Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Primary 6
Use of Medicine
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Use of Medicine
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Subject: Physical & Health Education
Class: Primary 6
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Theme: Health Education
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mention the features for identifying fake medicines list some normal use of common drugs describe the effects of normal use of medicines discuss the effects of excessive use of medicines
resistant to the medicine, making future infections harder to treat. This is a major public health concern in Nigeria.
Worsening of Illness: Using the wrong medicine or excessive amounts can mask symptoms, delay proper diagnosis, and worsen the original illness.
Allergic Reactions: Excessive use can sometimes trigger or intensify allergic reactions. E. Features for Identifying Fake Medicines Fake medicines (counterfeit, substandard, or expired drugs) are a serious threat to public health in Nigeria.
Identifying them is vital:
1. NAFDAC Registration Number: Genuine medicines in Nigeria must have a valid NAFDAC (National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control) registration number (e.g., "NAFDAC Reg. No.: A6-XXXX"). Absence, incorrect format, or a number that doesn't verify on NAFDAC's platform indicates a fake.
2. Packaging Quality: Poor Printing/Spelling Errors: Fake medicines often have blurry printing, faded colours, or grammatical errors/misspellings on the packaging.
Damaged/Tampered Packaging: Crushed boxes, broken seals, or signs of tampering.
Lack of Information: Missing batch number, manufacturing date, or expiry date.
Unusual Packaging Material: Material that feels cheaper or different from the original.
3. Physical Appearance of the Medicine Itself: Unusual Colour/Smell/Taste: Tablets or syrups may have an off-colour, strange smell, or unusual taste.
Texture/Consistency: Tablets may be too crumbly or too hard, capsules may be poorly sealed, syrups may have unusual sedimentation or thickness. * Lack of Uniformity: Tablets in a single pack may differ in size, shape, or colour.
4. Price: If the price is significantly lower than the usual market price, it is a strong indicator of a fake product. Genuine medicines have production costs that determine their price.
5. Information Leaflet: Genuine medicines usually come with a detailed leaflet containing information about the drug. Fake ones may lack this, or the leaflet may contain errors.
6. Source: Buying medicines from unregistered hawkers, open markets, or unlicenced pharmacies significantly increases the risk of acquiring fake drugs. Always purchase from a registered pharmacy or healthcare facility. This section provides in-depth content for the teacher to deliver the lesson effectively. A. What are Medicines? Medicines (or drugs) are substances used to prevent, treat, or cure illnesses, relieve pain, or improve health. They are designed to interact with the body to achieve a specific therapeutic effect. Examples include tablets, capsules, syrups, injections, and creams. B. Normal Use of Common Drugs Normal use refers to taking a medicine exactly as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional (doctor, pharmacist, nurse) or as indicated on the medicine's label by the manufacturer.
This includes:
1. Correct Drug: Taking the medicine intended for the specific ailment.
2. Correct Dosage: Taking the right quantity of medicine (e.g., one tablet, 5ml of syrup).
3. Correct Timing: Taking the medicine at the right intervals (e.g., twice daily, every 8 hours).
4. Correct Duration: Taking the medicine for the recommended period (e.g., 5 days, until symptoms clear).
5. Correct Route: Administering the medicine appropriately (e.g., swallowing, applying to skin). Examples of Common Drugs and Their Normal Use in Nigeria: Paracetamol (or Acetaminophen): Normal Use: For relieving mild to moderate pain (headache, body ache) and reducing fever. Dosage for Primary 6 age (approx. 9-12 years): Typically 500mg tablet, 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 8 tablets in 24 hours. For syrup, dosage is usually based on weight (e.g., 10-15mg/kg per dose). It is crucial to always check the specific instructions on the pack or consult a healthcare professional.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Normal Use: To boost the immune system, prevent scurvy, and aid in wound healing.
Dosage: Varies, but commonly 100mg-500mg daily. Cough Syrups (e.g., containing Dextromethorphan or Guaifenesin): Normal Use: To relieve cough symptoms (suppressing cough or expelling mucus).
