A Pharmaceutics Evaluation for the Taking Medicine Support to the New Introduction Patient of PF Eye Drops and Use-Related Comparison

Harunori Takeshita; Saki Adachi; Miki Shimizu; Aya Ino; Takashi Hatae; Misa Tajima; Tsuneo Hamaguchi; Chikako Numata

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A Pharmaceutics Evaluation for the Taking Medicine Support to the New Introduction Patient of PF Eye Drops and Use-Related Comparison

VernacularTitle:PF 点眼薬の新規導入患者への服薬支援へ向けた製剤学的評価および使用性の比較検討
Author: Harunori TAKESHITA ¹ ; Saki ADACHI ¹ ; Miki SHIMIZU ¹ ; Aya INO ¹ ; Takashi HATAE ² ; Misa TAJIMA ³ ; Tsuneo HAMAGUCHI ¹ ; Chikako NUMATA ¹
Author Information

1. Comprehensive Education and Research, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Products Evaluation, Kobe Pharmaceutical University
2. Faculty of Contemporary Life Science, Chugokugakuen University
3. Nakagawa Dispensing Pharmacy
Keywords: eye drops; preservative free; squeeze force; pinch force; sensuality evaluation examination
From:Japanese Journal of Drug Informatics 2024;26(1):36-44
CountryJapan
Language:Japanese
Abstract: Objective: Eye drops may contain certain preservatives, and there is concern in patients who use them on a daily basis for the treatment of diseases, including corneal epithelial disorder and glaucoma. PF eye drops (Rohto Nitten Co., Ltd.) are used widely; however, their usability may be difficult in patients prescribed these medications for the first time. Therefore, fact-finding was performed on the usability of PF eye drops, particularly the difficulty in squeezing out these eye drops. Methods: The squeezing forces for various eye drops in 11 different shapes were determined. A sensuality evaluation examination on “the easiness of pushing out the eye drops” was performed in addition to a questionnaire survey targeting patients who used eye drops at a community pharmacy. Results: The squeezing forces ranged from 2.0 to 17.1 N. This study showed that the squeezing force tended to increase as the drop got closer to the opening of the container. Significant differences in the sensuality examination scores were found: 3.09 points for Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; 3.07 points for Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; 2.47 points for Sawai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; and 1.37 points for PF eye drops for any place other than Santen and Senju (p<0.001). Conclusion: When eye drops were prescribed for an elderly individual, the pharmacist considered it necessary to suggest an alternative agent to the doctor depending on body function. In addition, it is important to explain to the patient that an additional squeezing force is required to push out the drop as it gets closer to the opening of the container.