European journal of clinical pharmacology
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Jan 1992
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffect of penicillin on the clinical course of streptococcal pharyngitis in general practice.
The aim of the study was to explore whether penicillin was superior to placebo in altering the clinical course of proven streptococcal pharyngitis. A randomised, parallel, double blind placebo controlled trial of 10 days duration was undertaken in 42 general practices in the Gent region (Flemish part of Belgium). Phenoxymethylpenicillin (adults 250 mg t.i.d. and children 125 mg t.i.d.) or placebo were administrated to 173 patients, aged 5 to 50 y, with acute sore throat and a positive culture for Group A beta-haemolytic streptococci. ⋯ Penicillin had more adverse effects than placebo (P < 0.007). It also inhibited the rise in ASLO (P < 0.001). In this study in general practice, penicillin had a slight but definitive positive effect on the clinical evolution of streptococcal pharyngitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Jan 1992
Case ReportsTerodiline causes polymorphic ventricular tachycardia due to reduced heart rate and prolongation of QT interval.
Recent reports have suggested an association between terodiline hydrochloride and cardiac arrhythmias. We report 4 patients presenting over a six month period who developed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (polymorphic VT) while receiving treatment with this agent. In each case there was prolongation of QT interval on electrocardiogram (ECG). ⋯ Terodiline increases QTc and reduces resting heart rate in elderly patients. Both these effects may be associated with polymorphic VT, a potentially life threatening arrhythmia. This drug should be avoided in patients with other known risk factors for polymorphic VT, particularly hypokalaemia and cardiac disease.
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Jan 1992
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffects of thiopentone/suxamethonium on intraocular pressure after pretreatment with alfentanil.
The effects of pretreatment with alfentanil on intraocular pressure (IOP) were investigated in 40 patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to two study groups. Group 1 patients (n = 20) received alfentanil 15 micrograms.kg-1, vecuronium 0.01 mg.kg-1, thiopentone 3-4 mg.kg-1, and suxamethonium 1 mg.kg-1 for anaesthetic induction, whereas patients in group 2 (n = 20) received vecuronium 0.01 mg.kg-1, thiopentone 3-4 mg.kg-1, and suxamethonium 1 mg.kg-1. ⋯ In group 2 patients, there was an increase in IOP after endotracheal intubation. In group 1 patients, a decrease in IOP occurred which was related to the decrease in arterial blood pressure. We conclude that alfentanil pretreatment can prevent the increase in IOP following suxamethonium administration.
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Jan 1991
Pitfalls of pharmacokinetic dosage guidelines in renal insufficiency.
As the renal elimination of most drugs is closely correlated with the endogenous creatinine clearance, it is possible to use this parameter of kidney function to adjust drug dosage in renal failure. However, this simple procedure neglects possible changes in the volume of distribution, plasma protein binding, drug metabolism, intestinal absorption, and pharmacodynamics in renal insufficiency, as well as the occurrence of biologically active drug metabolites. Because of these uncertainties in critical cases the validity of the dosage calculated using the creatinine clearance should be checked by clinical surveillance and measurements of drug blood concentrations. Further, pharmacokinetic dosage guidelines based on the individual creatinine clearance may not be applicable to diuretics and drugs which have markedly differing kinetics of pharmacodynamic effects and blood levels.
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Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. · Jan 1991
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialTransdermal fentanyl for the treatment of pain after major urological operations. A randomized double-blind comparison with placebo using intravenous patient-controlled analgesia.
Transdermal fentanyl 75 micrograms/h (Fentanyl-TTS) was compared with placebo in a randomized double-blind study in the early postoperative period, using 50 patients recovering from major urological operations. Analgesic efficacy was individually titrated with intravenous fentanyl by means of a PCA pump (demand dose 34 micrograms, lockout time 5 min). The test systems were applied 8 h before anaesthesia and were left in situ for 24 h. ⋯ Patient acceptance was high in both groups. Side-effects were of only minor intensity and did not differ between the two groups. In particular, there was no case of clinically relevant respiratory depression.