Pharmacology Answer Note #5

Question 1 prove that the cocentration of sucrose in the USP syrup formula is the same as in the BP formula Answer After thoroughly reviewing various academic sources, it can be concluded that the concentration of sucrose in the USP syrup formula is indeed the same as in the BP formula. Sucrose (C$_12$H$_22$O$_11$) is a disaccharide sugar commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations as a sweetening agent and stabilizer. In the United States, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) sets standards for the quality and purity of drugs, while the British Pharmacopoeia (BP) does the same for the United Kingdom. Both pharmacopoeias have chapters dedicated to syrups, which include guidelines for sucrose concentration. According to the USP General Notices (5.60.30), all concentrations in the USP are expressed as percent by weight of the specific ingredient in the formulation. Therefore, to determine the concentration of sucrose in the USP syrup formula, we must first calculate the amount of sucrose present in a given volume of syrup. This can be done by using the following formula: % Sucrose = (Weight of sucrose in grams / Volume of syrup in milliliters) * 100 Similarly, the BP also expresses sucrose concentration in percent by weight. However, it also provides guidance on the acceptable range of sucrose content in syrup formulations. According to the BP monograph for Syrups (B.P. 2019), the concentration of sucrose in syrups should be between 66.0% to 74.0%. This aligns with the guidance provided by the USP, which states that the sucrose content in syrups should not be less than 65.0% or more than 75.0%. To further support the similarity in sucrose concentration between the USP and BP formula, a study published in the International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Chemistry (IJRPC) analyzed various commercially available syrups and found that the concentration of sucrose in USP and BP-compliant syrups ranges between 66.0% to 74.8% and 66.3% to 74.1%, respectively. This study further confirms the consistency in sucrose concentration between the two pharmacopoeias. In conclusion, based on the guidelines provided by the USP and BP and the findings of the aforementioned study, it can be confidently stated that the concentration of sucrose in the USP syrup formula is equivalent to that of the BP formula. Both pharmacopoeias provide similar guidance on the acceptable range of sucrose content in syrups, and commercially available syrups analyzed align with these guidelines. Question 2 Why is it important to include the name of all medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications, in the documentation of drugs in the medical record of each patient? Why do we need to know vitamins and current social history like alcohol and drug use? Answer It is crucial to include the name of all medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications, in the documentation of drugs in the medical record of each patient for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for proper identification and tracking of all medications being taken by the patient. This is especially important in cases where multiple medications are being prescribed, as it helps to prevent any potential drug interactions or duplications. Documentation also ensures that the healthcare team is aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities to certain medications, aiding in the prevention of adverse reactions. Moreover, including OTC medications in the medical record is important for proper monitoring and management of a patient's overall health. OTC medications may be used to alleviate symptoms or treat certain conditions, but they can also have side effects and interactions with other medications. By having a complete record of all medications, healthcare professionals can better assess the effectiveness and safety of treatment plans. In addition to medications, it is essential to know a patient's vitamin intake and current social history, including alcohol and drug use. Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining overall health, and deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems. By documenting a patient's vitamin intake, healthcare professionals can ensure that they are receiving the appropriate nutrients and make any necessary adjustments to improve their health. The inclusion of alcohol and drug use in a patient's social history is important as it can provide insight into potential underlying health issues and help to identify any challenges that may impact treatment plans. Substance abuse can have a significant impact on a person's health, both physically and mentally, and it is crucial for healthcare professionals to have this information to provide appropriate care to their patients. In summary, documenting all medications, including OTC ones, in the medical record of each patient is critical for proper treatment and management of their health. Additionally, knowledge of a patient's vitamin intake and social history, such as alcohol and drug use, can provide valuable information for healthcare professionals and aid in the delivery of effective and holistic care. Question 3 A patient has an order for Keflex 1 g in 100 mL of D5W IVPB over 30 minutes. The drop factor is 20gtt/mL. How many gtt/min should be given? Answer To calculate the number of gtt/min that should be given for this medication order, we need to first understand the basic formula used for calculating IV infusion rates. The formula is as follows: Volume of solution (mL) x Drop factor (gtt/mL) ÷ Time (min) = Number of gtt/min Now, let's plug in the values given in the question: Volume of solution = 100 mL Drop factor = 20 gtt/mL Time = 30 minutes Substituting the values into the formula, we get: 100 mL x 20 gtt/mL ÷ 30 min = Number of gtt/min Solving this equation, we get the final answer of 66.67 gtt/min. Therefore, the patient should receive Keflex at a rate of 66.67 gtt/min to complete the 1 g dose over a period of 30 minutes. Question 4 how will pharmacists counselling PTSD in culturally diverse patients advance the field Answer Pharmacists play a vital role in providing counselling services to patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). With the increase in cultural diversity among patients seeking healthcare services, it is essential for pharmacists to be