The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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To review the current efficacy and safety evidence for the use of etomidate for procedural sedation in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ Etomidate is an appropriate and valuable agent for performing procedural sedation in the ED. The rapid onset and recovery time and relative lack of significant hemodynamic and respiratory effects may facilitate optimal and safe conditions for procedural sedation in the ED.
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To analyze the available literature regarding the safety of atypical antipsychotics in pregnancy and lactation in order to recommend evidence-based strategies for pharmacologic management of psychosis in these conditions. ⋯ It is well known that potential consequences of an untreated psychotic episode may be severe and may lead to the mother attempting suicide and/or infanticide. For these reasons, clinicians need to help mothers weigh both fetal and neonatal risks of exposure to drugs against the potential risk they and their infant may incur if the psychiatric illness is not treated. On the other hand, atypical antipsychotics in pregnancy and breast-feeding do not show evident advantages in safety when compared with typical neuroleptic agents. Therefore, we suggest that the most relevant parameters for selecting the best clinical option for pregnant and breast-feeding women with schizophrenia and related disorders remain strongly related to 3 main points: (1). cautious evaluation of the risk/benefit ratio of fetal and neonatal drug exposure, (2). degree of severity of maternal psychiatric illness, and (3). careful preliminary choice of drugs characterized by a balanced safety/efficacy profile.
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To review the literature regarding point-of-care (POC) cholesterol monitors and describe their role in pharmacy practice. ⋯ The availability of POC cholesterol monitors has increased in recent years. Based on currently available data, these monitors are best suited for screening purposes and to assist in the management of hyperlipidemia. There is not enough evidence to support the notion that POC cholesterol monitors can replace laboratory or office monitoring. Their application in the diagnosis of hyperlipidemia is also currently limited.
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Comparative Study
Comparing dexmedetomidine prescribing patterns and safety in the naturalistic setting versus published data.
In clinical practice, new drugs may be used differently than the product labeling recommends. Furthermore, it often takes several years of use before adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are reported. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine is prescribed within product labeling guidelines except for low use of a loading dose, some patients received the drug at doses above the maximum, and others received it for longer than 24 hours. Since ADR rates are similar to those of other published reports, dexmedetomidine maintained its expected safety profile in our patients.
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To evaluate the clinical outcomes of glycemic control of intensive insulin therapy and recommend its place in the management of critically ill patients. ⋯ Use of insulin protocols in critically ill patients improves blood glucose control and reduces morbidity and mortality in critically ill populations. Glucose levels in critically ill patients should be controlled through implementation of insulin protocols with the goal to achieve normoglycemia, regardless of a history of diabetes. Frequent monitoring is imperative to avoid hypoglycemia.