PHAR207 PHARMACY PRACTICE
Drug Distribution and Management
What is Drug Distribution?
Drug distribution involves the movement of medications from manufacturers to
healthcare providers and eventually to patients.
It includes a complex system of transportation, storage, and regulatory oversight to
ensure drugs reach patients safely.
Why is it Important?
Ensures that patients receive medications that are safe, effective, and available when
needed.
Supports the healthcare system in maintaining public health.
Importance of Proper Drug Distribution
*Ensures Patient Safety
Proper distribution minimizes risks of contamination, degradation, and misuse of
medications.
*Prevents Drug Shortages
Efficient distribution ensures a continuous supply of medications to pharmacies and
hospitals.
*Maintains Drug Efficacy
Ensuring that drugs are stored and transported under appropriate conditions helps
maintain their potency and effectiveness.
*Reduces Medication Errors
Organized distribution systems reduce the likelihood of wrong medications being
delivered or prescribed.
Prescription Reading Basics
**What is a Prescription?
A legal document written by a qualified healthcare provider that details the drug
therapy for a patient.
*Key Components:
Patient’s name, age, and date of birth.
Prescriber’s information (name, license number, signature).
Medication name, strength, dosage, and instructions for use (route, frequency, duration).
***Prescription Components
1. Patient Information
Full name, date of birth, address. This helps ensure the right patient receives the right
medication.
2. Medication Name
The exact drug prescribed, either by its generic name or brand name.
(Generic names can be used by any manufacturer after the original drug’s patent expires;
brand names belong to the company that develops the drug)
3. Dosage and Strength
How much of the drug should be taken at each dose and its potency (e.g., 500 mg).
4. Route of Administration
The method by which the drug is to be taken (oral, intravenous, topical, etc.).
5. Instructions for Use
Detailed instructions on how often and when to take the medication.
6. Prescriber’s Signature
Verifies the prescription and serves as a legal authorization.
Drug Packaging and Labelling
Packaging:
Protects the drug from contamination, light, air, and moisture.
Also ensures that the drug is safe to handle and use.
Labeling:
Provides essential information such as the drug name, dosage form, batch number,
expiry date, and manufacturer’s information.
Proper labelling is crucial to avoid medication errors.
Storage Conditions for Medications
*Temperature:
Most drugs are stored at room temperature (15°C to 25°C), but some require
refrigeration.
*Humidity:
Excessive moisture can degrade medications, especially tablets and capsules.
*Light:
Some drugs are light-sensitive and must be stored in dark containers to prevent
degradation.
Temperature-Controlled Storage
*Medications that Require Refrigeration:
Vaccines, insulin, biologics often need to be stored between 2°C and 8°C.
*Impact of Improper Storage:
Storing temperature-sensitive medications outside the recommended range can result
in reduced effectiveness and may pose a safety risk.
*Cold Chain Management:
A temperature-controlled supply chain ensures that drugs are kept within their
required temperature range from manufacturer to patient.
Handling Controlled Substances
What are Controlled Substances?
Medications that have the potential for abuse and are regulated by the government (e.g.,
narcotics, benzodiazepines).
Regulations:
Require special storage (locked cabinets) and record-keeping to track their distribution.
Dispensing Process in a Pharmacy
**Step 1: Prescription Verification
Ensure the prescription is valid, checking for completeness and accuracy.
**Step 2: Medication Preparation
Select the correct drug, dosage form, and quantity.
**Step 3: Labelling and Packaging
Apply the appropriate label with dosing instructions and warnings.
**Step 4: Patient Counseling
Provide the patient with instructions on how to take the medication, possible side effects,
and any precautions.
Common Dispensing Errors
**Wrong Dosage or Drug
Dispensing a different drug or incorrect dosage due to misreading the prescription.
**Mislabeling
Errors in labelling can lead to improper drug use by the patient.
**Failure to Identify Drug Interactions
Not recognising potential interactions between the prescribed drug and the patient's
other medications.
Patient Safety in Dispensing
**Verification Processes:
Double-check prescriptions for accuracy and completeness.
**Allergy Checks:
Ensure that the prescribed drug does not cause allergic reactions.
**Proper Counseling:
Explain how to properly take medications to avoid misuse or overdoses.
Patient Counseling on Medications
**Medication Instructions:
Explain how and when to take the drug, with or without food.
**Possible Side Effects:
Inform patients of common and serious side effects, and what to do if they occur.
**Storage Instructions:
Advise patients on how to store the medication safely (e.g., keep refrigerated, away from
sunlight).
Pharmacist's Role in Dispensing
**Ensuring Accuracy:
Pharmacists must verify that the right drug and dosage are dispensed.
**Providing Education:
Explain the purpose of the medication, proper usage, and potential risks.
**Promoting Safe Medication Use:
Encourage patients to follow the prescribed regimen and monitor for adverse effects.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
**OTC Drugs:
Medications available without a prescription, such as pain relievers and cough syrups.
**Pharmacist’s Role:
Provide advice on the safe use of OTC medications and warn about potential
interactions with prescription drugs.
Electronic Prescription (e-prescription) Systems
**What is e-prescription?
An electronic version of a prescription that is sent directly from the prescriber to the
pharmacy.
**Advantages:
Reduces errors due to illegible handwriting.
Improves efficiency and reduces medication errors.
Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal
**Why Proper Disposal is Important:
Improper disposal can harm the environment and public health.
**Methods of Disposal:
Return to manufacturers, or specific disposal programs for hazardous waste.
Drug Recalls and Alerts
**When a Drug is Recalled:
A recall may occur due to safety concerns, contamination, or manufacturing defects.
**Pharmacist’s Role:
Remove the drug from inventory, notify patients, and follow up with manufacturers.
Pharmacovigilance in Distribution
**Definition:
The science of monitoring the safety of drugs after they have been released on the
market.
**Role in Distribution:
Pharmacists report any adverse effects or safety concerns to national health authorities.
Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals
**Pharmacists Work with:
◦ Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible
medication therapy for patients.
**Effective Communication:
◦ Helps reduce errors, improve patient outcomes, and manage drug therapy
effectively.
Challenges in Drug Distribution
**Supply Chain Disruptions:
◦ Natural disasters, pandemics, and political instability can affect the availability
of drugs.
**Medication Shortages:
◦ Global supply issues or manufacturing problems can lead to shortages of
essential medications
Conclusion
Summary of Key Points:
Proper drug distribution is essential for patient safety and public health.
Pharmacists play a vital role in the accurate dispensing of medications and educating
patients.
Effective inventory and waste management ensure the quality and availability of
medications.
Thank you
