The Annals of pharmacotherapy
-
No data exist regarding the value of pharmacist monitoring of drugs associated with QTc interval prolongation. ⋯ In this preliminary study, pharmacist monitoring of QTc interval-prolonging drugs using a simple algorithm was feasible and reduced the risk of QTc interval prolongation. Further studies that monitor other proarrhythmic medications are warranted.
-
Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Safety of glyburide for gestational diabetes: a meta-analysis of pregnancy outcomes.
Gestational diabetes mellitus affects approximately 4% of all pregnancies. As with other oral hypoglycemics, the use of glyburide in pregnancy has been limited by fears of neonatal hypoglycemia following fetal exposure. Recent experimental and clinical studies have suggested, however, that the drug is not detectable in umbilical blood. ⋯ The data shown here do not suggest increased perinatal risks with glyburide. The effectiveness and safety of glyburide require further evaluation, as most studies to date were not randomized.
-
Weight gain is a common adverse effect of many psychotropic medications including antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers. There is a growing body of evidence that topiramate may be useful as an add-on therapy to induce weight loss in patients who have experienced psychotropic-induced weight gain. ⋯ Topiramate therapy resulted in overall modest (ie, <2%) decreases in weight and BMI, but many patients experienced more impressive weight loss. Therapy was generally well tolerated.
-
The pharmacist has many potential roles as part of the resuscitation team during cardiopulmonary arrest. Limited published research has evaluated the practice of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) during in-hospital arrest. Recent reviews indicate that an audit of in-hospital resuscitation practices should be performed to guide future resuscitation training programs for hospital personnel. ⋯ Noncompliance with resuscitation guidelines was common during in-hospital resuscitation. The presence of a pharmacist on the resuscitation team was associated with improved compliance with treatment guidelines. Despite institutional requirements for pharmacist participation during resuscitation efforts, participation rates remain low. Further evaluation of the role of the pharmacist on the resuscitation team and the impact of the pharmacist on resuscitation practices should be considered.
-
Review
Oral metoclopramide as an adjunct to analgesics for the outpatient treatment of acute migraine.
To compare the combination of oral metoclopramide plus an analgesic with oral triptan monotherapy in the treatment of migraine attacks in outpatients. ⋯ Combinations containing oral metoclopramide plus an analgesic may be an option for patients in whom triptans are contraindicated or who experience intolerable adverse effects, or when cost is an issue. However, patients and physicians should be aware that the combination will likely be less effective than oral triptans in treatment of migraine and its associated symptoms. To determine the role of combination therapy that includes oral metoclopramide in mild-to-moderate migraines, further studies are warranted.