oxytetracycline--anhydrous and Sexually-Transmitted-Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) constitute a major public health concern in developing countries. Their interest lies mainly in their diagnosis and their early treatment. Owing to lack of health education and poor living conditions inherent in underdevelopment, self-medication is common practice in these Third World countries. Therefore, the illegal sale of drugs is an important phenomenon in Africa and Asia.. An investigation, with a view to evaluating the importance of drug sales in the parallel market for the treatment of urethral discharge in Dakar, was carried out in 50 different locations in the working-class districts of the capital from 13 February to 6 March 1997. These drugs, obtained from vendors in the illegal market, were tested and analyzed using the standard physicochemical methods.. The most frequently proposed drugs to treat male urethritis are: ampicillin 250-mg capsules (44%); oxytetracyline 250-mg capsules (24%); and cotrimoxazole 450-mg tablets (12%). In most cases (88%), these drugs were sold unpackaged; 12% were sold in blisters. Furthermore, in 90% of cases, the expiry date was not indicated. The dosage and duration of treatment were correct in only 6% of cases. The physicochemical analysis was based on the external appearance, the identification, and the dosage of the active principle. Of these drugs offered by street vendors, 53.1% had an unusual appearance; they were mainly ampicillin 250 mg (21 of 22 samples) and oxytetracycline 250 mg (6 of 12 samples). Furthermore, all active principles were identified as positive, with the exception of ampicillin 250 mg, for which only one sample of the 22 was positive; the others appeared to be flour, with no trace of the active principle.. Given the extent of these illegal sales of drug and their harmful consequences for the health of the population, adequate measures should be taken to eradicate this blight. For this mission to succeed, public authorities, health professionals and populations should combine their efforts.

Topics: Ampicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Humans; Illicit Drugs; Male; Oxytetracycline; Penicillins; Public Health; Senegal; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Urethritis

The current methods of treating and reporting non-specific genital infection (NSGI) are described. The most commonly used drug was tetracycline in one or other form. Epidemiological treatment was widely used, particularly for female sexual contacts. There was considerable variation in the reporting criteria for the quarterly returns. The establishment of acceptable and uniform criteria for notification of NSGI is discussed.

Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Drug Administration Schedule; England; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Homosexuality; Humans; Male; Medical Records; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; Oxytetracycline; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Tetracycline; Tetracyclines; Wales

Topics: Adult; Cervix Mucus; Child; Family Practice; Female; Humans; Leukocytes; Male; Oxytetracycline; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Tetracycline; Urethritis

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gonorrhea; Humans; Oxytetracycline; Penicillin Resistance; Penicillins; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Syphilis

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gonorrhea; Humans; Oxytetracycline; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Skin Diseases, Infectious; Syphilis; Syphilis, Latent

Topics: Humans; Male; Military Medicine; Ointments; Oxytetracycline; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Silicones

Topics: Diagnosis; Histological Techniques; Humans; Male; Molluscum Contagiosum; Oxytetracycline; Penis; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Urology

Topics: Humans; Oxytetracycline; Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Topics: Humans; Oxytetracycline; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Venereology

Topics: Humans; Oxytetracycline; Penicillin Resistance; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Sulfanilamide; Sulfanilamides; Sulfonamides

Topics: Humans; Oxytetracycline; Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Dermatologic Agents; Gonorrhea; Humans; Oxytetracycline; Sexually Transmitted Diseases