Drug Album

Introduction

In government settings, it is widespread practice to keep one brand of a drug at a time, often the cheapest one available. Consequently, although undesirable, patients may be switched to different brands of the same drug over time.

  • This can be confusing for patients, especially if they identify medications by their appearance, rather than by the brand name or generic name.

A drug album (being physical or electronic) can be a helpful tool for identifying drugs.

  • By showing the patients the photo of the old brand, pharmacists can ensure that the patients are taking the medication correctly when brand switch happens.



The Next Thing: Drug Identification

Unknown Drug

Also, if a patient is admitted to the hospital and does not have their prescription with them, but only physical medications, a drug album can be helpful to identify unknown drugs.

  • Nonetheless, browsing through a compiled list of drug photos to identify drugs is very time consuming.
Hence, an electronic drug album with description (such as colour, shape, imprints) can help to narrow down the drug list quickly.

  • It is the fundamental concept of drug identification feature available in many drug databases such as Lexicomp and MIMS Malaysia.



Tablet Shapes

When reading through tablet description in product leaflets, you may come across many different terms, such as round, oval, rectangular, modified capsule, shield, bevelled edge and scored.

  • Hence, it is important to understand these terms.

Natoli's Guide to Tablet Shapes

Common Tablet Shapes



My Project

I have initiated a drug album project in April 2022 that covers the most common drugs that are dispensed at my outpatient pharmacy.

  • The album includes photos of the drugs, as well as descriptions of their colour, shape, dosage form, taste (where applicable) and in-use shelf life.
  • You can also quickly identify drugs by inputting details in the filter section.
Rx Drug Identifier

Nonetheless, there are lots of restrictions to make it more comprehensive for other pharmacists.

  • Time and effort
  • Lack of image material on the internet
  • Accessibility to different brands on the market at government hospital setting
  • A balance between photo zoomability and image size
  • The massive numbers of drugs available in the market



Summary

As of now, there might be still an unmet need for a drug album for practicising pharmacists.

  • However, it is now so convenient to obtain product leaflets, consumer medicine information and the immediate label of a medication from Quest 3+ Product Search.
  • In the next iteration of Quest 5 Product Search, we might be able to have a look at medication and drug drescription search.



External Links

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