No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Rhode Island, 2002. / "... presents a comprehensive analysis of the classification of nonprescription medicines and Rx-to-OTC switch criteria policy in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and Australia."--abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 245-251). Also available on the internet.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Medicine in Pharmaceutical Affairs Johannesburg, South Africa 2017 / In the Republic of South Africa codeine containing medicines are either sold as prescription only medicines or over the counter depending on the strength of codeine contained in the medicine. The analgesic properties of codeine are thought to be derived from the conversion of codeine to morphine. Codeine is often combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Codeine is a relatively weak opioid analgesic that has seemingly addictive properties; the misuse of codeine-containing-medicines can cause morbidity in patients with known codeine addiction. The Regulation of codeine has been reviewed in a number of countries to try and curb the misuse of the product. This involves the reduction in the strength of codeine, reduction in the package size and duration of treatment of over-the-counter (OTC) codeine containing products and in some countries the OTC codeine containing products have been rescheduled into prescription only medicines. The study aims to monitor and describe trends in the sales of OTC codeine-containing medicines from Pick n Pay retail pharmacies in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal provinces of South Africa from July 2011 to June 2014. Secondary data on the sales of OTC codeine-containing medicines from Pick n Pay Pharmacies database was obtained, which described the(1) pharmacy name, (2) the trade name of the medicine items sold, (3) the quantities of the medicines sold, (4) the purchase date of medicine, (5) the cost of the medicine, (6) the age of the purchaser, (7) the gender of the purchaser and (8) the mode of payment used when purchasing for the study period. A statistical software system, SPSS® version 20 was used to analyse the data. The study findings indicate a steady increase in the sales of the OTC codeine containing medicine over the years. Females were found to be the main purchasers of these products and the age group which purchased most of the products is the 40 to 45 years age group. The top three selling brands of the OTC codeine containing medicines were found to be Genpayne Capsules (30%), Myprodol Capsules (27%) and Mybuline Tablets (14%) of all the sales of these products in the three provinces combined. The mode of payment used for these purchases was mainly cash payment which accounted for sixty-five percent of the payments. There is a need to review the Codeine Car Initiative to monitor and audit the sales of these products so as to make an informed decision on their appropriate regulation. / MT2017

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Sydney, 2000. / Includes tables. Title from title screen (viewed Apr. 23, 2008). Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the Dept. of Psychology, Faculty of Science. Includes bibliography. Also available in print form.

Background: Non-prescription medicines (NPMs) may be misused, abused and lead to dependence. Aims and methods • To determine the prevalence of self-reported NPM misuse, abuse and dependence in the general population and to explore factors predictive of misuse or abuse using a cross-sectional postal survey (n=411). • To identify the perceived barriers and enablers to seeking treatment for NPM dependence using qualitative semi-structured interviews with individuals dependent on NPMs (n=8). • To establish how NPM dependence is managed by specialist clinicians using an online survey (n=83) and to identify the perceived barriers and enablers to providing treatment using qualitative semi-structured interviews with a subset of survey respondents (n=11). Results A response rate of 43.4% (411/946) was achieved for the general population survey. The lifetime prevalence was 19.3% for NPM misuse, 4.1% for abuse and 2% for dependence. Factors significantly predictive of misuse or abuse were younger age, having a long-standing illness requiring regular use of NPMs and ever having used illicit drugs or legal highs. The most frequently mentioned barriers to seeking treatment were insufficient knowledge about treatment and how to access it, and a perceived lack of services or healthcare professionals which could provide appropriate help. Most clinicians had encountered cases of NPM dependence and prescribed opiate replacement therapy to treat it. The most frequently identified barriers to providing treatment were limited resources or capacity and the challenges presented by individuals dependent on NPMs. Conclusion There is a need for greater awareness of the potential for NPM misuse, abuse and dependence among the general population and healthcare professionals. The general population should be made aware that treatment is available and how to access it. Healthcare professionals should be equipped to provide treatment or signpost individuals to appropriate services that will provide treatment.

