The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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To report a case of extensive rash induced by orally administered pregabalin in a patient with neuropathic pain. ⋯ There are currently no other available reports of the development of a rash coinciding with the use of pregabalin. As both Food and Drug Administration-approved and off-label use of this drug increases, further consideration of risk factors associated with the development of rash is needed.
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Review
Long-acting bronchodilator therapy for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
To review clinical data on the use of long-acting bronchodilator agents as monotherapy and in combination for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ Tiotropium appears to be the best option as a first-line drug for patients with moderate-to-severe COPD because of its ability to sustain bronchodilator effect, improve quality of life, reduce COPD exacerbations, and reduce health resource usage. Patients who remain symptomatic may benefit from the addition of a long-acting beta(2)-agonist to tiotropium monotherapy.
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The intensive care unit (ICU) continues to be a major focus of decentralized pharmacy activities in health systems that care for critically ill patients. This is not surprising, given the need for rapid decision-making involving unstable patients, the large number of powerful medications typically used per patient, the high cost of many drugs used in the ICU and, most importantly, the evidence demonstrating the benefits of having a pharmacist as part of an interdisciplinary team. The purpose of this paper is to highlight important issues to consider when introducing or developing critical care pharmacy services beginning with the establishment of basic services and continuing through practitioner development, guideline/protocol development and implementation, patient safety, residency training, and research.
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To review nutritional supplements commonly required after bariatric surgery to provide a practical guide and reference source for generalist healthcare providers. ⋯ Healthcare professionals, especially those who practice outside large bariatric centers, must be aware of the supplements required by patients who have had bariatric surgery. Many patients fail to follow up with the surgery centers and are managed by their primary care teams and community pharmacists, especially in the selection of multivitamin and nutritional supplements.
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Review
Clinical application of voriconazole concentrations in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis.
To review the current literature to determine the clinical application of therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA). ⋯ A standardized therapeutic range for voriconazole has not been defined. Most available studies recommend trough concentrations of approximately 1-6 microg/mL. Prospective, randomized trials are needed to confirm the correlation between plasma voriconazole concentrations and clinical outcomes.