The Annals of pharmacotherapy
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To review the use of transdermal fentanyl for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain. The article provides background on the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of the drug, as well as the properties of the transdermal system. In addition, clinical trials, adverse effects, and therapeutic considerations and recommendations are presented. ⋯ The transdermal fentanyl formulation offers some minor advantages over other forms of conventional pain management. Results of early clinical trials are promising, but more studies are needed to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and adverse effects. Specifically, comparisons with standard parenteral and patient-controlled opioid analgesia in chronic malignant and nonmalignant pain are necessary for adequate evaluation of transdermal fentanyl.
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To report a case of methemoglobinemia induced by benzocaine in a patient undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. ⋯ It is common to use benzocaine spray prior to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Benzocaine rarely induces methemoglobinemia in these patients. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with intravenous methylene blue is warranted in such cases.
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Review Case Reports
Acute renal failure in an elderly woman following intramuscular ketorolac administration.
To report a case of ketorolac tromethamine-induced acute renal failure and to discuss the risk factors that make patients more susceptible to the renal effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). ⋯ Caution should be taken when initiating ketorolac or any NSAID therapy with specific attention to risk factors that predispose a patient to renal dysfunction.
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To report a case of fatal angioedema associated with the use of lisinopril, a long-acting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. ⋯ Angioedema is a serious, potentially life-threatening adverse effect associated with the use of ACE inhibitors. Clinicians need to be aware of this effect when prescribing ACE inhibitors to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure, and when assessing patients presenting to the emergency room with complaints of tongue or pharyngeal swelling. Patients should be instructed to report immediately to an emergency room for medical attention if they experience any unexplained shortness of breath or swelling of the throat or tongue.