The Annals of pharmacotherapy
-
Few studies have investigated institutionalization as a potential risk factor for potentially inappropriate drug use (PIDU). Sweden now has unique possibilities for comparisons of drug use in large populations of institutionalized and home-dwelling elderly through linkage of the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register (SPDR) with the Swedish Social Services Register. ⋯ Our results indicate that institutionalization is a potential risk factor for PIDU. This implies that more cautious prescribing is warranted in institutions, where the frailest and most vulnerable elderly individuals reside. Research is needed to identify underlying risk factors for PIDU within these settings.
-
To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of pregabalin in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). ⋯ Available evidence suggests that pregabalin is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of GAD. As somnolence and dizziness are common adverse effects, caution should be used in elderly patients. Pregabalin rapidly relieves anxiety, a benefit that it may have over many other currently available therapeutic options besides benzodiazepines. While not a first-line therapy in GAD, pregabalin offers another treatment option in patients who do not respond to or who suffer intolerable adverse effects from other agents.
-
To review the clinical trial data, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects of brentuximab vedotin. ⋯ Phase 1 and 2 clinical trial data indicate that brentuximab vedotin is efficacious and safe in patients with relapsed and refractory CD30-positive lymphomas. This agent is being investigated in combination with chemotherapy to further elucidate its role in lymphoma therapy.
-
To review the current legal status and patterns of abuse of bath salts. ⋯ Psychoactive substances recently sold as bath salts have been placed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Pharmacists can play an important role in raising awareness on the dangers of bath salts abuse through patient counseling and community outreach programs. The evidence on legal status and patterns of abuse clearly demonstrates that bath salts contain dangerous substances that should be permanently controlled.
-
Infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing gram-negative organisms are a growing concern in hospitalized patients. Traditionally, these infections can be effectively treated by the carbapenem class of drugs. In 2005, our institution initiated a protocol for use of ertapenem, a carbapenem, as the first-line treatment option for these infections. It is unknown whether ertapenem is associated with similar clinical response and microbiologic cure rates as those achieved with group 2 carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem, doripenem). ⋯ Patients treated with ertapenem achieved favorable clinical response and microbiologic cure rates. Our data suggest that ertapenem can be used as an alternative to group 2 carbapenems for the treatment of infections caused by ESBL-producing gram-negative organisms.