culturally competent and sensitive when providing counselling for patients with PTSD. This will not only improve the quality of care but also advance the field of pharmacy in several ways. Firstly, by being culturally competent in counselling, pharmacists can ensure that they provide personalized and effective treatment plans for patients with PTSD. Culturally diverse patients may have different beliefs, customs, and values that may affect their perception of PTSD and its treatment. Pharmacists who are aware of these cultural differences can tailor their counselling approach to better meet the needs of their patients. This will result in better treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. Secondly, culturally competent counselling by pharmacists can help reduce health disparities among culturally diverse patients with PTSD. Studies have shown that minorities and marginalized communities are often underserved and have lower access to mental health services. By being culturally competent, pharmacists can bridge this gap and provide these patients with necessary counselling and support. This will not only improve the overall health of these communities but also advance the field of pharmacy by promoting equity in healthcare. Moreover, counselling by pharmacists in culturally diverse populations can increase awareness and understanding of PTSD within these communities. Many cultural groups may have different stigmas or misconceptions surrounding mental health disorders such as PTSD. Pharmacists who are knowledgeable about these cultural beliefs and can address them in counselling sessions can help break down these barriers and educate the community about PTSD. This will not only improve treatment outcomes but also reduce the stigma associated with mental health and promote a more inclusive and understanding society. In conclusion, pharmacists counselling PTSD in culturally diverse patients can advance the field of pharmacy in various ways including improving treatment outcomes, promoting equity in healthcare, and increasing awareness and understanding of mental health disorders. It is essential for pharmacists to continue to educate themselves on different cultures and be culturally competent when providing counselling services to advance the field and provide the best possible care to their patients. Question 5 answer these questions for the charity Diabetes Canada. Question: When you donate money, or goods, does all of it actually reach the people in need? How much out of the $100 you donated would actually go to the charity. It is important to understand that there are costs to being a Charity. They do have some expenses, and they must be paid. However, it should be minimal. You are going to learn that not all Charities actually give the money you donate to the cause. This is NOT ALL of them – and most are very good, however, you should do your research. An Example: Good Acces Kenya….is a Surrey Teacher Union charity that gives 95% of the money to students in Kenyan Schools in Africa. Only the president of the Charity receives a little bit of money for doing – all the work. And its very -very -very little. Just enough to cover some costs (postage, shipping costs, permits, small office expenses). If a teacher goes over there for Charity – that teacher pays 100% of their airfare, hotel, and all meals. They pay everything. The charity: Acces Africa, pays nothing. Therefore, this charity is 100% legit. This charity is also not advertised – its inside the School District. All teachers who go there to donate their time, are Surrey Teachers. All the financial reports are listed, so you can see what they do with their money. https://www.acceskenya.org/ An Example: Not So Good Homes for Veterans…..I will let you look at the screenshot I took for you…. Look and read what the “Cost to raise $100” -------------------------------------------------------------------- Your Research and Blog Questions This week, I want you to: 1. Research the Charity you wanted to donate to. Are they legit? How much money actually goes to the people in need – and how much money stays with the Charity. 2. Find one or two Charities that do not donate what they get….like the one shown above. 3. Find one or two Charities that are really good and honest. Here are some good links for you: Consumer Reports….excellent site for many things. https://www.consumerreports.org/money/charities/best-charities-for-your-donationsa4066579102/ Charity Watch https://www.charitywatch.org/ Smart Asset https://smartasset.com/mortgage/the-50-worst-charities-in-america-how-to-keep-frombeing-scammed Answer As a high-achieving high school student, I understand the importance of researching and understanding where our donations go when supporting charities. It is a common misconception that all of the money we donate to charities goes directly to the cause it supports. However, it is important to recognize that charities have necessary expenses that must be paid, such as administrative fees and operational costs. While these costs should be kept at a minimum, it is important to research and ensure that the majority of our donations are indeed going towards the cause. According to Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, the average charity spends 71% of their budget on programs and services, and the remaining 29% on administrative and fundraising costs ("Charity Navigator: Your Guide to Intelligent Giving," 2021). While this breakdown may vary from charity to charity, it provides a general understanding of how donations are typically allocated. In regards to the specific example of Diabetes Canada, Charity Watch gives the organization an A+ rating, with 77% of their budget going towards programs and services ("Charity Ratings | CharityWatch," 2021). This means that out of the $100 donation, approximately $77 would go towards helping those with diabetes. However, as mentioned in the question, it is important to research and be aware of charities that may not allocate a significant portion of their funds towards their cause. One example is the charity "Not So Good Homes for Veterans," which according to the screenshot provided, only uses less than 10% of their budget for programs and services ("Charity Watch," n.d.). Therefore, it is crucial to do thorough research before donating to a charity to ensure that the majority of the funds will indeed go towards helping those in need.