Bot Detector
IJPC Seal
Download FREE Sample Issue or Article
LEARN MORE
Subscribe Today
A subscription to IJPC provides on-line access to full-text, full-color, printable PDF copies of your subscribed issues, individual articles, and purchased archives.

Safety Aspects of Extemporaneous Prescriptions Prescribed by Latvian Healthcare Specialists

Author(s):  Kiselova Olga, Maurina Baiba, Sidlovska Venta

Issue:  Jul/Aug 2021 - Volume 25, Number 4
View All Articles in Issue

Page(s):  288-295

Safety Aspects of Extemporaneous Prescriptions Prescribed by Latvian Healthcare Specialists Page 1
Safety Aspects of Extemporaneous Prescriptions Prescribed by Latvian Healthcare Specialists Page 2
Safety Aspects of Extemporaneous Prescriptions Prescribed by Latvian Healthcare Specialists Page 3
Safety Aspects of Extemporaneous Prescriptions Prescribed by Latvian Healthcare Specialists Page 4
Safety Aspects of Extemporaneous Prescriptions Prescribed by Latvian Healthcare Specialists Page 5
Safety Aspects of Extemporaneous Prescriptions Prescribed by Latvian Healthcare Specialists Page 6
Safety Aspects of Extemporaneous Prescriptions Prescribed by Latvian Healthcare Specialists Page 7
Safety Aspects of Extemporaneous Prescriptions Prescribed by Latvian Healthcare Specialists Page 8

Download in electronic PDF format for $75

Abstract:  Until 1991, Latvia had been part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and medicines in Latvia were prepared in accordance with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Pharmacopoeia and standardized prescriptions. Latvia regained its independence 30 years ago, but Latvia still does not have its standardized prescriptions and official sources of information in the official language. So far, there have been no studies which would collect data about prescribed extemporaneous prescriptions and characterize the current situation in different Latvian regions. For this reason, we analyzed the extemporaneous prescriptions prepared in Latvian pharmacies in 2017. Previous studies identified specialties of those physicians who prescribed extemporaneous prescriptions most often, the most popular dosage forms, as well as identified the active substances, combinations of active substances, and excipients most commonly used in dermatology and rhinology. Having analyzed the compositions prescribed in dermatology and rhinology, our greatest concern was related to the fact that several substances were identified, the use of which in Germany was controversial or even unacceptable in certain dosage forms. The presence of such substances in Latvian prescriptions constitutes a risk to patient safety, and, since part of this article was to analyze all the collected extemporaneous prescriptions to identify unsafe substances. In order to gain insight into usage habits of these substances outside the European Union, information about them was searched in the U.S. As the history of the use of these substances in Latvia dates back to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, we wanted to learn whether they are mentioned in modern Russian professional literature. Having analyzed extemporaneous prescriptions of Latvian pharmacies, seven substances were identified: boric acid, borax, mercuric oxide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, phenol, and formaldehyde. Boric acid, bromides, phenol, and formaldehyde were also found in modern U.S. and Russian professional literature. However, in this article, safety aspects in relation to the use of these substances in the preparation of medicines are emphasized. Preparations containing mercuric oxide are not found in the current U.S. or Russian professional literature.

Related Keywords: Olga Kiselova, PharmD, Baiba Maurina, PhD, Venta Sidlovska, PhD, Latvia, drug safety, hazardous excipients, USSR Pharmacopeia, physician specialists, Germany, boric acid, mercuric oxide, sodium bromide, borax, liquefied phenol, potassium bromide, formaldehyde solution, Medical Compounds, USP Compounding Compendium

Related Categories: EXCIPIENTS, HISTORY, LEGAL, QUALITY CONTROL, ADVERSE DRUG EVENTS

Printer-Friendly Version



Related Articles from IJPC
Title/Author
(Click for Abstract / Details / Purchase)
Issue/​Page
View/Buy
Safety Aspects of Extemporaneous Prescriptions Prescribed by Latvian Healthcare Specialists
Kiselova Olga
, Maurina Baiba, Sidlovska Venta
Jul/Aug 2021
Pg. 288-295