Dosage: Often 5-10ml, 3-4 times daily, depending on the specific product and child's age/weight. Anti-malarials (e.g., Artemether-Lumefantrine combination, for older children as prescribed): Normal Use: For treating malaria.
Dosage: Strictly as prescribed by a doctor, typically for 3 days. C. Effects of Normal Use of Medicines When medicines are used correctly, they generally have positive effects: Healing and Recovery: They treat the underlying cause of illness, leading to recovery.
Pain Relief: They alleviate discomfort and pain, improving quality of life.
Symptom Management: They reduce symptoms like fever, cough, or inflammation.
Disease Prevention: Some medicines (e.g., vaccines, certain prophylactic drugs) prevent diseases.
Improved Well-being: By addressing health issues, they contribute to overall better health and ability to participate in daily activities.
Minor Side Effects: Even with normal use, some medicines can cause minor, temporary side effects like drowsiness, mild nausea, dizziness, or stomach upset. These are usually mild and manageable, and the benefits of the medicine outweigh these minor discomforts. D. Effects of Excessive Use of Medicines Excessive use (also known as drug abuse or misuse) occurs when medicines are taken in larger doses, more frequently, for longer periods, or for reasons other than prescribed.
This can lead to severe negative effects: Organ Damage: Overdosing on certain drugs can severely damage vital organs like the liver (e.g., excessive paracetamol), kidneys, heart, or brain. This damage can be permanent.
Poisoning/Toxicity: High doses of medicines can become toxic, leading to severe reactions, coma, or even death.
Addiction/Dependence: Some drugs, even those not considered illicit, can be habit-forming. Excessive use can lead to physical or psychological dependence, making it difficult for the person to stop taking the drug. Examples include some pain relievers or cough syrups.
Antibiotic Resistance: Excessive or incorrect use of antibiotics can lead to bacteria becoming resistant to the medicine, making future infections harder to treat. This is a major public health concern in Nigeria.
Worsening of Illness: Using the wrong medicine or excessive amounts can mask symptoms, delay proper diagnosis, and worsen the original illness.
Allergic Reactions: Excessive use can sometimes trigger or intensify allergic reactions. E. Features for Identifying Fake Medicines Fake medicines (counterfeit, substandard, or expired drugs) are a serious threat to public health in Nigeria.
Identifying them is vital:
1. NAFDAC Registration Number: Genuine medicines in Nigeria must have a valid NAFDAC This section outlines practical activities for both the teacher and students.
A. Teacher Activities: Introduction (10 mins): Begin by asking students to briefly share what they or their family members take when they have common ailments like headache or fever (without naming specific drugs if they are unsure). Introduce the topic "Use of Medicine" and explain its importance for health.
Explanation of Key Concepts (20 mins): Define "medicine" and explain its purpose. Discuss the concept of "normal use" of medicine, emphasizing correct drug, dosage, timing, and duration. Provide examples of common medicines (e.g., Paracetamol, Vitamin C, cough syrup) and their typical uses, using empty packaging as visual aids. Highlight their normal dosages for children (Primary 6 age group) as printed on the packaging or generally known for age group (e.g., "Paracetamol 500mg, 1 tablet"). Explain the positive effects of normal medicine use (healing, pain relief, prevention). Transition to discussing "excessive use," defining it and explaining its dangers, providing concrete examples of organ damage, addiction, and poisoning. Introduce the concept of "fake medicines" and why they are dangerous. Demonstration & Practical Identification (15 mins): Display empty medicine packaging (Paracetamol, cough syrup, etc.) obtained from a pharmacy. Point out and explain features on the packaging: NAFDAC registration number, batch number, expiry date, manufacturing date, dosage instructions, manufacturer's details. Explain how to check for these features and what irregularities might indicate a fake product (e.g., absence of NAFDAC number, blurry print, misspelled words). Engage students in a guided "spot the difference" exercise if possible, using two similar-looking (but one having subtle errors) mock packages if available, or just pointing out potential flaws verbally.
