The Annals of pharmacotherapy
-
Review Comparative Study
Streptokinase and urokinase for the treatment of pleural effusions and empyemas.
It is evident from these studies that thrombolytics significantly increase the amount of drainage from pleural effusions or empyemas. The effect on other outcome measures, such as length of hospital stay, days before defervescence, days with chest tube, surgical procedures, and mortality is questionable. The lack of randomized, controlled trials comparing streptokinase and urokinase makes a true comparison rather difficult. ⋯ In conclusion, urokinase offers no significant benefits over streptokinase. The incidence of fever was greater in one comparative trial with streptokinase than with urokinase. Based on cost considerations and lack of comparative studies, urokinase infusions should be reserved for patients who develop fever when receiving continued therapy with streptokinase.
-
Letter Case Reports
Potentiation of the acenocoumarol anticoagulant effect by acetaminophen.
-
PLP is a challenging disorder that is often difficult to treat. Like all other types of pain, PLP is a tremendous source of morbidity and should be treated aggressively. ⋯ Intranasal calcitonin appears to be similar in efficacy to the parenteral formulation, at least in pain associated with vertebral crush fractures. Long-term studies using intranasal calcitonin for relief of PLP are warranted given the ease of administration of this dosage form.
-
To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of domperidone in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders and emesis. ⋯ Domperidone is a unique gastrokinetic and antiemetic drug. Because of its favorable safety profile, domperidone appears to be an attractive alternative to metoclopramide. In the management of diabetic gastropathy, domperidone's antiemetic activity distinguishes it from cisapride.