Pharmacists have been described as experts on drugs, as treatments are not complete without their acknowledgement.

Dr. Joseph Oladele stated this while participating an enlightenment programme on UNILORIN 89.3 FM. Dr. Oladele said wrong administration of drugs usually leads to negative effects on the patient.

He said transformation of active constituent compound into dosage form could be referred to as drugs while medicine is when drugs are compounded to become tablet or syrup.

He added that solid dosage drugs are swallowed and the liquid are syrups and suspension which contain sugar syrup as base and active principle adding that drugs like blood tonic are compounded in alcohol and drugs like Anastasia and inhaler are in gaseous form.

Oladele added that patient should always visit registered outlet when in need of drugs, not minding the expenses or cost.

In his submission the Chairman Pharmaceutical society of Nigeria, Kwara Branch, Abdulmajeed Oderinde said the medicines can either be in solid dosage form and liquid form stating that age and symptoms are the major determinant for the category of drugs to be administered on the patient.

He stated that syrups are best administered to infants and children but can also be administered to adults depending on the symptoms and condition of the patient adding that fake drugs should also not be ignored as it also causes harm in the society

The Chairman of PSN Kwara State branch said lack of education, patronage of fake outlet and corruption are some of the major reasons for the circulation of fake drugs in the society.

Mr. Alege, an ex officio of the PSN said the category of drug to be administered depends on how quick the patients need the drugs or condition of the patient. He added that capsules go through stages and the unwanted substance in it is excreted.

He further mention that drugs can be abused or mis-used stating that drug abuse is when one take drugs without it being administered by a physician while drug mis- use is when drug is properly administered but wrongly used by the patient.

Alege stated that over dosage is very dangerous and harmful as it can lead to the damage of some organs and also cause infections like kidney disease and liver failure.

By Abdulgafar Arikewuyo