Pharmaceutical practice and selling of drugs during Ramadan

Abstract

Ramadan is a holy month where Muslims fast from sunset to sunrise. During the fasting days of Ramadan, glucose homeostasis is maintained by meals taken before dawn and by liver glycogen stores. Changes in serum lipids are variable and depend on the quality and quantity of food consumption and changes in weight. Increases in subjective sensations of fatigue, loss of sleep, or disruption of normal sleep have been reported as physiological changes during fasting in Ramadan. Also, fasting during Ramadan was reported to reactivate and aggravate gastrointestinal diseases, exacerbate migraines, and increase the circadian pattern of strokes. In Jordan, changes in the pharmaceutical practice and selling of drugs were recognized by many local pharmacy owners during Ramadan. However, there are no studies about it.

(Published: 1 January 2011)

Citation: Libyan J Med 2011, 6: 5775 - DOI: 10.3402/ljm.v6i0.5775