"Di-clo-fe-nicle Or DICLOFENAC" See how a woman could have possibly put herself in trouble...

DICLOFENICLE VS DICLOFENAC – X-raying the Importance of proper writing, spelling and pronunciation of Drug names…

Madam, did the Doctor write out any drug for you to buy? I asked, as I assessed the medication profile of one of my patients at a female surgical and Orthopaedic ward. She quickly replied, Yes O! Diclo-fe-ni-cle!!! I have sent my sister to buy it for me? 
Nooo Ma! I replied politely with a smile, It is Di-clo-fe-nac and not Di-clo-fe-nicle. There is an antibiotic called Chloramphenicol and it is different from the analgesic Diclofenac. If she tells them Di-clo-fe-nicle, a careless dispenser who may not be a Pharmacist may issue out the wrong drug and this can lead to treatment failure as well as adverse effects.

It is important to pay attention and be careful when referring to medicines because of their effects in the body. Drugs are at the right dose, instruments of healing while at wrong doses are ineffective or poisonous. Hence, it is said that drugs are like double-edged swords producing on one hand, desirable results and on the other hand, dangerous effects.
Also, it is also important to note that a Drug as a chemical entity can come in different forms. For example, Diclofenac, an analgesic (pain killers) comes in form of tablets (solid dosage form), Suspension (liquid dosage forms), as Intramuscular injections and as rectal suppositories (Parenteral). It can be dangerous to wrongly refer to the form of the drug needed. For instance, if a patient is prescribed Diclofenac tablets and goes ahead to purchase Diclofenac suppositories may end up swallowing a drug meant to be inserted into the rectum, i.e. through the anus (suppository).

Drugs are very important chemical entities which affect our bodies in various ways. It is very important to write, spell and pronounce their names with care whether as health professionals or not. It is equally important to seek the help of a Pharmacist or Doctor when in need of clarifications about your drugs and health. It is equally important for everyone to be enlightened about their health and the drugs they use as these affect their health.