Eco-pharmacology: awareness and practice of drug disposal among medical students

Authors

  • Manjunath G. Narasimhaiah Department of Pharmacology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
  • Aathira James Department of Pharmacology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
  • Riyaj A. Kalaburgi Department of Community Medicine, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20202931

Keywords:

Eco-pharmacology, Medical students, Hazards, Environment

Abstract

Background: Drugs are procured by the consumers from different sources. But most of the time it is in excess of the requirement, or not consumed completely. These unused drugs are disposed in a wrong manner which can lead to harmful effects on the environment. This study was to check the knowledge and practice by medical students.

Methods: It was cross sectional observational study involving different batches of medical students by giving a semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: A total of 165 participants (72 males, 93 females) from different batches of MBBS, predominantly 1st and 2nd year. Majority of them are aware of the term eco-pharmacology 70 (91%) and environmental effects 86 (06%). The most common mode of procurement is with prescription and possesses more than 50% of the expired drugs. Throwing back into the dustbin was the mode of disposal.

Conclusions: There is poor knowledge of drug disposal behaviour. Sufficient training should be given to the medical students to protect the ecosystem.

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Author Biographies

Manjunath G. Narasimhaiah, Department of Pharmacology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, India

Professor and head of Pharmacology

Aathira James, Department of Pharmacology, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, India

Medical student, second year

Riyaj A. Kalaburgi, Department of Community Medicine, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, India

Biostatistician

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Published

2020-06-26

How to Cite

Narasimhaiah, M. G., James, A., & Kalaburgi, R. A. (2020). Eco-pharmacology: awareness and practice of drug disposal among medical students. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 9(7), 1007–1010. https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20202931

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Original Research Articles