Background: Objective of the study was to assess whether second generation antihistaminic alter psychomotor and cognitive function in comparison with promethazine (marked sedation; altered psychomotor and cognitive impairment).Methods: It was a single blind prospective study. Seventy five healthy human volunteers were registered, divided in five groups. These groups have received placebo, promethazine 25 mg, cetirizine 10 mg, fexofenadine 120 mg and loratadine 10 mg. Cognitive and psychomotor functions were assessed pretreatment and 60 minutes after single dose of drug(post treatment)by using a battery of standard tests (e.g. PST-Perceptual speed test, BVRT-Benton visual retention test,SSS- Stanford Sleepiness Scale, FTT-Finger tapping test etc.). The data were analyzed by student’s t-test and ANOVA test.Results: No significant effect was observed in any test parameter with placebo and fexofenadine. Significant difference with promethazine in PST, BVRT, SSS and cetirizine in DSST, FTT and loratadine in DSST were observed. Significant difference was observed in DSST between the placebo and promethazine, in SSS between promethazine and all other drugs. In FTT and BVRT significant difference between the groups were observed.Conclusions: Significant sedation and altered cognitive and psychomotor function were observed with promethazine. Cetirizine and loratadine do not cause sedation but both affect psychomotor functions. No significant effect was produced by fexofenadine. Thus, fexofenadine can safely be used in persons involved in activity where alertness is required while cetirizine and loratadine should be avoided.

Background: The adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported to pharmacovigilance centre in tertiary care hospital was analysed to find out the incidence and causality.Methods: This was a retrospective study to analyse the ADR reported at pharmacovigilance centre after ethical clearance from Institutional Ethic Committee (IEC). ADR data were analysed and ADRs were categorized as department-wise, system affected and causative drug. The causality of each ADR was assessed by WHO-UMC scale.Results: The majority of patients who had suffered from ADRs were between 19-64 years of age (94.2%) and male patients (58.6%) were affected more than female (41.4%). Pulmonary medicine department has reported highest number of ADR followed by dermatology department. Skin (46.5%) was most affected system followed by gastrointestinal (30.45%), CNS (21.26%), respiratory (9.0%) and remaining systems. Rifampicin (13.79%) shows the largest numbers of ADR followed by zidovudine (13.21%), nevirapine (12.64%) and diclofenac sodium (8.0%). The maximum ADRs reported were probable (94.8%) followed by possible (5.2%).Conclusions: In conclusion, the skin was most affected system followed by gastrointestinal, central nervous and respiratory system. Rifampicin has caused maximum ADRs followed by zidovudine, nevirapine and diclofenac sodium. The causality analyses showed that majority of ADRs were probable (94.8%) while remaining falls in possible (5.2%) category.

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Background: The discussion around COVID-19 vaccines has been in the limelight ever since the announcement was made for mass vaccination campaign in India. Less is known about undergraduate medical students’ perception and willingness towards getting COVID-19 vaccination. The aim of the study was to assess reasons for the apprehension if present towards taking the COVID-19 vaccines among medical students and to spread awareness about the ongoing issue.Methods: This was a prospective, cross sectional, survey-based study which was conducted at Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER), Surat, Gujarat, India. Questionnaire was distributed among medical students during lectures and exam going students were sent Google form link. Data collection was done from February to March 2021, and 550 students submitted the forms.Results: While 34.9% students had taken the vaccine voluntarily, category I (acceptance group); 18.2% students were initially hesitant to take the vaccine, but later took it, category II (hesitant group); the frequency increased to 46.9% students who are still hesitant and have not taken the vaccine, category III (refusal group). Top reasons for hesitancy were: concern regarding adverse events (69%), safety (60%) and lack of scientific data (27%) provided for the vaccines.Conclusions: This study revealed that there was lack of knowledge and positive attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccines among the non-vaccinated students. This evaluation has guided the importance and the need of targeted educational program to address the knowledge gap.