WHO | 10 facts on antimicrobial resistance

WHO | 10 facts on antimicrobial resistance

"Many of the drug treatment breakthroughs of the last century could be lost through the spread of antimicrobial resistance. As a result, many infectious diseases may one day become uncontrollable and could rapidly spread throughout the world."

What is antimicrobial resistance?

Drug resistance is a global problem.

What causes drug resistance?

Inappropriate use of medicines leads to drug resistance.

Lack of quality medicines leads to drug resistance.

Animal husbandry is a source of drug resistance.

Poor infection prevention and control amplifies drug resistance.

Weak surveillance systems contribute to drug resistance.

The pipeline for new tools to combat drug resistance is drying up.

WHO calls on stakeholders to combat drug resistance.

Source: World Health Organization

List of Confused Drug Names

As Pharmacists, it is our duty to ensure the safety of the patients by dispensing the right medicines. But no matter how devoted we are in giving out the correct drugs from the shelves, still there are times that we commit mistakes. Mistakes that can lead to serious devastating effects to patients which we don’t want to happen. There were instances that such mistakes lead to death.

There are so many drugs that are confused of other drugs. They can be look-alike or sound-alike. We must exert effort in dispensing medicines. We must not rely on our memories; bring the prescription with you as you look for the medicines. Read it as many times as possible to make sure that you didn’t mistake it with other drug. Confirm with the doctor if you are unsure of something. The following are just example of these confused drug names:

Dioval             -           Diovan

iodine              -           Lodine

lorazepam        -           clonazepam

Rapidex           -           Casodex

Lyrica              -           Lamictal

Zyrtec              -           Zyprexa

Rifater             -           Rifadin

Ritonavir         -           Retrovir

Viagra             -           Allegra

Xanax              -           Zantac

Xeloda             -           Xenical

Yasmin            -           Yaz

Zyvox              -           Zovirax

For more look-alikes, sound-alike drugs, here’s the a List of Confused Drug Names from Institute of Safe Medication Practices

Throw Away Your Old Medicines Safely

Photo Courtesy of ernes

When was the last time you check your medicine cabinet? You can do it after you read this article if you may. Old and not needed medicines should be discarded properly to avoid serious problems. EXP (Expiration Date) is normally printed on all over-the-counter or non-prescription medicines. Look for it and if it is outdated, toss it in the bin. Remember that expired medicines cannot give the desired effect we are hoping for, but instead it can result to serious cases. Example of this is kidney failure for taking expired tetracycline.


Flushing down the toilet is no longer advisable measure to dispose the medications. These medications can find their way into waterways which could possibly caused abnormalities of fish or sometimes accidental human poisoning.

Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols and Dose Designation

Photo Courtesy of ignis

Institute of Safe Medication Practices released a table of NEVER to use abbreviation, symbols and dose designation in communicating medical information. Some of which are given below:

Abbreviation	Intended Meaning	Misinterpretation	Correction
µg	Microgram	Confused as "mg"	Use "mcg"
BT	Bedtime	Confused as "BID" twice daily	Use "bedtime"
qd or QD	Daily	Confused as "QID"	Use "daily"
qhs	Nightly at bedtime	Confused as "qhr" or every hour	Use "nightly"
Inderal40 mg	Inderal 40 mg	Confused as Inderal 140mg	Use adequate space between drug name, dose and unit of measure.
Tegretol300 mg	Tegretol 300 mg	Confused as Tegretol 1300 mg	Use adequate space between drug name, dose and unit of measure.
AZT	ridovudine (Retrovir)	Confused as azathioprine or aztreonam	Use complete name of drug.
HCT	hydrocortisone	Confused as hydrochlrothiazide	Use complete name of drug.
HCTZ	hydrochlorothiazide	Confused as hydrocortisone (HCT250mg)	Use complete name of drug.
MTX	methotrexate	Confused as mitoxantrone	Use complete name of drug.
ℨ	Dram	Confused as "3"	Use the metric system.
º	Hour	Confused as a zero (eg. q1º seen as q10	Use "hr", "h", or "hour"

Source: Institute for Safe Medication Practices

Let's be a part in promoting safe practices.

Click the link below for the complete list:

Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols and Dose Designation