Analysis of Prescriptions Dispensed at Community Pharmacies in Nablus, Palestine

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Journal Title, Volume, Page: 
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, Vol. 16 No. 7
Year of Publication: 
2010
Authors: 
A. F. Sawalha
Poison Control And Drug Information Centre, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Current Affiliation: 
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
W.M. Sweileh
College Of Pharmacy, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
S.H. Zyoud
Poison Control And Drug Information Centre, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
S.W. Al-Jabi
College Of Pharmacy, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
F.F. Bni Shamseh
Poison Control And Drug Information Centre (PCDIC), An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
A.A. Odah
Poison Control And Drug Information Centre (PCDIC), An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
Preferred Abstract (Original): 

We investigated the prescription quality and prescribing trends of private clinicians in Nablus governorate, Palestine. A total of 363 prescriptions were collected from a random sample of 36 community pharmacies over a study period of 288 working hours. Data regarding elements in the prescription and the types of drugs prescribed were analysed. Physician-related variables were mostly noted, however, patient's address and weight were absent in all prescriptions and less than half included age and sex. Information regarding strength of the medications prescribed was missing in over 70% of prescriptions. Other drug-related variables like frequency and instruction of use were present in over 80% of prescriptions. Antimicrobial agents were the most commonly prescribed followed by NSAIDs/analgesics. Amoxicillin alone or in combination was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents followed by cefuroxime. Prescription writing quality in Nablus is deficient in certain aspects and improvement is required.

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