Pharma Watch

Words by Sadhana Dahal Sadhana Dahal earned her PharmD from Punjab University, Pakistan. Embarking on an academic career, she lectured in Pharmacy at Asian College for Advanced Studies. Recognizing the need for further education, she pursued an M.Phil. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the same Pakistani university. She taught Pharm. D …

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has issued an important reminder to healthcare professionals regarding the use of valaciclovir and aciclovir, emphasizing the risk of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). This rare but severe and potentially fatal drug reaction can present with symptoms such as …

MIT researchers have employed deep learning to identify a class of compounds effective against drug-resistant bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), responsible for over 10,000 deaths annually in the United States. The study published in Nature demonstrated the compounds’ potency in lab dishes and mouse models, emphasizing their low toxicity …

In a bid to ensure the quality and legality of pharmaceutical services, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has issued a decisive directive to pharmacies operating within its jurisdiction. Currently, there are approximately 2,600 pharmacies functioning within the metropolis.   The KMC’s Health Department released a statement highlighting the mandate for …

Words by Suman Shahukhal Clopidogrel is a widely prescribed antiplatelet drug and if you practice internal medicine or cardiovascular medicine, you certainly may have prescribed the drug to multiple patients, right? There has been a revision in the guidelines for Clopidogrel use based on Pharmacovigilance data. The pharmacovigilance studies revealed …

Words by Sanjaya Mani Dixit  Medications are a potent tool aiding in our battle against illnesses and diseases. The allure of medications lies in their ability to heal, alleviate suffering, and enhance quality of life.  They possess potent capabilities in preventing or treating diseases when administered correctly. However, their potency …

Words by Sanjaya Mani Dixit  Deprescribing offers a plethora of advantages, transcending age boundaries. The practice allows healthcare providers to gain a clearer understanding of the patient’s actual health conditions, leading to more informed treatment decisions. Deprescribing is more than just a trend; it’s a paradigm shift that prioritizes patient …

Beginning around the age of 40, most adults have difficulty with near vision, and many find the need to use reading glasses. In October 2021, the US FDA granted approval for the use of Allergan’s eye drop, Vuity (pilocarpine HCl ophthalmic solution) 1.25%, which could eliminate the need for reading …

Pharmacies opened on a community level to cater to the medication needs of the people living in the nearby area are called community pharmacies. A community pharmacy (aushadhi pasal) is often referred to as a medical shop or chemist store or retail pharmacy in Nepal. In a developing nation like …

Nootropics is a class of substances that can boost brain performance, and so are sometimes called cognition/memory enhancers. Prescription nootropics have stimulant effects and can offset symptoms of medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s, or narcolepsy. Nonprescription substances like caffeine and creatine, which can enhance brain performance …