Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that significantly affects patients' quality of life and represents a risk factor for the development of asthma. The pharmacy is often the patient's first point of contact with the healthcare system, placing the pharmacist in a key role in the early identification of the disease, recommending appropriate self-medication, and recognizing situations requiring medical evaluation. This article summarizes current recommendations for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis, focusing on a rational stepwise approach to self-medication in the pharmacy, and provides practical guidelines for pharmaceutical practice.
OBJECTIVE:The study aims to substantiate the development of an oral dosage form for military medicine based on the API dimethylammonium 3-methyl-2-(2-((E)-styryl)quinazolin-4-ylthio)butanoate, which demonstrates antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity. The molecule's physicochemical properties and dissociation constant were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Computer modelling was used to assess lipophilicity, physicochemical parameters, and ADME characteristics via the SwissADME service. Drug-likeness was evaluated according to Lipinski's Rule of Five. Conductometric studies of API solutions (0.0625-0.5 M) were performed with a Konduktometr N 5721 M to determine χ, λv, λ∞, α, and the dissociation constant (7.45 × 10-8-9.2 × 10-8). The ionization constant was used to calculate pK = 7.13, indicating the pH range of optimal absorption. RESULTS:ADME analysis showed high gastrointestinal absorption and suitable solubility, supporting the feasibility of an oral dosage form. Conductometric data confirmed the API to be a weak electrolyte with increasing dissociation at lower concentrations. The pK value suggests preferential absorption in the neutral to slightly alkaline environment of the small intestine. Considering its pharmacological activity, the API is promising for further development of tablets or capsules for military and clinical use. CONCLUSIONS:The findings justify designing a gastro-resistant oral dosage form ensuring API stability in gastric acid and efficient intestinal absorption. Such a form is particularly valuable for military medicine due to its stability, portability, and suitability for emergency and rehabilitation settings.
Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is a superficial fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes, most commonly the anthropophilic dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. Clinically, it is characterized mainly by scaling, erythema, and fissure formation, and it may present in three primary forms: interdigital, plantar, and vesiculobullous. The infection is often accompanied by mild pruritus; when fissures develop, burning and pain may also occur. Maceration, fissures, and desquamation of the stratum corneum in the interdigital spaces may serve as entry points for β-haemolytic streptococci, thereby increasing the risk of erysipelas. Another complication is the potential spread of infection to the nails, hands, groin, or other body sites. Tinea pedis is primarily indicated for topical antifungal therapy. Over-the-counter antifungal agents include imidazoles, allylamines, thiocarbamates, and undecylenic acid derivatives. Based on an analysis of clinical studies, their efficacy and duration of treatment have been compared.
Tirzepatide represents a significant breakthrough in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or obesity as the first dual agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. Current analysis of available clinical data demonstrates the exceptional efficacy of tirzepatide in glycemic control, with a dose- and duration-dependent reduction in HbA1c of 20.4-28.2 mmol/mol. Weight reduction reaches 5-20.9 % with 72 weeks of therapy, with the effect being dose-dependent. The mechanism of action includes improved insulin sensitivity, delayed gastric emptying, and modulation of central regulatory centers for food intake. The safety profile is characterized primarily by gastrointestinal side effects with a treatment discontinuation rate of 4-10 %. Tirzepatide also has beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, including lipid profile and anti-inflammatory biomarkers. A key strategy for optimizing therapeutic outcomes is gradual dose escalation and individualization of treatment according to the patient's clinical condition.
Atrasentan, a selective endothelin receptor ETA antagonist, is a new potential molecule in the treatment of proteinuric glomerulopathies, especially IgA nephropathy. Current studies confirm its benefit in reducing proteinuria. In combination with currently used renoprotective drugs, atrasentan may significantly contribute to reducing renal damage and thus slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a hydrophilic, non-toxic bile acid that represents the gold standard in the treatment of various cholestatic and hepatobiliary diseases. Its therapeutic benefit lies in its complex pleiotropic mechanism of action, including cytoprotection of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, stimulation of hepatobiliary secretion, antiapoptotic effects, and immunomodulatory properties. This article comprehensively summarizes the pharmacological characteristics of UDCA and its rational clinical use in key indications such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), dissolution of cholesterol gallstones, reactive gastritis due to duodenogastric reflux, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Furthermore, it focuses on the safety profile of UDCA, including its excellent tolerability, dose-dependent diarrhea, and confirmed safety for use during pregnancy and lactation, making it a crucial drug in hepatology.
