Use of medicines

Society s control of the use of medicines, and of those who dispense and prescribe them, dates back several thousand years. Equally, norms, standards, practical guides and guidelines to promote effective regulation have now existed nationally and globally for several hundred years. Both developed and developing countries have practised dmg regulation for some time. 

Kassler WJ, Blanc P, Greenblatt R. The use of medicinal herbs by human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. Arch Intern Med 151 2281-2288, 1991. 

Common containers for liquid measurements include cylindrical and conical graduates for quantities of 500 mL or less, pipets for quantities of one mL or less, and a medicinal dropper for still smaller quantities. The calibration and use of medicinal droppers is explained in Chapter 2. 

Improve information for patients and professionals on the correct use of medicinal products... 

However, a new era of plant medicines began with modern science. Rather than trial and error, we can now begin to understand how and why plant medicines work. It is hoped that we can use this information to guide a more safe and effective use of medicinal plants. 

Scientific study of the medicinal uses of plants Uses of medicinal plants/drugs in the context of... 

The mission of the USP is to promote public health through establishing and disseminating legally recognized standards of quality and information for the use of medicines and related artieles by health eare professionals, patients, and consumers. 

Gaudius Galen (129-200 A.D.) first attempted to consider the theoretical background of pharmacology. Both theory and practical experience were to contribute equally to the rational use of medicines through interpretation of observed and experienced results. 

Supply on a particular patient basis encompasses various categories of unauthorised use of medicinal products. A product maybe imauthor-ised because it has been specially formulated for use it may be at the clinical trial stage of development, but be requested by doctors for use outside a trial it may have been authorised previously and then withdrawn from the market for commercial reasons, or because of safety, efficacy or quality concerns or it may be authorised currently, but for a different indication or patient population, or in a different country. 

WHO Pharmacovigilance Ensuring the safe use of medicines WHO Policy Perspectives on Medicines No 9. Geneva, October 2004. 

Communication with healthcare professionals and the general public is essential to promoting safe and effective use of medicines. Legislation is in place in the European Union to ensure not only that these avenues of communications are not abused but also to impose appropriate penalties when the legislative code is breached. 

Other groups focus on particular aspects, such as greater dissemination of information about the quality use of medicines. 

Padulosi S, Leaman D, Quek P, Challenges and opportunities in enhancing the conservation and use of medicinal and aromatic plants, J Herbs Spices Med Plants 9 243-267, 2002. 

---