Aust Prescr
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Intravenous antibiotics are overused in hospitals. Many infections can be managed with oral antibiotics Oral antibiotics avoid the adverse effects of intravenous administration. ⋯ There are guidelines to aid the clinician with the timing of the switch so that there is no loss of efficacy Infections that may be suitable for a short course of intravenous antibiotic include pneumonia, complicated urinary tract infections, certain intra-abdominal infections, Gram-negative bacteraemia, acute exacerbations of chronic lung disease, and skin and soft tissue infections Bone and joint infections and infective endocarditis are managed with prolonged courses of intravenous antibiotics. However, there is research looking at the feasibility of an earlier switch to oral antibiotics in these conditions
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Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms with many possible causes, including the adverse effects of drugs. If a drug is indicated, the cause guides the choice of antiemetic drug The main antiemetic classes include antagonists of the serotonin, dopamine, histamine, muscarinic and neurokinin systems, corticosteroids and benzodiazepines. ