The Annals of pharmacotherapy
-
To report an elderly patient with oxybutynin-induced heatstroke and to remind clinicians of the possibility of drugs as an etiology of hyperthermia. ⋯ The possibility of drug-induced heatstroke should be investigated in all patients admitted during the summer months with unexplained hyperthermia, especially the elderly. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of heatstroke associated with the use of oxybutynin.
-
To describe a case of severe hyperphosphatemia following unintentional overdosage with an oral phosphate laxative, and raise attention to the risk of using such medications in the elderly. ⋯ Caution should be taken with the use of phosphate laxatives in the elderly in the face of potentially serious metabolic abnormalities that may be generated.
-
Clinical Trial
Opiate-induced respiratory depression in pediatric patients.
To describe 15 pediatric patients with opiate-induced respiratory depression. ⋯ Opiate-induced respiratory depression in pediatric patients occurs infrequently, but may have serious consequences. Opiates are potent analgesics that children require and should receive. Safe use of opiates in pediatric patients, however, depends on the dosage, route and method of administration, consideration of any predisposing factors, and adequate monitoring. This article highlights some of the problems with opiate use in children and gives some recommendations on how these problems may be prevented.
-
To review the literature and provide an overview of the technical and interpretive problems associated with peripheral nerve stimulation in monitoring neuromuscular blockade in the intensive care unit. ⋯ These difficulties compromise the precision, accuracy, and reliability of the peripheral nerve stimulator as a tool for monitoring neuromuscular blockade in the critically ill. Peripheral nerve stimulation should be used in conjunction with clinical parameters to make decisions regarding dose adjustments. Doses should be reduced as much as possible to provide the minimum depth of paralysis that is clinically appropriate. Technical directions and training programs for peripheral nerve stimulation should be developed, and designated individuals should be trained in its application. Large, prospective, controlled studies are necessary to evaluate the incidence of prolonged paralysis or motor neuropathy with administration of neuromuscular blocking agents in patients whose dose is adjusted on the basis of peripheral nerve stimulation.
-
Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Antimicrobial liquid formulations: a blind taste comparison of three brands of penicillin VK and three brands of amoxicillin.
To rate the perception of taste, texture, smell and aftertaste of various brands of penicillin VK and amoxicillin. ⋯ Overall, all three amoxicillin oral, liquid suspensions that were studied scored significantly better than the three penicillin VK solutions.