Rational Use of Medication and Its Practice VI

Consultation to Patient for Rational Use of Beta-blocker Eye Drops and Its Evaluation, and Concrete Avoidance of Its Side Effects/drug Interactions

Abstract

This study examined the actual condition on the use of beta-blocker eye drops, and the duplicated prescription of eye drops. Patients were thus surveyed on the rational use of beta-blocker eye drops carried out through personal interviews at our Pharmacy Department counter. The results showed that the practice rate of the “instillation of one drop of the eye drops” was 55 (78%) of 71 patients, while “eyelid closure for 1 minute after application” was 45%, and “nasolacrimal occlusion for 1 minute after application” was observed in 20%. The practice rates of “eyelid closure” and “nasolacrimal occlusion” were increased about 2 fold, respectively, as compared with the data obtained one year earlier. This may be due to the abouve extra consultation. However, these practice rates were still small. This indicates that many patients may be not fully aware of the importance of such practice. Therefore, further education will be needed to instruct patients in the rational use of the eye drops.
The results of prescription surveys in 6500 sheets for 3 months from November, 1995 to January, 1996 showed that the total number of over-prescription of beta-blocker eye drops and calcium antagonist internal medicine was found to be 105. These results show that we must constantly check for duplicated prescription to patients prescribed beta-blocker eye drops, while furthermore, comprehensive provision of drug information on the development and prevention of the systemic side effects of beta-blocker eye drops to oculists and physicians is also essential.