Sciences of Pharmacy

Wawang Anwarudin , Salwa Diana Hanum, Liska Marlindasari, Anna Khalida Sya'bany, Nur Azizah

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern, particularly in high-burden countries such as Indonesia. Although TB is curable, prolonged therapy, potential adverse effects, and social stigma may affect medication adherence and patients’ quality of life (QoL). Evaluating the association between adherence and QoL is important to support patient-centered TB management. This study aimed to examine the association between medication adherence and quality of life among tuberculosis patients at Permata Kuningan Hospital. A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted involving 62 TB patients selected through purposive sampling. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Data were analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. Most patients demonstrated high adherence (95.2%) and reported good quality of life (96.8%). Statistical analysis showed a significant positive correlation between medication adherence and quality of life (r = 0.384; p = 0.002), indicating that higher adherence was associated with better quality of life. These findings suggest a significant association between medication adherence and quality of life among TB patients. Strategies to support adherence, including education, counseling, and monitoring, may be considered as part of comprehensive TB care to optimize patient-centered outcomes.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Theodorus Rexa Handoyo, Juniar Kalpika Resmi, Rahmi Hutabarat, Yovi Guanse

Red apple (Malus domestica) extract, rich in hydrophobic quercetin, was formulated into oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion using a 22 factorial design to evaluate Tween 80 (8-10 g) and Span 80 (2-4 g) concentrations, targeting pH (4.5-6.0), transmittance (90-100%), and viscosity (10-2000 cPs). Design-Expert® 13 analysis identified formulations F1, FA, and FAB within acceptable physical property ranges, with all red apple emulsions exhibiting O/W type, skin-compatible pH (5.20-5.48), high transmittance, and suitable viscosity. Freeze-thaw cycling (3 cycles, -15/25°C) and centrifugation showed physical stability with non-significant changes for F1 (p > 0.05). The agar well diffusion assay was performed on F1 (n = 3), which exhibited optimal physical parameters and met stability criteria, revealing Cutibacterium acnes inhibition zones up to 22.7 ± 0.577 mm. Thus, F1 emerges as a promising nanoemulsion candidate demonstrating antibacterial activity against acne-causing bacteria.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Courage Chandipwisa, Agness Shimilimo, Tendai Pride Zenda, Harrison Banda

Conventional vaccines face challenges in antigen stability, delivery efficiency, and scalability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Nanochemistry offers innovative approaches through lipid nanoparticles, polymeric carriers, and hybrid systems. This review evaluates these platforms using criteria such as physicochemical properties, immunological outcomes, translational feasibility, and One Health relevance. A narrative literature review was conducted across major databases between 2015 and 2025. Studies were screened by title and abstract, excluded if not directly relevant to vaccine delivery, and weighted according to design, with clinical trials prioritized over in vitro or modeling studies. Reference lists of key papers were also examined to ensure comprehensive coverage. Lipid nanoparticles supported mRNA delivery in licensed COVID-19 vaccines, achieving strong immune responses but with variability across populations and reported adverse events including myocarditis and anaphylaxis. Polymeric nanoparticles such as PLGA and chitosan enabled controlled antigen release, though cost-effectiveness remains constrained by manufacturing and scalability challenges. Hybrid lipid-polymer systems demonstrated enhanced stability and multi-antigen presentation, with current evidence largely limited to preclinical studies. One Health implications are defined as the potential of nanochemistry to contribute to zoonotic disease prevention, food safety, and cross-species vaccine design, requiring clearer frameworks for integration. In conclusion, nanochemistry-based vaccine platforms show promise for advancing immunization strategies, but unresolved issues in safety evaluation, regulatory harmonization, and equitable access highlight the need for cautious interpretation and further interdisciplinary collaboration.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Rissa Maharani Dewi, Abdur Rosyid, Willi Wahyu Timur, Nindita Sari Nastiti, Dwi Monika Ningrum, Dimas Widiyanto

Inappropriate prescribing of parenteral analgesics in patients with mild pain or uncomplicated fever remains a relevant concern in emergency care. This study reports findings from a retrospective internal audit conducted in the emergency department of a private hospital in Banjarbaru, Indonesia, to evaluate the appropriateness of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. Medical records of 384 emergency department visits were reviewed, including data on pain intensity using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), clinical indications, route of administration, and immediate adverse reactions. Inappropriate use was defined as administration of parenteral NSAIDs in patients with mild pain (NRS 1–3) or uncomplicated fever when oral therapy was feasible, based on Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) guidelines. The audit identified inappropriate parenteral NSAID use in 7 patients (3.6%). These cases were associated with mild, immediate adverse effects such as nausea and dizziness. Although the proportion was small, the findings indicate potentially avoidable use of injectable analgesics and highlight the need for improved adherence to guideline-based analgesic selection. Reinforcement of routine pain assessment, clinician re-education, and periodic prescribing audits are recommended to support rational and patient-centered analgesic use in emergency settings.

Sciences of Pharmacy

Entris Sutrisno, Marita Kaniawati, Ilmi Intan Maharani, Jajang Japar Sodik

Insulin therapy is essential for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in patients who fail to achieve glycemic targets with oral antidiabetic agents. Long-acting insulin is primarily used to control basal glucose levels, while rapid-acting insulin targets postprandial hyperglycemia. However, comparative real-world evidence regarding their effectiveness on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of long-acting and rapid-acting insulin in improving HbA1c and FBG levels among patients with T2DM. A retrospective before–and–after observational study was conducted involving 122 T2DM patients treated at the outpatient unit of Majalaya Regional General Hospital between January and December 2024. Patients received either long-acting insulin (e.g., insulin glargine) or rapid-acting insulin (e.g., insulin lispro and insulin aspart) as monotherapy. Changes in HbA1c and FBG before and after therapy were analyzed using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Clinical effectiveness was defined according to American Diabetes Association criteria as a reduction of ≥1% in HbA1c or ≥30 mg/dL in FBG. Insulin therapy significantly reduced HbA1c (−7.77 ± 3.09, p < 0.001) and FBG levels (Z = −5.53, p < 0.001). Based on ADA criteria, 90.3% of patients achieved an effective reduction in HbA1c, while 43.5% achieved an effective reduction in FBG. Insulin lispro and insulin glargine showed the highest HbA1c-based effectiveness (100%), whereas FBG-based effectiveness varied across formulations. Insulin therapy significantly improves long-term and short-term glycemic control in T2DM patients, with insulin lispro and insulin glargine demonstrating the most consistent effectiveness.

Sciences of Pharmacy