Safety Standards in Pharmaceutical Compounding, Part 3: Fire Safety
Allen W Chris
, Greeson Nicole MH, Mixon William
Nov/Dec 2020
Pg. 451-458

Trends of Extemporaneous Drug Prescription in Latvia in 2017
Kiselova Olga
, Maurina Baiba, Sidlovska Venta, Rogovska Irena
May/Jun 2019
Pg. 245-249

Analysis of Extemporaneously Compounded Nasal Preparations Prescribed by Latvian Otorhinolaryngologists and General Practitioners and Comparison with German Formulations
Kiselova Olga
, Maurina Baiba, Sidlovska Venta
Nov/Dec 2020
Pg. 491-500

How to Develop and Maintain a Hazardous Drug List
Dillon L Rad
May/Jun 2019
Pg. 182-186

Safety Standards in Pharmaceutical Compounding, Part 1: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Greeson Nicole MH
, Mixon William, Allan W Chris
Jul/Aug 2020
Pg. 270-276

Compounding Enclosures: Ensuring Safety During the Preparation of Sterile and Nonsterile Formulations
Ashe Krystina
, Baskett Dustin
Sep/Oct 2018
Pg. 387-398

Quality Control: (Material) Safety Data Sheets
Allen Loyd V Jr
Mar/Apr 2017
Pg. 118-124

Basics of Compounding for Hazardous Drugs, Part 2: Regulation and Sources of Contamination
Allen Loyd V Jr
Nov/Dec 2006
Pg. 446-448

Erratum: Kiselova O, Maurina B, Sidlovska V et al. Trends of Extemporaneous Drug Prescription in Latvia in 2017. IJPC 2019; 23(3): 245-249.
Jul/Aug 2019
Pg. 351

Safety Standards in Pharmaceutical Compounding, Part 2: A Closer Look at Agency Information, Oversight, and Assistance
Greeson Nicole MH
, Mixon William, Allan W Chris
Sep/Oct 2020
Pg. 371-379

Acidifying Agents, Featured Excipient:
Allen Loyd V Jr
Jul/Aug 1999
Pg. 309-310

Metro Atlanta Board - Certified Specialists' Attitudes Toward Compounding Pharmacy
Greenburg Aimee R
, Barnett Candace W
Jan/Feb 2004
Pg. 65-72

Complying with Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations: A Guide for Compounding Pharmacists
Mixon Bill
, Nain John
May/Jun 2013
Pg. 182-190

Quality Control: Personal Protective Equipment for Use When Handling Hazardous Drugs
Dillon L R
Jan/Feb 2020
Pg. 30-36

Auditing Safety of Compounding and Reconstituting of Intravenous Medicines on Hospital Wards in Finland
Suvikas-Peltonen Eeva
, Palmgren Joni, Häggman Verner, Celikkayalar Ercan, Manninen Raija, Airaksinen Marja
Nov/Dec 2017
Pg. 518-529

Basics of Compounding: Considerations for Implementing United States Pharmacopeia Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding--Sterile Preparations, Part 11: Hazardous Drugs
Allen Loyd V Jr
, Okeke Claudia C
Jan/Feb 2009
Pg. 56-62

Safe Cytotoxic Drug Preparation Using a Closed-system Transfer Device: Technical and Practical Evaluation of a New Device (Vialshield/Texium) Comparatively to a Reference One (Phaseal)
Garrigue Philippe
, Montana Marc, Ventre Christophe, Savry Amadine, Gauthier-Villano Laurence, Pisano Pascale, Pourroy Bertrand
Mar/Apr 2016
Pg. 148-154

PreScription: Permissible Exposure Limits and United States Pharmacopeia Chapter <800>
Allen Loyd V Jr
Sep/Oct 2021
Pg. 356

Safer Sterile Compounding: Choosing and Using Disinfectants for the Cleanroom
Kastango Eric S
, Douglass Kate, Patel Kedar, Givehchi Babak, Brister Paul, Postlewaite Jay, Taraban Laura
Jul/Aug 2015
Pg. 268-278

Return to Top