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Skin inflammatory and allergic conditions often result in symptoms such as erythema, edema, and pruritus, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Traditional treatment approaches target either the inflammatory or allergic components individually, leaving the accompanying itch inadequately addressed. This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy using diphenhydramine and lidocaine for managing inflammatory and allergic skin conditions with coexisting itch. Diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine, exhibits potent antiallergic properties by inhibiting histamine receptors (H1). Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, possesses analgesic effects and alleviates pruritus by blocking sensory neurons and reducing capillary permeability. The synergistic effects of diphenhydramine and lidocaine hold promise in providing a comprehensive treatment option for individuals with inflammatory and allergic skin conditions. In this study, the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with diphenhydramine and lidocaine was evaluated through its effects on symptom relief, inflammatory markers, and patient satisfaction. Furthermore, we analyzed dermatoses where the used combination therapy had the best results. The study also focused on market analysis and formulation availability. This investigation into the diphenhydramine and lidocaine combination therapy represents an innovative approach in dermatology, offering a unique solution for addressing both the underlying inflammation and the troublesome itch associated with inflammatory and allergic skin conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azelaic acid (AZA) is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid whose topical application has found multiple uses in dermatology. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against Propionibacterium acne are currently used in the treatment of various types of acne such as rosacea and acne vulgaris. AZA is an inhibitor of tyrosinase, mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes and DNA synthesis, and is a scavenger of harmful free radicals and inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils. Interestingly, AZA also has anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects on various cancer cells. To date, its inhibitory effect on melanocytes has been mainly used, making it widely used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Commercially available topical formulations with cosmetic and drug status contain 5% to 20% AZA in the form of gels and creams. The use of liposomal technology allows greater control over the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the formulations. When applied topically, AZA is well tolerated, and side effects are limited to generally mild and transient local skin irritation. Importantly, liposomal technology has enabled the drug to penetrate all layers of the skin while maintaining a very high accumulation of the active ingredient. This solution could be revolutionary for the treatment of skin cancer, where until now the main obstacle was poor absorption through the skin, making the treatment require multiple applications to maintain long-term activity levels. In this review, we will present the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of AZA. We will summarize its use in the treatment of dermatoses and its potential in skin cancer therapy. We will provide an overview of the preparations available on the market, taking into consideration technologies used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketoprofen belongs to a group of widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is found in several doses and various forms of medications. Therapeutic efficacy is related to the rate of release of the active substances, which depends on the formulation, the quality of the constituent substances, and solubility. In order to determine the efficacy of drug products containing ketoprofen available on the pharmaceutical market in Poland, studies comparing the release profiles of the active substance contained in specific formulations and doses, Ketokaps MAX, 50 mg, soft capsules, Ketonal Active, 50 mg, hard capsules, Ketokaps MED, 100 mg, soft capsules, Refastin, 100 mg, film-coated tablets and Ketonal Forte, 100 mg, film-coated tablets have been conducted. Drug release has been tested using FaSSGF and FaSSIF bioequivalent media in a type IV flow apparatus. The results indicate that the product Ketokaps MAX, 50 mg has a shorter release time of ketoprofen and a faster reached maximum concentration of the released active substance than the market product Ketonal Active, 50 mg. The same outcomes will be achieved by the product Ketokaps MED, 100 mg compared to the market products Refastin, 100 mg, and Ketonal Forte, 100 mg. In vitro studies confirm that the tested products differ noticeably in the kinetics of release of the active substance. Ketokaps MAX, 50 mg and Ketokaps MED, 100 mg achieve c max in a shorter time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic options are limited during pregnancy due to the safety of the fetus. Non-opioid analgesics (NOA) are among the most commonly prescribed medicaments by physicians. Many of them are available over-the-counter (OTC) without prescription and in non-pharmacy sales such as hypermarkets and petrol stations. There has been a steady increase in their sales due to their high availability, the spread of self-medication, and advertising. They are used for pain of various origins, inflammatory diseases, colds, and flu. Monitoring the safety of therapy with these drugs is particularly important in the population of pregnant women, due to their high popularity and the different pharmacokinetics during pregnancy. The number of clinical studies on pregnant women is very limited, so it is important to raise awareness and knowledge of the adverse effects (ADR) on the developing fetus. This study aimed to analyze and evaluate the safety of non-opioid analgesics in a population of pregnant women based on the results of an anonymous validated survey. It will increase awareness and enable women to make informed decisions and consider the potential risks associated with treating or not treating pain during pregnancy and breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-opioid analgesics are among the most popular over the counter (OTC) drugs in Poland. One of the main reasons for the increasing risk of the drugsí side effects is their accessibility and popularization of selfmedication among patients. This study analyzed and assessed the safety of selected non-opioid analgesics issued without a doctorís prescription (i.e. OTC) based on original survey, adverse effects reports from the Regional Center for Monitoring of Adverse Drug Reactions in Wroclaw, drug manufacturers, and the European EudraVigilance database. The research showed that the most commonly used non-opioid OTC analgesics are ibuprofen, paracetamol, and acetylsalicylic acid. Pharmacotherapy using these substances entails a risk of adverse effects, which increases the number of painkillers used. Pain medications should be purchased at a pharmacy and their sale should be accompanied by a pharmacistís advice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nifuroxazide is a popular chemotherapeutic agent, that is widely used in Poland in acute and chronic bacterial diarrhea treatment. It is available in pharmacies as over-the-counter tablets for adults and a suspension on prescription for children. The aim of the study was to assess the safety of nifuroxazide therapy. Adverse reaction reports from the Regional Pharmacovigilance Center in Wroclaw, the pharmaceutical company PPF Hasco-Lek, and VigiAccess