Preparation of antibiotic syrup

Now a days, use of antibiotic is  very common. We very often say about the rational use of antibiotic, but we care less about the issue and thus resistance to antibiotic is becoming a major issue day by day.

Few days ago, a mother came to me with a bottle of antibiotic syrup complaining that the syrup seemed to be very thick that did not come out of bottle; it was like tomato ketchup and needed severe shaking. I wanted to know how she prepared it. From her statement, it became clear that she added less water then the required amount.

Use of proper diluent in a proper amount is a prerequisite to get the desired consistency and efficacy of the drug. Some company are providing required amount of diluent along with the powder in two different bottles for easy mixing of the powder drug, but all are not doing the same.

Moreover, syrups should be carefully prepared in clean equipment to prevent contamination. Instruction should be followed carefully. If the diluent is not provided with, it should be free from germs. Use of hot or cold water should be checked carefully which may alter the effectiveness of the drug if mixed at wrong physical condition.

I think this is very important issue and we all should take care of it. Most of our mothers are not well educated and not able to mix up the drug in a proper way. So they are not getting the actual result of the drug.

My humble request to all the pharmaceutical companies and the relevant drug authority to look into the fact for the better management of patients and to reduce the drug misuse and resistance.

The author is a Professor of Paediatrics at Community Based Medical College, Mymensingh.
E-mail: mmukkhan@gmail.com