Comparative evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of apremilast and methotrexate in patients of moderate-to-severe palmoplantar psoriasis: A randomized, parallel, open-label clinical trial.

Background: Variable results about efficacy as well as safety of apremilast compared to methotrexate are reported in different trials. Hence, it is necessary to collect more evidence to prove the role of Apremilast in palmoplantar psoriasis.

Methodology: The study was a randomized, prospective, parallel-group, open-label study conducted in patients with moderate-to-severe palmoplantar psoriasis.

Comparative study of efficacy and safety of cetirizine and bilastine in patients of chronic spontaneous urticaria: Open-label, randomized, parallel-group study.

Purpose: Bilastine is a novel second-generation antihistaminic. Very few studies in Indian population have compared the safety and efficacy of bilastine with other second-generation antihistaminic like cetirizine. Hence, the present study was planned.

Assessment of adherence to medication during chronic illnesses in pregnancy.

Purpose/aim: To evaluate adherence to medication in chronic illnesses during pregnancy and to identify factors responsible for non-adherence.

Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire based study initiated after approval of the institutional ethics committee. Pregnant women suffering from any chronic illness (except HIV) were questioned to evaluate adherence to medication in chronic illnesses during pregnancy and to detect factors responsible for non-adherence using a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of vilazodone, escitalopram, and amitriptyline in patients of major depressive disorder: A randomized, parallel, open-label clinical study.

Objectives: To evaluate and compare efficacy and tolerability of Vilazodone with Escitalopram and Amitriptyline in patients of major depressive disorder(MDD).

Methods: This was a randomized, prospective, parallel-group, open label clinical study in which newly diagnosed patients of MDD were randomized to receive Tab Vilazodone 20 mg daily or Tab Escitalopram 20mg daily or Tab Amitriptyline 75mg daily for 12 weeks. Antidepressant activity was assessed by change in score from baseline to week 12 on HAMD-17 and MADRS scales while change in score on HAM-A scale was used to assess antianxiety effect.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Olmesartan, Telmisartan, and Losartan in Patients of Stage I Hypertension: A Randomized, Open-label Study.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of losartan, telmisartan, and olmesartan as antihypertensive agents and evaluate and compare their effects on lipid profile and blood glucose.

Materials And Methods: This was a randomized, open-label, parallel-group, comparative study conducted in sixty patients of Stage I hypertension. The eligible patients were randomly allocated into three treatment groups: (1) Tablet olmesartan (20 mg), (2) Tablet telmisartan (40 mg), and (3) Tablet losartan (50 mg).

Evaluation of adherence to therapy in patients of chronic kidney disease.

Objective: To evaluate adherence to medication and study factors associated with non-adherence in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire based study was conducted in Nephrology department of a super specialty hospital. Patients above 18 years of age, suffering from CKD from six months or more were interviewed using self-designed, semi-structured questionnaire to get information about adherence to medication, diet restriction and lifestyle modification (n = 150).

Assessment of quality of life in epilepsy patients receiving anti-epileptic drugs in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Objectives: Health-related quality of life (QOL) is an important outcome in epilepsy treatment. Very few studies have been carried out on the quality of life in epilepsy (QOLIE-31) in India. The present study aimed to determine the level of health-related QOLIE-31 in patients of epilepsy.

Impact of medicine-related information on medicine purchase and use by literate consumers.

Aims: To measure impact of information, education, and communication intervention (IEC) on rational medicine use, purchase, and stocking behavior.

Materials And Methods: This was a pre- and post-design, interventional study. Base data were collected in first visit, using pre tested questionnaire from 500 respondents, who were of either gender, English speaking, at least graduates, permanent residents, and willing to participate.

Prescribing pattern of medicines in chronic kidney disease with emphasis on phosphate binders.

Objectives: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) suffer with multiple comorbidities and complications like secondary hyperparathyroidism and hyperphosphotemia. Altered mineral metabolism contributes to bone disease and cardiovascular disease. In patients of CKD, despite dietary phosphorus restriction, phosphate binders (PBs) are recommended to control phosphorous level.

Study of impact of antitubercular therapy on quality of life.

Introduction: Many aspects of tuberculosis (TB) and its treatment can compromise patients' quality of life (QOL). Treatment of active TB requires prolonged therapy with multiple drugs that can lead to adverse reactions. There is considerable social stigma associated with TB, leaving the individual feeling shunned and isolated.

Experimental evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of simvastatin and atorvastatin.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of atorvastatin and simvastatin in different experimental models in mice and rats.

Materials And Methods: Analgesic activity of simvastatin and atorvastatin was assessed in tail flick model in rats (n = 6), where it was compared with aspirin and tramadol and in acetic acid induced writhing in mice (n = 6), where it was compared with aspirin. Anti-inflammatory activity of statins was evaluated using carrageenin induced paw edema and formalin induced arthritis in rats.

Effect of information, education and communication intervention on awareness about rational pharmacy practice in pharmacy students.

Background: There is a growing indifference among the pharmacy practitioners towards their duty as information providers to the patients. The patients do not always get enough desired information about proper use of medicines from the prescribers also. This contributes to improper use of medicines by the patients.

Pre and post-interventional pattern of self medication in three common illnesses in staff of a tertiary hospital.

Objective: To find the pattern of self medication in three common illnesses (diarrhea, sore throat, common cold) in nonmedical staff of a tertiary care teaching hospital and to study the effect of IEC.

Materials And Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out in 100 randomly selected nonmedical staff members. Participants were interviewed by a semi structured questionnaire to obtain information about practice of self medication in the three illnesses.