and EudraVigilance databases were analyzed. Based on the analysis of the data collected from the above sources, nifuroxazide have shown a high therapeutic value in the gastrointestinal tract infections, maintaining high safety of usage at the same time. The number of drug application adverse reactions in Poland is not so high primarily due to high safety profile and low patient awareness of the possibility of reporting drug side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the safety of oral coated paracetamol tablets 500 mg and oral suspension 120 mg/5 mL produced by Hasco-Lek Poland. Methods: We analyzed sales volume and data obtained from the monitoring of spontaneous reports on the adverse effects of paracetamol collected in the period between November 2000 and June 2012. Results: A total of 45,694 units of coated paracetamol tablets (500 mg) and 6,048,289 units of paracetamol oral suspension (120 mg/5 mL) were marketed during that period. There were 4 spontaneous reports of adverse effects. Conclusion: Oral paracetamol is a safe medication rarely causing adverse effects but it is possible that the existing spontaneous monitoring system for adverse effects in Poland is not sensitive enough to detect all adverse effects, and needs improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacists in the healthcare system play an important role in providing safe, optimal pharmacotherapy and patient education. During their studies, in which they acquire the competencies to fulfill the pharmacist's future tasks, pharmacy students are exposed to significant stress and pressure., Objectives: This study aims to demonstrate the extent to which the unique demands and obstacles of Polish pharmacy schools contribute to the deterioration of students' mental health and overall wellbeing., Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 420 pharmacy students in Poland evaluates the quality of education at Polish universities and presents the impact of studying on students' mental health. The criteria for choosing the field of study, the particular major, the university itself, the quality of education, the academic work, and their impact on students' wellbeing were evaluated. The evaluation of the quality of education was influenced by mentoring and tutoring at the university. Pearson's ÷2 test and principal component analysis (PCA) were used in the statistical analyses., Results: Unequal treatment of pharmacy students relative to students in other areas of medical study was marked by 90.2% of respondents, and opportunities for scientific development were indicated as good by 60.0% of pharmacy students. It was shown that 82.1% of the students rated studying as very stressful; the level of test difficulty and exams, as well as an inadequate level of knowledge imparted during classes contributed to this response. According to 75.2% of the respondents, the perceived stress had long-term effects in the form of anxiety and depression, with the need for pharmacotherapy., Conclusions: It was shown that studies contributed to the onset and/or exacerbation of depressive and anxiety symptoms. The results indicate the need to support psychological care and extend it to to pharmacy students.

Azelaic acid (AZA) is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid whose topical application has found multiple uses in dermatology. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against Propionibacterium acne are currently used in the treatment of various types of acne such as rosacea and acne vulgaris. AZA is an inhibitor of tyrosinase, mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes and DNA synthesis, and is a scavenger of harmful free radicals and inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils. Interestingly, AZA also has anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects on various cancer cells. To date, its inhibitory effect on melanocytes has been mainly used, making it widely used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Commercially available topical formulations with cosmetic and drug status contain 5% to 20% AZA in the form of gels and creams. The use of liposomal technology allows greater control over the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the formulations. When applied topically, AZA is well tolerated, and side effects are limited to generally mild and transient local skin irritation. Importantly, liposomal technology has enabled the drug to penetrate all layers of the skin while maintaining a very high accumulation of the active ingredient. This solution could be revolutionary for the treatment of skin cancer, where until now the main obstacle was poor absorption through the skin, making the treatment require multiple applications to maintain long-term activity levels. In this review, we will present the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of AZA. We will summarize its use in the treatment of dermatoses and its potential in skin cancer therapy. We will provide an overview of the preparations available on the market, taking into consideration technologies used., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2023 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Ibuprofen is a popular over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, frequently used for the relief of fever, headaches, menstrual and other minor pains as well as a major active ingredient in numerous cold preparations. We analyzed sales volume and data obtained from the monitoring of spontaneous reports on the adverse effects of IBUM soft capsules, IBUM Forte soft capsules, and IBUM oral suspension 100 mg/5 mL collected by the manufacturer (PPF HASCO-LEK S.A. Wroclaw, Poland) and National Monitoring Center in Warszawa in the period between October 2002 and June 2012. A total of 19,644,797 units of IBUM soft capsules 200 mg, 5,678,164 units of IBUM Forte soft capsules 400 mg and 4,333,325 units of IBUM oral suspension 100 mg/5 mL (29,656,286 units altogether) produced by PPF HASCO-LEK S.A. Wrodcaw, P'oland were marketed during the period analyzed. There were 5 spontaneous reports regarding these medications registered in Poland in the period analyzed. Forms of oral ibuprofen are very safe medication rarely causing adverse effects; nevertheless, the existing spontaneous monitoring system of adverse effects in Poland is not sensitive enough to detect all adverse effects and needs improvement.

The possibility of applying liposomes as a topical drug delivery system is still a matter of intensive research. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitability of liposomes as carriers of naproxen and to prove their impact on the effectiveness of transdermal permeation of an active substance. The study was conducted with the use of Franz Diffusion Cell System by comparing the efficacy of a preparation containing 20% of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and 10% of naproxen with reference preparations, i.e., a formulation containing 10% of naproxen without PC and the commercial product Naproxen 10%, gel. The largest transdermal penetration flux of naproxen and the highest efficacy of naproxen permeation were obtained for the formulation containing 10% of naproxen and 20% of PC. The study of the influence of liposomes size and topology on the transdermal diffusion of naproxen (large unilamellar vesicle, LUV, multilamellar vesicle, MLV) showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the flux or total amounts of transdermally diffused naproxen between compared formulations. In conclusion, liposomes present in a formulation double the efficacy of the transdermal permeation of naproxen in vitro compared to reference preparations containing no carriers. Better permeation effect of a formulation was not related to the liposome type (LUV or MLV).