Dysmenorrhoea, defined as cramping pain in the lower abdomen occurring during menstruation, is known to affect up to 90% of women of childbearing age to varying degrees. The underlying causes of this condition are believed to be due to a number of factors, but are mainly attributed to increased myometrial activity, increased prostaglandin production and hormonal influences. Although there are pharmaceutical treatments available, they mainly concentrate on symptomatic relief, with the main treatment being the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to directly relieve the pain. Other treatments include the use of the combined oral contraceptives which are believed to influence myometrial contractility via regulation of hormonal activity. However due to the gastric and contraceptive side effects of these treatments respectively, other alternative treatments are becoming increasingly popular. One such treatment is the use of Bak foong pills (BFP), a traditional Chinese medicine used in China for the treatment of various gynaecological disorders including primary dysmenorrhoea. The aims of the current project were therefore to highlight the major beneficial effects of BFP and attempt to elucidate its major mechanisms of action in treating dysmenorrhoea. / The study demonstrated that BFP's anti-dysmenorrhoeal properties were due to a combination of hormonal, myometrial relaxant and analgesic effects. Treatment of mice with BFP caused an estrogen-like effects as demonstrated with increased cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mRNA expression. Furthermore, serum estrogen and progesterone levels were also elevated in BFP treated rats. BFP was also able to significantly reduce myometrial contractions, indicating that BFP's anti-dysmenorrhoeal effect may be aided by reduced contractility of the myometrium following treatment. The uterine relaxation caused by BFP was not dependant on increases in nitric oxide or cAMP, but appeared to affect calcium mobilization. Investigation of the analgesic effect of BFP, assessed using a visceral pain model in mice showed that following sub-chronic (72 hour) treatment with BFP, there was a significant reduction in pain response, demonstrating that BFP had direct analgesic effect. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) / Rowlands Dewi Kenneth. / "July 2005." / Adviser: Hsiao Chang Chan. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-07, Section: B, page: 3533. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 148-165). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / School code: 1307.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008. xix, 122 leaves / Discussion among homoeopaths in South Africa provides the impression that there is a degree of misunderstanding and ignorance about homoeopathy, and opinions are varied on its application and efficacy amongst the South African public. An over the counter (OTC) medicine, is a medicine which is sold without a prescription directly to the public, which includes homoeopathic medicines. OTC medicines may be sold at any retail outlet, i.e. a pharmacy or general store. There is much evidence pointed towards the growth and rise in over the counter sales in complementary and alternative medicine, a growth of more than 17% in total, homoeopathy is a major part of the complementary and alternative medicine group, having its own growth of more than 16% over a four year period. Self-medication in the form of over the counter medicines forms the main part of this industry (Caldis, 2000). The market was previously examined by the Mintel Group for complementary medicines and its growth in sales, in April 2003. Since then, the market has continued to expand, growing by 45% in real terms from 1999 to 2004. Greater consumer awareness of alternative medicines, an interest in healthy lifestyles, and the willingness to self-medicate certain conditions have all contributed to the increased value of sales (Mintel, 2005). Whenever the economic and public health benefits of self-medication are discussed, it is important to address inequalities in health. This means that not every citizen may feel sufficiently confident to practice responsible self-medication. It is also evident that not everybody has the financial means to do iii so. The whole notion of responsible self-medication both in a traditional sense and in the future is based on the concept of choice. Allowing individuals certain options when they suffer minor, self-limiting or chronic diseases is the fundamental consideration behind responsible self-medication (AESGP, 2004). Methodology A non-experimental descriptive survey was conducted to determine the perceptions of registered South African Homoeopaths regarding the availability of over the counter homoeopathic remedies. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and 68 anonymous responses were obtained. Raw data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the relationships between variables tested for correlations. Results Respondents perceived homoeopathic OTC medicine sales and their availability in health shops and pharmacies, as contributing to the promotion of the profession as well as increasing its accessibility to the public. Other benefits perceived were the cost effectiveness of homoeopathic OTC medicines and convenience for home usage. The majority of respondents felt that there should be certain restrictions regarding the availability of OTC homoeopathic medicines, such as, the limitations regarding the availability of certain potencies. Participants also expressed concern over the degree of training held by retail outlet staff. Certain respondents felt that homoeopathic medicines should only be iv available with a prescription or used under the guidance of their practitioner. Other negative aspects of over the counter homoeopathic medicines were: incorrect use of medication, overdosing, and potential negative effects the patient may experience if the OTC medicine interacts with other medication, as well as the concern over the risks of self-medicating without the advice from a practitioner. Conclusions and recommendations The majority of respondents were in favour of the availability of homoeopathic OTC medicines to the public, provided that they are suitably regulated to ensure patient safety and quality control. Furthermore the regulation of the relevant retail outlets including education of staff in this regard was recommended. Respondents also were in favour of the awareness of the profession that homoeopathic OTC medicines created.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008. xix, 122 leaves / Discussion among homoeopaths in South Africa provides the impression that there is a degree of misunderstanding and ignorance about homoeopathy, and opinions are varied on its application and efficacy amongst the South African public. An over the counter (OTC) medicine, is a medicine which is sold without a prescription directly to the public, which includes homoeopathic medicines. OTC medicines may be sold at any retail outlet, i.e. a pharmacy or general store. There is much evidence pointed towards the growth and rise in over the counter sales in complementary and alternative medicine, a growth of more than 17% in total, homoeopathy is a major part of the complementary and alternative medicine group, having its own growth of more than 16% over a four year period. Self-medication in the form of over the counter medicines forms the main part of this industry (Caldis, 2000). The market was previously examined by the Mintel Group for complementary medicines and its growth in sales, in April 2003. Since then, the market has continued to expand, growing by 45% in real terms from 1999 to 2004. Greater consumer awareness of alternative medicines, an interest in healthy lifestyles, and the willingness to self-medicate certain conditions have all contributed to the increased value of sales (Mintel, 2005). Whenever the economic and public health benefits of self-medication are discussed, it is important to address inequalities in health. This means that not every citizen may feel sufficiently confident to practice responsible self-medication. It is also evident that not everybody has the financial means to do iii so. The whole notion of responsible self-medication both in a traditional sense and in the future is based on the concept of choice. Allowing individuals certain options when they suffer minor, self-limiting or chronic diseases is the fundamental consideration behind responsible self-medication (AESGP, 2004). Methodology A non-experimental descriptive survey was conducted to determine the perceptions of registered South African Homoeopaths regarding the availability of over the counter homoeopathic remedies. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and 68 anonymous responses were obtained. Raw data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the relationships between variables tested for correlations. Results Respondents perceived homoeopathic OTC medicine sales and their availability in health shops and pharmacies, as contributing to the promotion of the profession as well as increasing its accessibility to the public. Other benefits perceived were the cost effectiveness of homoeopathic OTC medicines and convenience for home usage. The majority of respondents felt that there should be certain restrictions regarding the availability of OTC homoeopathic medicines, such as, the limitations regarding the availability of certain potencies. Participants also expressed concern over the degree of training held by retail outlet staff. Certain respondents felt that homoeopathic medicines should only be iv available with a prescription or used under the guidance of their practitioner. Other negative aspects of over the counter homoeopathic medicines were: incorrect use of medication, overdosing, and potential negative effects the patient may experience if the OTC medicine interacts with other medication, as well as the concern over the risks of self-medicating without the advice from a practitioner. Conclusions and recommendations The majority of respondents were in favour of the availability of homoeopathic OTC medicines to the public, provided that they are suitably regulated to ensure patient safety and quality control. Furthermore the regulation of the relevant retail outlets including education of staff in this regard was recommended. Respondents also were in favour of the awareness of the profession that homoeopathic OTC medicines created.

