European journal of clinical pharmacology
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Dec 2006
The frequency of inappropriate tablet splitting in primary care.
We assessed the frequency and determinants of tablet splitting in primary care in Germany and evaluated the quality of information on divisibility in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs) and in the Package Leaflet (PL) as legal sources of information for health care providers and patients. ⋯ The splitting of tablets in primary care is a frequent habit likely driven by medical and economic considerations. Almost 1% of all tablets are split that must not be fragmented. However, the SPC and PL provide only limited information on divisibility stressing the need to improve this information promptly to avoid medication errors.
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Nov 2006
Review Comparative StudyAnalgesics for pain after traumatic or orthopaedic surgery: what is the evidence--a systematic review.
To assess analgesic drugs in the treatment of postoperative pain after traumatic and orthopaedic surgery (TOS). ⋯ Evidence from RCTs on the treatment of postoperative pain after TOS is inadequate for clinical decision making. Assessment of analgesics in pain after TOS should be based on agreed clinically relevant outcomes, in representative patients, and for longer observation periods. In addition, it should include direct comparisons between candidate drugs or their combinations and between various drug administration schedules.
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Nov 2006
Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffect of the CYP2D6*10 C188T polymorphism on postoperative tramadol analgesia in a Chinese population.
The CYP2D6*10 allele is the most common allele with a frequency ranging from 51.3 to 70% and correlated with a significantly reduced metabolic activity in a Chinese population. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the CYP2D6*10 allele has an impact on the postoperative analgesia effect of tramadol in Chinese patients recovering from major abdominal surgery. ⋯ This study indicates that the CYP2D6*10 allele has significant impact on analgesia with tramadol in a Chinese population. Pharmacogenetics may explain some of the varying responses to pain medication in postoperative patients.
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Nov 2006
Comparative StudyMedicines for children licensed by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA): the balance after 10 years.
The 1995-2005 balance of EMEA activities in the field of paediatric medicines was evaluated, taking into account the number both of drugs authorised for children and paediatric studies supporting the Marketing Authorisation (MA). ⋯ This report demonstrates that the total number of paediatric medicines approved by EMEA is stable over the 10-year period, while an increase in drugs to treat serious or orphan diseases has been observed. In addition, under the Centralised Procedure, a valuable number of paediatric trials have been submitted to support drug approval.
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Oct 2006
ReviewCurrent and novel approaches to the drug therapy of obesity.
Obesity has been described as the greatest current threat to human health. Although diet and lifestyle changes remain the cornerstones of therapy for obesity, weight losses are often small, and long-term success is disappointing. ⋯ Because weight regulation is complex, and redundant systems protect against perceived starvation, optimal treatment of obesity will likely require combinations of therapies. In addition, a better comprehension of the problem prior to its treatment would be preferable before targeting homeostatic pathways which could be irrelevant.