The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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To review the previously published studies on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chiral drugs used in the treatment of asthma. ⋯ Stereoselectivity in the pharmacokinetics of anti-asthma drugs may complicate the relationship between dose and/or plasma concentration of racemic drug versus effect relationship. An appreciation of the stereoselective pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chiral anti-asthma drugs may optimize the use of these agents in asthmatic patients.
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To discuss the effect of stress on the international normalized ratio (INR) when patients are taking warfarin. ⋯ When an unexplained INR value exists, a stressor should be evaluated as a potential cause.
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Review Comparative Study
Lidocaine-prilocaine cream versus tetracaine gel for procedural pain in children.
To determine the relative efficacy of lidocaine-prilocaine and tetracaine for procedural pain in children. ⋯ Lidocaine-prilocaine and tetracaine appear to be comparable for procedural pain relief when used as recommended. Tetracaine is more efficacious than lidocaine-prilocaine when both anesthetics are applied for the same amount of time.
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To review the recent advances related to the pathophysiology of sepsis and the rationale for recombinant human-activated protein C (drotrecogin alfa) and other antisepsis agents currently in Phase III trials. ⋯ With the recent approval of drotrecogin alfa, there is renewed optimism that we can effectively reduce sepsis-associated mortality.
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Asthma drug therapy problems contribute significantly to preventable hospitalizations and increased healthcare use in asthmatics. Since asthma patients often require >1 medication for control of symptoms, concurrent asthma drug therapies may be important in predicting excessive healthcare utilization. The purpose of this study was to link inappropriate asthma drug therapy patterns and selected patient demographics to healthcare utilization. ⋯ A large percentage of Ohio Medicaid patients were not receiving asthma medications in compliance with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines. Despite nearly a decade of national efforts, asthma drug therapy patterns still have substantial room for improvement and continue to be associated with excess healthcare utilization.