The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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To review recent literature on the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine. ⋯ Dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective agent for sedation in critically ill patients. Further, well designed studies are needed to define its role as a sedative for critically ill medical, neurosurgical, and pediatric patients, as an adjunct to anesthesia, and as a sedative during procedures.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Influence of an interactive computer-based inhaler technique tutorial on patient knowledge and inhaler technique.
Patient knowledge of correct inhaler technique is essential in the treatment of pulmonary disease. Computer delivery of educational content may augment existing teaching efforts. ⋯ Patients in the tutorial group demonstrated better inhaler technique and scored higher on the Inhaler Technique Knowledge Test compared with those in a control group. This tutorial may be a useful educational tool to enhance patient education regarding inhaler technique.
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To discuss the historical basis and limitations of opioid conversion tables, review the relevant literature, and establish an evidence-based equianalgesic dose ratio (EDR) table for performing conversions in the acute care setting. ⋯ In the acute care setting, calculation of dose ratios for opioids, based solely on opioid conversion tables, is an oversimplification of pain management, with a potential for adverse consequences. The calculation of EDRs is one step in an interdisciplinary process that must take into account patient- and institution-specific factors.
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To discuss current and potential treatment options for nosocomial pneumonia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). ⋯ Vancomycin is still the drug of choice for treatment of MRSA pneumonia, and linezolid should be used as an alternative agent. Linezolid should carry strong consideration for patients with vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity or a documented lack of response to vancomycin. Tigecycline and investigational agents with activity against MRSA may be future options for nosocomial pneumonia due to MRSA.
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St. John's wort is a popular herbal supplement that has been involved in various herb-drug interactions. Experimental findings suggest that the supplement may impact CYP2C9 metabolism. CYP2C9 is responsible for the irreversible metabolism of ibuprofen. ⋯ St. John's wort administration for 21 days had no apparent clinically important impact on the single-dose pharmacokinetic parameters of S(+)- and R(-)-ibuprofen. Although St. John's wort treatment appears to significantly reduce the mean residence time of S-ibuprofen, no ibuprofen dose adjustments appear warranted when the drug is administered orally with St. John's wort, due to the lack of significant change observed in ibuprofen AUC and C(max) for either enantiomer.