The Drug Information Centre (DIC) of Dr D Y Patil College Of Pharmacy Akurdi is a student-driven initiative dedicated to promoting safe and rational use of medicines. The centre is managed by Pharm.D students under the supervision of faculty members, ensuring that all information provided is authentic, unbiased, and evidence-based.

By referring to standard and trusted sources such as WHO guidelines, Micromedex, Lexicomp, FDA updates, and peer-reviewed journals, the centre provides reliable drug-related information to:

• Healthcare professionals – assisting with drug interactions, dosage adjustments, therapeutic alternatives, and clinical queries.
• Students & Researchers – supporting academic projects, case discussions, and research with authentic references.
• General Public – spreading awareness on safe medicine use, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and self-medication risks.

Our Objectives:

• To encourage rational drug use and minimize medication errors.
• To train students in evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making.
• To serve as a resource hub for healthcare professionals, researchers, and the community.
• To bridge academia and practice by applying classroom knowledge to real-life scenarios.

The student-led nature of this centre not only benefits patients and healthcare providers but also enhances the practical learning experience of our students, preparing them as future pharmacists and clinical experts.

Drug Monographs

The Drug Monographs section provides concise, evidence-based, and easy-to-understand information about commonly used medicines. Each monograph is carefully prepared by our Pharm.D and pharmacy students, under faculty supervision, by referring to standard references such as WHO, Micromedex, Lexicomp, and peer-reviewed journals.

These monographs cover essential details including:

• Generic and brand names
• Pharmacological class
• Indications and therapeutic uses
• Dosage and administration
• Contraindications and precautions
• Adverse drug reactions (ADRs)
• Drug interactions
• Patient counseling points

This section is designed to support students, healthcare professionals, and the community by promoting safe and rational drug use.

Example:

Sample Drug Monograph

Generic Name

Paracetamol (INN), also known as Acetaminophen (USAN)

Brand Names

Crocin®, Calpol®, Dolo-650®, Tylenol®

Pharmacological Class

Analgesic and Antipyretic

Mechanism of Action

Paracetamol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system and works on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center, leading to pain relief and fever reduction.

Indications

Fever (pyrexia)

Mild to moderate pain (e.g., headache, myalgia, osteoarthritis, toothache)

Adjunct in severe pain (with opioids or NSAIDs)

Dosage & Administration

Adults: 500 mg – 1 g every 4–6 hours (maximum 4 g/day)

Children (6–12 years): 250–500 mg every 4–6 hours (maximum 60 mg/kg/day)

Route: Oral, IV, or rectal

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to paracetamol

Severe liver impairment or active liver disease

Precautions

Use with caution in patients with chronic alcohol use, liver disease, or malnutrition.

Avoid exceeding recommended dose due to hepatotoxicity risk.

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)

Common: Nausea, rash

Rare: Allergic reactions, blood dyscrasias

Serious: Hepatotoxicity (with overdose)

Drug Interactions

Alcohol → ↑ risk of liver damage

Warfarin → ↑ anticoagulant effect with chronic use

Enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin) → ↑ hepatotoxicity risk

Patient Counseling Points

Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Avoid alcohol while taking paracetamol.

Report symptoms of liver damage (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine).

Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used at recommended doses.

References

• British National Formulary (BNF)
• Lexicomp Online
• WHO Model Formulary

RX Express Intro:

RX Express is the dedicated news and updates corner of our Drug Information Centre. This section brings you the latest trends, research highlights, and updates in the fields of Pharm.D, pharmacy practice, medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Here, students and faculty curate reliable, authentic, and up-to-date information from standard sources such as medical journals, regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA, CDSCO), WHO, and leading healthcare organizations.

What You’ll Find in RX Express:

• Pharm.D Updates – academic developments, career opportunities, conferences, and workshops.
• Drug Alerts & Safety Updates – recalls, warnings, and new drug approvals.
• Research Highlights – breakthroughs in biotechnology, nanomedicine, and pharmacology.
• Healthcare News – policies, treatment guidelines, and innovations in patient care.
• Student Corner – articles and write-ups contributed by our Pharm.D students.

Through RX Express, we aim to keep our readers informed, connected, and inspired by the rapidly evolving world of pharmacy and healthcare.

Example:

FDA Approves First Oral GLP-1 Agonist for Type 2 Diabetes

Published: August 2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved oral semaglutide (brand name: Rybelsus®) as the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This breakthrough provides patients an alternative to injectable GLP-1 agonists, offering improved convenience and adherence.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that oral semaglutide significantly reduces HbA1c levels and supports weight management, making it a valuable addition to current diabetes therapy options. Healthcare professionals are advised to consider its use in patients who require better glycemic control and prefer oral therapy over injections.

📌 Reference:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2019). FDA approves first oral GLP-1 treatment for type 2 diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-glp-1-treatment-type-2-diabetes