The incidence of autism continues to rise with no cure or understanding of the cause of the disorder. Approximately one in 150 children will be diagnosed with an (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorder although recent prevalence data suggest one in 91. The objective of the study is to assess medicinal intake regarding prescription and nonprescription medications of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and its affect on their nutritional status compared to age, and sex matched healthy children. The study included families of children with autism in which they completed questionnaires and 24‐hour recalls. There were 26 children used within the questionnaire and 13 were utilized in the 24‐hour recall, ranging in age from 2‐11. Results demonstrated that children with autism were not deficient in relation to vital nutrients needed for neurological function. Prescription and nonprescription medications also did not pose many side effects; however, there was slight weight gain in their utilization. Information from the assessments of the child’s nutritional needs and drug nutrient interaction will allow parents, paraprofessionals and healthcare professionals to provide education to families.

Brain stroke is considered as one of the three diseases that threaten human health all over the world. Hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis are thought to be the most dangerous risk factors of brain stroke, and they frequently occur together, leading to ischemia of brain tissue. Unfortunately, it is not clear whether the pathological changes resulting from hypertension are related to those resulting from cerebral arteriosclerosis. There have been no ideal animal models mimicking the pathological changes in such a combined condition. In this thesis, an animal model of hypertension combined with cerebral arteriosclerosis in rats was established by occlusion of both the left and right common carotid arteries in spontaneous hypertension rats. Pien Tze Huang (PTH), a reputed traditional Chinese medicinal complex, contains Radix notoginseng, snake bile, calculus bovis, and musk and some other components that are known to protect vessels and cells from injuries. Since different tissue injuries share many common cellular mechanisms, the protection by PTH to in nerves and the circulation systems may also be benefical to cerebrovascular conditions as well. In present experiments, PTH was used to treat hypertension rats that also developed chronic brain ischemia as a result of the bilateral carotid occlusion, and its protective role for neurons and blood vessels was investiaged. / From the data above, more severe damage could be caused by hypertension combined with chronic ischemia. The model of SHR with bilaterally occluded common carotid artery can be used to study pathological changes resulted from hypertension combined with chronic ischemia. PTH was able to protect neurons in stroke. / In the initial part of the work, patients from clinics in two cities in South and North China were compared and analysed; they had been suffering from brain ischemic stroke. About two thirds of the stroke patients were found to have hypertension before the onset of stroke. Their prognosis was significantly worse than those stroke patients without hypertension. In the hypertensive rats with occluded arteries, mean of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) examination showed that brain blood flow was very weak or even transiently became undetectable at the beginning of the acute stage of brain ischemia, but was restored one hour after the occlusion surgery. In addition, pathological changes in brains of hypertensive rats with induced brain ischemia (carotid occlusion) were examined by Nissl staining, TUNEL staining, cell death ELISA and anti-oxidation enzymes. At day 15 after ischemia, a large number of pyramid cells in the hippocampus of SHR were lost and a great deal of apoptotic cells were found in the CA1 of the hippocampus, while activities of some enzyme including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were increased. At day 30 and 60, some degenerative changes appeared to have subsided and the cells appeared morphologically normal. The activities of the above enzymes were also decreased at day 60. In WKY control rats with normal blood pressure, neurons in the CA1 were found less damaged after the bilateral carotid occlusion. It was found that apoptotic and dead cells were significantly reduced in rats with hypertension combined with chronic brain ischemia if they had been pre-treated with PTH. Moreover, brain stroke damage was less severe in this pretreated rats. / Zhang, Lihong. / "March 2010." / Adviser: WH Kwong. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 72-01, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-134). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.