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ACPN cautions against antibiotic, paracetamol, anti-malaria misuse

By Adaku Onyenucheya
05 October 2017   |   4:12 am
Pharmacists have cautioned Nigerians against the use of anti-biotic, paracetamol, anti-malaria and other drugs as it causes damage to the organ in the body, leading to untimely death.

Paracetamol

Pharmacists have cautioned Nigerians against the use of anti-biotic, paracetamol, anti-malaria and other drugs as it causes damage to the organ in the body, leading to untimely death.

They said most over-the-counter and prescription drugs when misused or taken without physician’s advice could predispose a person to organ failure.

The pharmacists gave the warning at the Akinwunmi Ambode Primary Healthcare Centre, Somolu, Lagos during the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) National, commemoration of the World Pharmacy Day 2017.

The Chairperson, ACPN, National and the Drug Information Centre (DIC) Pharmacist, Bukola Folorunsho explained that anti-biotic drugs should not be used except when there are infections, adding that drugs such as Ampicillin, tertracycline and paracetamols, when taken overdosed can lead to renal failure, liver damage among other adverse effects.

She lamented the rate of ignorance to drug use among Nigerians, which she said has forced many to misuse and abuse drugs, warning that most of the drugs have developed resistance due to the excessive use.

“It is very important for people to know how and when to use medicines, because when they don’t know, they end up misusing and abusing it exposing their body to danger,” she said.

Also speaking the Publicity Secretary, Health Care Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN), Johan Okotie stressed that each medicine has its specific function and should not be mistaken for cure to all ailments, adding that prescription medicines for chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes should be taken according to the directives of the physician or pharmacist.

He pointed that most people over use drugs, exceeding the stoppage date, with the view that their ailment still persist, noting that recovery is a gradual process and doesn’t happen instantly.

He noted that in line with the theme of the global event: “From Research to Health care: Your Pharmacist is at your Service”, Pharmacists have moved into communities to offer free services, where residents can walk up to any pharmacists and get counseling on drugs as well as first hand knowledge.

The Manager, DIC, ACPN National, Okame Okah-Avae, also warned that drugs should not be taken with certain food nor drinks such as taking tetracycline with milk, which neutralizes the effect of the drugs.

She, however, urged Nigerians to purchase their drugs at pharmacy stores with the RX emblem, as they offer medicine information, patient counseling, drug information and medication review as well as enlightenment.

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