Objective: The objective of this study was to clarify the light stability of cyclosporin fine granules 17%?? Mylan ??(CsA-FG) after packaging by a dividing and packing machine.
Methods: CsA-FG packaged within cellophane-laminate paper was stored under three different covering conditions: (stored uncovered, in a medicine bag, or in a light shielding bag).  In these covering conditions, we examined changes in the residual rate and elution pattern of CsA for up to 12 weeks in the differently covered samples stored at room temperature under fluorescent lighting.
Results: Under the light exposure condition, the residual rate decreased with time and fell below 95 percent at 12th week.  Although a slight decline in the residual rate was observed in samples stored in the medicine bag at 12th week, the rate was less than 5%.  On the other hand, no change in the residual rate was observed for samples stored in the light shielding bag storage for up to 12 weeks.  There was no change in the elution pattern of CsA in any group, except the decline in the elution rate caused as the resulting from the decline in the residual rate.
Conclusion: In this study, we have clarified that the packaged CsA-FG covered by stored in a medicine bag or light shielding bag is stable for up to 12 weeks under normal storage conditions.  However, CsA-FG should be stored in a light shielding bag or undergo the split dispensation, if it’s stored in a more severe lighting condition and/or if it is to be stored for more than three months.

Objective: Optimizing the time of ingestion and avoiding overdose are important aspects of medication therapy.  However, seeking explanations for selecting the time of ingestion and maximum dose for a certain drug is time consuming.  The aim of this study is to develop a database (DB) that enables a rapid search of the basis for the time of ingestion and maximum dose setting.
Methods: The basis for the time of ingestion and maximum dose setting were surveyed for 38 and 184 drugs, respectively.  Package inserts, interview forms, and other documents preserved in our department were surveyed, and this was followed by an inquiry of the staff of pharmaceutical companies.  Standard responses to a prescription with incorrect timing or dosage were determined and included into a DB together with information whose quality was dissected.  The efficiency of DB was evaluated: the time taken to obtain information and consistency of inquiries to clarify doubts concerning prescription with the use of DB and without the use DB were compared.
Results: The information of newer drugs, but not of the older drugs, were easily obtained without the need to inquire the staff of the pharmaceutical companies.  Operation of the DB was convenient and was acceptable for most pharmacists working in our department.  The DB markedly reduced the time taken to obtain information.  Further, with the aid of DB, the consistency in the responses to inquiries to clarify doubts concerning a pharmacist’s recommendation was remarkably increased.
Conclusion: The DB developed in the present study may contribute to the improvement of not only the efficiency but also the quality of dispensation.