The use of non-generic names in prescriptions by prescribers in Hospital Seberang Jaya / Mohammad Niazurul Syazwan Sa’arani, Nur Hazwani Samsudin and Siti Khadijah Abu Bakar

Generic names are approved names given to all drugs/medications and are usually related to their chemical structures and the medical classifications of the drugs; while non-generic names may refer to brand names, proprietary names, trade names or manufacturer’s names. The aim of this research is to study the frequency of use of non¬generic medication names by prescribers in the prescriptions of Hospital Seberang Jaya. This is a prospective study that was carried out in the setting of Outpatient Pharmacy Department (OPD), Hospital Seberang Jaya (HSJ). The involvement of the prescribers (House Officers, Medical Officers and Specialists) of Hospital Seberang Jaya is indirect as the method of our study was collecting and screening the prescriptions issued by them and later dispensed by the OPD. The prescriptions were our study subject which are directly related to the topic. The major findings from our study are out of 2000 prescriptions was screened from November 2012 and December 2012, more than half of the slips collected and screened are present with the use of non-generic medication names. The most used abbreviation is PCM while MMT, HCTZ, EES and GTN follow from a far behind. Meanwhile the most used brand name is Piriton, while Aspirin and Tramal follow closely behind. The abundance of the said abbreviations and brand names is due to the common practice of doctors prescribing antihistamines and analgesics to treat some common health conditions of the patients. Though most abbreviations and brand names used in the prescription slips are familiar to pharmacy personnel, it is hoped that this study can implicate the significance of having a standard guideline of prescribing for a better overall healthcare service.