Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026

High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Patient sources for drug information in Iran: a questionnaire-based survey
Forouz Nader1, Kazem Mousavizadeh, Pedram Ghafourifar
1Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Objectives:
To identify sources used by patients to obtain drug-related information and to find which portion of patients study the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).
Methods:
A cluster random sampling was used to select 19 community pharmacies in Shiraz, Iran, from 192 pharmacies registered by Food and Drug Office of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Using a questionnaire, an independent assessor surveyed outpatients immediately after their prescriptions were dispensed. Results were subjected to statistical analysis.
Results:
Total of 671 patients were interviewed, of which 188 patients (28%) reported they received no information from pharmacists or physicians and 169 patients (25%) received their medications without prescription. Nearly half of the patients (46%) were informed on the frequency of use and dose of their medications. Very few patients (6%) were appropriately informed about the frequency of use, dosage, duration of treatment, and potential side effects, allergies and drug interactions. Patients with college education used PILs as a source of information more than those with lower education levels.
Conclusion:
A significant portion of patients obtained medicines without a prescription. Only a few portion of patients in Shiraz received adequate drug information from their physician or pharmacist. A considerable portion of patients did not study PILs.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Dosage Regimens: Partial Pharmacokinetic Parameters
Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
Dosage Regimens: Designs and Approaches
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Drug Regulation