COURSE TITLE:

PHARMACOLOGY
COURSE CODE: DPH 218
NAME OF TUTOR: MR. JACOB NRENZAH (PHD)

GROUP 6

PRESENTATION

RATIONAL USE OF DRUGS (DANGERS OF

IRRATIONAL USE OF DRUGS)
• GROUP MEMBERS • INDEX NUMBERS
• Rational use of drugs refers to the process
of appropriate prescribing, dispensing and
patient use of drugs for diagnosis, prevention
and treatment of diseases.
• Irrational use of drugs refers to
inappropriate use of medication. It can
include taking a medication without a
prescription, not following the right dosage
or duration, using expired or counterfeit
drugs.
DANGERS OF IRRATIONAL USE
OF DRUGS

• Ineffectiveness of treatment-when drugs

are used inappropriately or incorrectly they
may not effectively treat the intended
medical condition.
• Adverse reaction and effect-drugs are
designed to have a specific effect on the
body, but when used irrationally they can
cause unintended adverse reaction and side
effects. This can range from mild
• Development of resistance the misuse or overuse of
antibiotics for example can contribute to the
development of drug-resistance bacteria. This means
that common infections may become more difficult or
even impossible to treat with existing medication.
• Wastage of resources when drugs are used irrationally,
valuable healthcare resources are wasted. This includes
the unnecessary cost of medication as well as the time
and effort spent on prescribing, dispensing and
monitoring their use.
• Overburdening on healthcare system the irrational
use of drugs can lead to increased healthcare utilization
including hospitals admission and emergency room
visit, due to adverse reactions or worsening conditions.
This can strain healthcare system and limit access to
care for those truly in need.
• Addiction and dependence certain medication such as
benzodiazepines have high potential for addiction and
dependence. When used irrationally or without medical
supervision, individuals may develop dependence on
this medication.
• Medication errors the irrational use of drugs increases
the risk of medication errors, such as taking the wrong
medication or incorrect dosage. These errors can have
serious consequences for the individual health and may
require medical intervention.
• Stigma and discrimination individuals who engage in
irrational drug use may face stigmatization and
discrimination, which can further impact their mental
health and well being.
• Social and economic cost the irrational use of drugs
can have significant social and economic costs for
individuals and society. This includes decreased
productivity, increase healthcare cost and strain on
resources and support system.
• Legal consequences the irrational use of certain drugs
such as illicit substances or prescription medications
obtained without a prescription, can have legal
consequences. Individuals may face charges related to
drug possession.
• Accidental poisoning improper storage or disposal of
medication can lead to accidental poisoning, especially
in households with children or pets. This can occur
when medications are left within reach or when expired
or unused medications are properly disposed of.
• Drug to drug interaction when medications are used
irrationally there is an increased risked of harmful
interaction between different drugs. This can result in
unpredictable side effects or reduced effectiveness of
the medication.
• Overdose or toxicity taking medication inappropriately
such as exceeding the prescribed dosage or combining
them with other substances can lead to overdose or
toxicity. This can have serious consequences for the
individuals health and may require emergency medical
intervention.
• Delayed diagnose if medications are used without a
proper diagnoses or medical guidance, underlying
health conditions may go undetected or untreated. This
can lead to delay in appropriate treatment potentially
worsen the patients health.