Objective To describe pharmaceutical care interventions provided to hypertensive patients in a Nigerian community pharmacy setting, and to assess the impact of the practice on selected patient outcomes. Method A non‐randomised, single‐site study was conducted using community‐dwelling patients with hypertension. A pharmaceutical care intervention, which consisted mainly of verbal counselling, provision of an information leaflet, and subsequent monitoring with reinforcement, was provided. Parameters assessed at baseline and end of investigation included blood pressure control, body mass index determination, level of medication adherence, patient knowledge of the disease, and patient satisfaction. Key findings Forty‐two (42) patients were recruited and 36 completed the study, 26 (73%) were males, and 33 (92%) were married. Twenty (20, 58%) had post‐secondary education. About three‐quarters (27, 81%) were either overweight or obese (BMI >25). There was a significant difference between mean systolic blood pressure at baseline (187.67 ± 29.46 mmHg) and at the end of the study (137.22 ± 21.65 mmHg), P< 0.0001. Changes in mean diastolic blood pressure at baseline (117.56 ± 21.65) and end of study (89 ± 17.23), were also significant (P< 0.0001). Some 27 (75%) reached systolic blood pressure goals while 25 (69%) attained diastolic blood pressure goals. Prior to the pharmaceutical care intervention, 27 (75%) were not aware that salt intake was a risk factor in hypertension, and a similar proportion thought that hypertension was curable. The pharmaceutical care intervention produced a significantly higher patient‐reported satisfaction rating than baseline: 3.48 ± 0.83 (49%) versus 3.92 ± 0.62 (74%); t = 2.548; P=0.013 and 3.30 ± 0.72 (41%) versus 4.27 ± 0.56 (87%); t= 6.381, P< 0.0001 on the subscales respectively. Conclusion Pharmaceutical care provided to hypertensive patients in a Nigerian community pharmacy setting improved blood pressure control and overall patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services.

Managing medical complications in pregnancy is a challenge to clinicians.ObjectivesThis study profiled some disease and prescription patterns for pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) in Nigeria. A risk classification of the medicines was also determined.MethodsMedical case files of 1,200 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics of 3 health facilities in Benin City, Nigeria were investigated. Disease pattern was determined from their diagnoses. The prescription pattern was assessed using WHO indicators, and the United States Food and Drug Administration classification of medicines according to risk to the foetus.ResultsA total of 1,897 prescriptions of the 1,200 pregnant women attendees during the period under review were evaluated. Results indicated that malaria 554 (38%) was the most prevalent disease, followed by upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs, 13%) and gastrointestinal disturbances (GIT, 12%). The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was found to be 3.0, and 2,434 (43%) of medicines were prescribed by generic name. Minerals/ Vitamins 2,396 (42%) were the most frequently prescribed medicines, and antibiotics occurred in 502 (8.8%) of the total medicines. Of all medicines prescribed, 984 (17%) were included in the foetal risk category C and 286 (5%) in category D.ConclusionThe study concluded that malaria fever occurred most frequently followed by URTIs and GIT disturbances among the pregnant women. Minerals, vitamins and to a less extent antimalarials topped the list of the prescribed medicines. The average number of medicines per encounter was much higher than WHO standards. The occurrence of contraindicated medicines was low.

Introduction: Inappropriate use of medicines remains a problem, with consequences including increasing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and prolonged hospitalizations. The Essential Medicines List and Drug and Therapeutics Committees (DTCs) are accepted initiatives to promote the rational use of medicines. However, little is known about DTC activities in Nigeria, the most populous African country. Areas covered: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among senior pharmacists, consultant physicians and clinical pharmacologists in 12 leading tertiary healthcare facilities across Nigeria. Expert commentary: Six (50%, 6/12) healthcare facilities had existing DTCs with three (50%) having a subcommittee on antimicrobials. 75% had infection control committees, with presence even in centres without DTCs. Chairpersons and secretaries of the DTCs were predominantly physicians (83.3%) and pharmacists (100%) respectively. Hospital formularies were available in five facilities with DTCs, while one facility without a DTC had an Essential Medicines Committee responsible for developing and updating the hospital formulary. The evaluation of ADRs was undertaken by pharmacovigilance units in nine facilities. Overall, DTCs were present in only half of the surveyed facilities and most were performing their statutory functions sub-optimally. The functioning of DTCs can be improved through government directives and mechanisms for continuous evaluation of activities.

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