Advantages And Disadvantages Of Fixed Dose Ratio Combination Preparation

Write A Short Note On The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Fixed Dose Ratio Combination Preparation.
Answer:

Fixed Dose Ratio Combination Preparation

Following are the advantages and disadvantages offered dose ratio combination preparation:

Fixed Dose Ratio Combination Preparation Of Advantages

Convenience and better patient compliance when all the components present in a formulation are actually needed by the patient. It may also be cost-saving compared to both all the components administered separately.
Certain drug combinations are synergistic, for Example. sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim, combination oral contraceptives.
The therapeutic effect of two components being the same may add up while the side effects being different may not.
For Example. amlodipine + atenolol as antihypertensive.
The side effect of one component may be counteracted by the other, for Example. a thiazide + a potassium sparing diuretic. However, the amount of the latter may not be sufficient in all cases.
The combined formulation ensures that a single drug will not be administered.
This is important in the treatment of tuberculosis and HIV-AIDS.
Cost is reduced.

Fixed Dose Ratio Combination Preparation Of Disadvantages

The patient may not actually need all the drugs present in a combination. He is subjected to additional side effects and expenses.
The dose of most drugs needs to be adjusted and individualized. When a combined formulation is used, this cannot be done without altering the dose of the other components.
The time course of action of the components may be different: administering them at the same intervals may be inappropriate.
The altered renal or hepatic function of the patient may differently affect the pharmacokinetics of the components.
An adverse effect, when it occurs, cannot be easily ascribed to the particular drug causing it.
Contraindication to one component contraindicates the whole preparation.
Confusion of therapeutic aims and a false sense of superiority of two drugs over one is fostered, especially in the case of antimicrobials whose combinations should be avoided.
Corticosteroids should never be combined with any other drug meant for internal use.

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