Traveling may be associated with various health problems caused by changes in environment, diet or climate. A properly equipped travel first aid kit therefore represents an important tool for first aid for minor injuries and common health issues. This article summarizes the basic recommended equipment of a travel first aid kit and the factors that should be considered when preparing it.
Chronic stress negatively affects both mental and physical health. The most common manifestations are neuropsychiatric disorders, which can be characterized by their symptoms and assessed using the proposed "6N" concept. The growing prevalence of these disorders increases the need to address them in pharmacies as well. An effective and safe self-treatment for the neuropsychiatric symptoms of chronic stress involves treating magnesium deficiency with over-the-counter magnesium-containing medications as an etiopathogenetically oriented approach, given the vicious cycle of stress and magnesium, as well as symptomatic treatment of the main symptoms using registered phytopharmaceuticals. In this article, we present the results of a survey and provide explanations and recommendations for the pharmacist's practical approach in real-world pharmacy practice.
INTRODUCTION:The growing prevalence of allergic diseases and the widespread use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines necessitate rationalization of symptomatic treatment, balancing clinical relevance with limited healthcare resources. AIM:To evaluate OTC medicines used for symptomatic allergy treatment through ABC/VED analysis in order to identify priority medicines and support pharmaceutical and managerial decision-making. MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study included 25 OTC medicines registered in Ukraine for symptomatic allergy treatment during 2024-2025. Aggregate sales data from pharmacy networks and distributors were analysed. ABC analysis was used to assess expenditure distribution, while VED analysis classified medicines according to clinical importance based on pharmacist protocols, clinical guidelines, pharmacological role, safety profile, and suitability for self-medication. The integrated ABC/VED matrix was applied to determine priority medicines. RESULTS:A limited number of medicines accounted for the majority of expenditures. Cetirizine, Loratadine, Desloratadine, Xylometazoline and Oxymetazoline formed the A/Vital category, representing the highest priority group combining economic weight with clinical relevance. The results demonstrate a strong concentration of financial resources in first-line antihistamines and essential topical agents used for rapid symptom relief in self-medication. CONCLUSION:The integrated ABC/VED approach is an effective tool for identifying priority OTC antiallergic medicines, supporting rational pharmacy assortment management, supporting evidence-based practice and pharmaceutical care in self-medication under limited healthcare resources.
Biopharmaceuticals, particularly monoclonal antibodies, represent a key therapeutic class in modern pharmacotherapy for the treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory, oncological, and rare diseases. Despite their high efficacy and specificity, their clinical use is largely limited to parenteral administration, which may negatively affect patient comfort and long-term treatment adherence. In recent years, the inhalation route of administration has emerged as a promising, non-invasive alternative, especially for respiratory diseases. This is due to the large absorptive surface area of the lungs, their rich vascularization, and the possibility of achieving high local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic adverse effects. This review summarizes and critically evaluates current knowledge and emerging trends in the field of inhaled monoclonal antibodies. The text focuses on the specific features of pulmonary physiology, as well as the anatomical, physiological, and immunological barriers influencing the deposition, stability, and absorption of biological therapeutics. Particular attention is given to advanced formulation strategies aimed at improving pulmonary retention and the systemic bioavailability of protein-based drugs. Inhaled administration of biologics may significantly expand the therapeutic potential of monoclonal antibodies in the future and contribute to more effective and targeted treatment strategies.
Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) has historically been the most significant pathogen causing invasive infections. In recent decades, an increase in the incidence of other Haemophilus influenzae serotypes has been observed, particularly serotypes e+ f, as well as, most notably, invasive infections caused by non-typeable strains. Invasive disease caused by Hia, similarly to Hib, affects primarily young children and represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. To better understand the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Hia, epidemiological studies and active microbiological surveillance of invasive disease across all age groups worldwide are needed. We describe a six-month-old, previously healthy but incompletely vaccinated infant who was hospitalized with suspected sepsis and purulent meningitis following a four-day history of intermittent fever associated with chills, vomiting, drowsiness progressing to apathy, and gradual development of dehydration. Haemophilus influenzae was confirmed from both blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid, and capsular antigen identification at the National Reference Laboratory for Haemophilus infections determined serotype a (Hia). A two-week course of parenteral antibiotic therapy with cefotaxime led to recovery without significant neurological complications.
