Randomization
The WINPEPI version 11.65 software (75) was used to generate the table
of random numbers.
The table of random numbers was developed and kept with the research
unit of the pharmacy
department, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, where the study
drugs were kept and dispensed for use once patients were recruited for
the study. The randomization code was only made available to the
principal investigator after completion of the trial for data analysis.
Patients that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled by the team
on call or managing team as they presented to the hospital. After
obtaining a written consent, the participants were requested to pick one
of the brown envelopes which contained the randomization number. A
proforma was then filled for the participants indicating the
randomization number. The randomization number was taken to the pharmacy
unit by the attending staff where the drugs were dispensed for
administration to the participants.