title: Irrational prescribing in South Asia: a case of fluoroquinolone-associated phototoxicity.
abstract: Prescribing habits in South Asian countries have been subjected to some scrutiny.1-6 Most studies conclude that the quality of prescribing is poor, with overuse of antimicrobials and irrational use of fixed-dose combination therapy, particularly in the private sector.1 Prescriptions for multiple drugs are the rule rather than the exception, with up to seven items being prescribed for a single disease entity. Analgesics, anti-inflammatories and drugs of uncertain pharmacologic efficacy, such as vitamins, minerals and glucose water, are also frequently prescribed.
authors.affiliation: The CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center, Kathmandu, Nepal.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Cave
authors.forename: Prativa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pandey
authors.forename: Santanu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chatterjee
mesh_terms: D017484:Dermatitis, Phototoxic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D024841:Fluoroquinolones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D024841:Fluoroquinolones; C061363:sparfloxacin