Individually prepared medicinal products represent one of the forms of personalisation of pharmacotherapy in palliative care. We use the full range of individually prepared medicinal products for symptom management and rational supportive care, especially in situations where a medicinal product with appropriate therapeutic properties is not available for the patient.
Periodontitis is the most common non-communicable inflammatory disease of humans. Although it affects the periodontal apparatus, its prevention and treatment are not solely the responsibility of the dentist and the dental hygienist. The pharmacist, as part of a multidisciplinary team, plays a role in supporting the patient's dental health and in identifying and educating at-risk patients. Increasing pharmacists' competence in the care of patients with periodontitis could lead to a reduction in its incidence and more effective treatment.
INTRODUCTION:Neurodegenerative diseases and peripheral neuropathies share several common pathophysiological mechanisms, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Although their clinical manifestations differ, similar neuroprotective therapeutic approaches are applied in both conditions. AIM:The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the use of nutraceuticals and vitamin supplementation as adjuvant strategies in the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and peripheral neuropathies. METHODS:The literature review focused on studies evaluating the efficacy, mechanisms of action, safety aspects, and recommended dosages of selected bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, phospholipids, nucleosides, polyphenols, and vitamins. RESULTS:Available clinical and experimental evidence indicates a beneficial effect of several nutraceuticals on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and mitochondrial function, which may contribute to slowing disease progression and improving peripheral nerve function. CONCLUSION:Nutraceuticals represent a promising adjunct to conventional therapy for neurodegenerative diseases and peripheral neuropathies. However, further clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy, standardize dosing, and assess long-term safety.
The focus of pharmaceutical care is to optimise the patient's pharmacotherapy, aiming to maximise the effects and minimise the risks of treatment. In the pharmacy, the current legislation allows the pharmacist to carry out this activity not only in the context of dispensing activities, but also during the provision of individual counselling. This area of 'modern pharmaceutical care' is a more individualised form of expert advice, ideally carried out in a separate consulting room of the pharmacy through a structured conversation with a trained pharmacist. In addition to the management of drug-related problems in optimising pharmacotherapy, pharmacists in the Czech Republic are involved in screening for selected diseases, i.e. in the area of prevention. An undeniable advantage of providing individual counselling in the pharmacy is the time allocated for undisturbed communication with the patient, leading, among other things, to the establishment of trust and a better understanding of the patient's attitudes towards treatment. The content of the paper will include three case reports from the practice of a pharmacist involved in this area of pharmaceutical care. Specifically, it will address the practical attributes of optimizing pharmacotherapy in three geriatric patients and show a possible way to deal with them.
Arterial hypertension (AH) is a serious health problem that begins in childhood and adolescence and contributes significantly to the early development of ischemic heart disease in adulthood. The prevalence of AH in childhood is approximately 2-5 %. Secondary aetiology of AH is significantly more common in children than in adults. Within paediatric populations, primary AH treatment regimens prioritise non-pharmacological interventions. The selection of an appropriate antihypertensive treatment is dependent on the underlying aetiology of hypertension, whilst also considering the presence of any concomitant comorbidities.
Kidney transplantation is currently considered the optimal and effective treatment for pediatric patients with end-stage kidney disease. Immunosuppressive treatment is essential throughout the entire functioning period of the transplanted kidney to prevent graft rejection. Aphthous stomatitis with painful ulcerations is a common complication among kidney transplant recipients. A rare cause of this condition is the adverse effect of mycophenolate mofetil, which is part of the most common stable triple combination of immunosuppressive drugs. This article presents a case of multiple painful oral ulcerations induced by mycophenolate mofetil in a 4-year-old boy following a related donor kidney transplant. The lesions resolved promptly after discontinuing the medication.
