with airflow limitation and reduced quality of life. Glycopyrronium is a long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilator widely used for maintenance therapy in such patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nebulised glycopyrronium in obstructive airway patients. A prospective and retrospective observational study was conducted over a period of six months at Gleneagles Hospitals. A total of 60 patients diagnosed with obstructive airway diseases and receiving nebulized glycopyrronium therapy were included. Data were collected from inpatient and outpatient records, patient interviews, and clinical case sheets. Demographic details, co-morbidities, smoking status, diagnosis, symptom relief, and adverse effects were assessed. Among the 60 patients, females (32) were slightly higher than males (28). The majority of patients belonged to the age group of 51–60 years, followed by 71–80 years. Most patients showed significant improvement in respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, and cough after glycopyrronium therapy. Better efficacy was observed in patients with COPD compared to other obstructive airway diseases. The drug was well tolerated, with minimal adverse effects such as dry mouth and cough. Nebulised glycopyrronium demonstrated effective bronchodilation, improved symptom relief, and a favourable safety profile in obstructive airway patients, indicating its importance as a maintenance therapy.

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF METFORMIN IN COMBINATION WITH DPP4 INHIBITORS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

2026-07-23T13:06:17-04:00

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion, leading to persistent hyperglycemia and various complications. Effective glycemic control is essential to prevent disease progression and associated complications. Metformin is widely used as a first-line antidiabetic agent, while DPP-4 inhibitors such as Sitagliptin improve glycemic control by enhancing incretin hormone activity. The present prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of metformin in combination with DPP-4 inhibitors in patients with T2DM. A total of 80 patients were enrolled and observed over a period of six months. Patient demographics, family history, BMI, comorbidities, prescription patterns, and adverse drug reactions were recorded. Efficacy was assessed by comparing fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and random blood sugar (RBS) levels before and after treatment. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in FPG from 170.8 mg/dL to 120.6 mg/dL, indicating improved glycemic control. RBS levels also showed notable improvement following therapy. Safety evaluation revealed that only 5% of patients experienced mild adverse effects, with no serious complications reported. The study concludes that metformin in combination with DPP-4 inhibitors is an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic approach for managing T2DM, offering better glycemic control and improved patient outcomes in routine clinical practice.

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SIMETHICONE IN COMBINATION WITH ACTIVATED CHARCOAL IN PATIENTS WITH

2026-07-23T13:05:33-04:00

Dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by upper abdominal discomfort, bloating, postprandial fullness, belching, nausea, and early satiety, leading to a considerable reduction in quality of life. The present prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of simethicone in combination with activated charcoal in patients with dyspepsia. The study was carried out over six months at a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad, India, and included 60 adult patients diagnosed with dyspepsia who received simethicone (80 mg) and activated charcoal (250 mg) as part of routine clinical management. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, comorbidities, treatment patterns, therapeutic outcomes, and adverse drug reactions were assessed. The majority of patients were males (60%), with the highest prevalence observed in the 31–40-year age group. Combination therapy was prescribed to 60% of patients and demonstrated greater improvement in dyspeptic symptoms, including bloating, abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and postprandial fullness, compared with monotherapy. Safety evaluation revealed that 78.33% of patients experienced no adverse effects, while only a small proportion reported mild gastrointestinal complaints such as bloating, abdominal distension, or upper abdominal burning, indicating excellent tolerability. Overall, the findings suggest that the combination of simethicone and activated charcoal is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated therapeutic option for the symptomatic management of dyspepsia and provides valuable real-world evidence supporting its routine clinical use.

SMART MEDICATION INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR PATIENT SAFETY AND MEDICATION ADHERENCE: A REVIEW

2026-07-20T16:49:30-04:00

Medication errors and poor treatment adherence remain common healthcare problems, particularly among elderly individuals, rural populations, and patients with limited health literacy. Many patients find it difficult to understand medication instructions, dosage schedules, and precautions, which can lead to unsafe medicine use and poor treatment outcomes. QR codes, pictograms, multilingual guidance systems, AI chatbots, voice assistants, reminder applications, smart packaging, and telepharmacy services are increasingly being used to improve medication communication and adherence. These approaches make medication information easier to access and understand while also assisting pharmacists in patient counseling, follow-up care, and adherence monitoring.