Global Journal of Medical Lab Technology

PREPARATION AND IN VITRO CHARACTERIZATION OF IN SITU OPHTHALMIC GEL OF NORFLOXACIN

ARCHANA DANGI

Topical anti-infectives are commonly used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis and infection of cornea caused by susceptible strains of bacteria such as S. aureus, S.epidermidis, S. pneumoniae, Enterobactercloacae. The seantiinfectives are delivered in to the eyes by the formulations like eye drops, eye ointment and other conventional formulation but since they are associated with the problems like high flushing rate, irritation and lack of retention of the formulation in to the eye A new formulation In situ gels have come which is devoid of above mention lacking and suitable for the application of anti-infective agents in ophthalmic route .In this research work in situ Gel of Norfloxacin was developed by using different grade of Hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose and Carbopol 934 .Different in situ gel formulations were prepared and evaluated for Visual Appearance and Clarity, pH, In vitro gelationstudy, Rheological studies, Drug content analysis, and in vitro drug release study. In this research work total Eight formulations were developed and after optimization of batches F8 formulation revealed, good gelling strength, clarity, acceptable pH and better in vitro drug release .This was considered as the promising in situ gel formulation of Norfloxacin.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PHARMACOVIGILANCE PROGRAM IN CONTEXT OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS (ADRs)

SHAHNAZ HAQUE

This paper will discuss about the need for safe usage of drugs and monitoring in the perspective of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR). The Pharmacovigilance program will emphasize on patient safety improvement by early detection and future avoidance of any negative consequences from the use of the drug. Hence, the discussion will be around the implementation of an effective regulatory system, clinical practices, and public health programs. Moreover, it will also will also evaluate the necessity of collecting sufficient data before marketing any drug, country wise evidence of adverse reactions, and the advantages of including the consumers in ADR reporting to attain the highest standard of health. The paper will also concentrate on limitations, like the challenges of recognizing the adverse events, underreporting, and quality report submission on the basis of population exposure, for emphasizing the necessity of reducing the adverse effects on the patients and improving their quality of life.

The Views of Jamaicans on their decision to be Vaccinated against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Paul Andrew Bourne

Introduction: The Jamaican government is working assiduously to ensure that its citizens receive the COVID-19 vaccinations. Despite these efforts, some Jamaicans are still reluctant towards taking the vaccines. As of December 6, 2021, over four billion people (55.2%) worldwide got vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 45% of the population worldwide are fully vaccinated. As of the same date, 17.72% (n=526,900) of Jamaicans were fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

Objective: To evaluate the perception of vaccinated Jamaicans' decision to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease.

Method: This study sought to evaluate the perception of vaccinated Jamaicans' decision on vaccinating against the COVID-19 disease. The study occurred between September 1 and November 22, 2021. One thousand and sixty-six male and female volunteers from the three Jamaican counties of Cornwall, Middlesex, and Surrey participated in this study using purposive sampling. Researchers used Google Forms to generate a standardized survey questionnaire consisting of 14 health-seeking behaviour and demographic closed-ended questions using a qualitative analysis method.

Results: Most of the COVID-19 sampled respondents were 1) aged 55-64 years (19.1%,n=205) followed by those aged 25-34 years (17.8%, n=191), 2) lived in rural areas (65.0%, n=699), 3) resided in Kingston and St. Andrew (16.6%, n=178), and 4) those in the healthcare sector (21.7%, n=233) followed by people employed in the tourism and entertainment industry (15.8%, n=170). Of the vaccinated sampled respondents (n=1,075), only 35.3% (n=379) of them have had only 1-dose of the vaccine against COVID-19.Fully-vaccinated Jamaicans are 4.5 times more likely to be pro-Vax than if they perceived the vaccine ineffective in treating the COVID-19 disease. Jamaicans who believed that the COVID-19 vaccines are at least somewhat effective are 2.5 times more likely to be pro-Vax than those who perceived the vaccines to be ineffective in treating the disease. People's occupation is 1.9 times more likely to account for them being fully vaccinated. The information provided on social media websites is influential in determining Jamaicans decision to be fully vaccinated against the disease (OR=1.1).

Conclusion: The hesitancy of Jamaicans towards the COVID-19 vaccines is a multidimensional issue and one that cannot be addressed by simply mandating vaccination. COVID-19 is a communicable disease that has changed the biopsychosocial landscape of the world and to address the matter, policies must be multi-factorial and not mandatory vaccination.