Activity Facilitation (15 mins): Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with empty medicine packaging (ensure these are harmless, empty packets or wrappers). Instruct groups to identify and list specific features on their assigned packaging related to authenticity (NAFDAC number, expiry date, clear printing). Facilitate group discussions on the potential dangers of not checking these features.
B. Student Activities: Participation in Discussion: Actively participate in the initial discussion about common ailments and remedies.
Observation and Engagement: Pay close attention to the teacher's explanation and demonstration of medicine packaging features. Ask clarifying questions.
Group Work: In assigned groups, examine the provided empty medicine packaging. Collaborate to identify and list the NAFDAC registration number, expiry date, manufacturing date, and dosage instructions. Discuss what irregularities they would look for to identify a fake product, based on the teacher's explanation. Prepare to present their findings and insights to the class. Role Play (Optional, if time permits): Students could briefly role-play a scenario where one student buys medicine from a street hawker and another from a licensed pharmacy, highlighting the differences and risks. These questions directly target the performance objectives and are scaffolded for understanding.
Question 1: Imagine your younger sibling has a slight fever and headache. Your mother gives them a Paracetamol syrup. How would you identify the normal dosage to give to your sibling based on the medicine bottle?
Guide: Emphasize looking for specific instructions.
Solution 1: To identify the normal dosage, one must carefully read the instructions printed on the medicine bottle label or the accompanying leaflet. These instructions usually specify the dose based on age or weight (e.g., "For children 6-12 years: 10ml, three times daily" or "Dose by weight: 15mg per kg"). It is crucial not to guess and always follow these exact instructions to ensure safe and effective use.
Question 2: You are in a market and see a vendor selling medicine at a very cheap price. What are two features you would look out for on the medicine's packaging that could tell you if it is fake or not?
Solution 2: Two features to look out for are: NAFDAC Registration Number: Check for the presence and validity of the NAFDAC Reg. No. Genuine medicines in Nigeria must have it. If it's absent, unclear, or looks suspicious, it's likely fake.
Packaging Quality and Details: Examine the printing for blurriness, faded colours, or any spelling mistakes. Also, ensure there is a clear expiry date and batch number printed on the pack. Poor quality packaging or missing crucial information indicates a fake product.
Question 3: Describe one positive effect of using a medicine like Vitamin C normally, as directed.
Solution 3: One positive effect of using Vitamin C normally is that it helps to boost the body's immune system. This means it helps the body fight off illnesses like colds and flu, and it also aids in the healing of wounds.
Question 4: A friend tells you they take pain relievers frequently, even when they don't have severe pain, just to feel 'good'. What is one major harmful effect of this excessive use of medicine?
Solution 4: One major harmful effect of this excessive use of pain relievers is organ damage, particularly to the liver or kidneys. Taking more than the recommended dose or taking medicine too often can overwhelm these organs, leading to severe and potentially permanent damage, or even liver/kidney failure. Another effect could be addiction or dependence, where the person finds it difficult to stop taking the drug.
Community Health Awareness: Students can use their knowledge to warn family members and neighbours about the dangers of buying medicines from street hawkers or unregistered shops. They can become advocates for purchasing drugs only from licensed pharmacies where authenticity is more assured, which is a major issue in Nigerian communities.
Personal Safety and Health: The ability to identify genuine drugs and understand correct dosage helps students protect themselves and their younger siblings from accidental poisoning or harmful side effects due to drug misuse. This directly addresses the prevalent issue of self-medication and inappropriate drug use in many Nigerian households.
Economic Impact of Fake Drugs: Discuss how fake medicines, besides being dangerous, also represent an economic loss to families and the nation. When people spend money on ineffective or harmful drugs, they waste resources that could have been used for legitimate healthcare or other needs. This connects to the broader fight against illicit trade impacting the Nigerian economy.