Code of Pharmaceutical
Ethics
Contents of This Chapter
Introduction to code of pharmaceutical ethics
Code of ethics framed by the Pharmacy Council of India
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Learning Objectives
• At the end of this lecture, student will be able to
– Describe the code of moral principles a pharmacist should have
– Illustrate the code of ethics framed by the Pharmacy Council of India
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Introduction
Ethics may be defined as “the code of moral principles” or as “the science of morals”
The conduct of individuals, in any society, is governed by the governmental control as well
as society lays down a code of conduct to help the individuals differentiate between right
and wrong
Such a code when practised for a long time by the society results in the development of
culture of conscience
This code when practised in relation to a particular profession is known as professional
ethics
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Code of ethics by PCI
This is meant to guide the pharmacist about his/her conduct in relationship to himself, his
patrons, general public, co-professionals and other health professionals
The profession of pharmacy , apart from being a career for livelihood, it has inherent in it,
the attitude of service and sacrifice in the interests of the suffering humanity in handling,
selling, distributing, compounding and dispensing medical substances, including poisons
and patent drugs
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Code of ethics by PCI
A pharmacist in collaboration with medical men and others is charged with the
responsibility of safeguarding the health of people
Standards of professional conduct for pharmacy are necessary in the public interests to
ensure an efficient pharmaceutical service
Every pharmacist should not only be willing to play his part in offering such a service but
should also avoid such acts or omission which would hamper the giving of the services or
impair confidence in any respect for pharmacists as a body
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Code of ethics by PCI
The essential features of the code of pharmaceutical ethics formulated by the pharmacy
council of India are as follows:
1. Pharmacists in relation to his job
2. Pharmacists in relation to his trade
3. Pharmacists in relation to Medical Profession
4. Pharmacists in relation to his profession
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Code of Ethics by PCI
Pharmacist in relation to his job
Scope of Pharmaceutical Services
– Supply of commonly required medicines
– willing to furnish emergency supplies at all times
Conduct of the Pharmacy
– Error of accidental contamination in the preparation , dispensing and supply of
medicines are avoided
– Appearance of the premises should reflect the professional character of pharmacy
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Code of ethics by PCI
-Should be clear to the public that the practice of pharmacy is carried out in the
establishment
-In every pharmacy, there should be a pharmacist in personal control of the pharmacy
-A notice stating that dispensing under (Employees State Insurance Scheme) E.S.I.S. or any
other such other schemes sponsored by Government is carried out may be exhibited at the
premises.
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Code of Ethics by PCI
Handling of prescriptions
– When a prescription is presented for dispensing it should be received by a pharmacist without any
discussion or comment over it regarding the merits and demerits of its therapeutic efficiency.
– The Pharmacist should not show any expression of alarm or astonishment upon the receipt of a
prescription; as such things may cause anxiety in patients or their agents and may even shake their
faith in their physician.
– Any question on a prescription should be answered with every caution and care; it should neither
offend a patron nor should it disclose any information, which might have been intentionally,
withheld from him.
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Code of Ethics by PCI
-It is not within the privilege of a Pharmacist to add, omit or substitute any ingredient or
alter the composition of a prescription without the consent of the prescriber, unless the
change is emergent or is demanded purely by the technique of the pharmaceutical art and
does not cause any alteration in the therapeutic action of the recipe.
-In case of any obvious error in it, due to any omission, incompatibility or over dose, the
prescription should be referred back to the prescriber for correction or approval of the
change suggested. While such an act is imperative in the best interest of the patient, in no
case should it be done in a manner, which may endanger the reputation of the prescriber
concerned.
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Code of Ethics by PCI
– In matter of refilling prescriptions a pharmacist should solely be guided by the
instructions of the prescriber and he should advise patients to use medicines or remedies
strictly in accordance with the intention of the physician noted on the prescription.
Handling of Drugs
-All possible care should be taken to dispense a prescription correctly by weighing and
measuring all ingredients in correct proportions by the help of scale and measures: visual
estimations must be avoided.
– Further, a Pharmacist should always use drugs and medicinal preparations of standard
quality available.
– He should never fill his prescriptions with spurious, sub-standard and unethical
preparations.
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Code of Ethics by PCI
A Pharmacist should be Judicious in dealing with drugs and medicinal preparations to be
used for addiction or any other abusive purposes.
Such drugs and preparations should not be supplied to any one if there is reason to
suppose that it is required for such purpose.
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Code of Ethics by PCI
Apprentice Pharmacists:
-While in-charge of a dispensary, drugstore or hospital pharmacy where apprentice
pharmacists are admitted for practical training, a pharmacist should see that the trainees
are given full facilities for their work so that on the completion of their training they have
acquired sufficient technique and skill to make themselves dependable pharmacists.
– No certificate or credentials should be granted unless the above criterion is attained and
the recipient has proved himself worthy of the same.
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Summary
Ethics may be defined as “the code of moral principles” or as “the science of morals”
Code when practised for a long time by the society results in the development of culture
of conscience
The profession of pharmacy , apart from being a career for livelihood, it has inherent in it
the attitude of service and sacrifice in the interests of the suffering humanity
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Summary
The profession of pharmacy , apart from being a career for livelihood, it has inherent in it
the attitude of service and sacrifice in the interests of the suffering humanity
A pharmacist in collaboration with medical men and others is charged with the onerous
responsibility of safeguarding the health of people
Standards of professional conduct for pharmacy are necessary in the public interests to
ensure an efficient pharmaceutical service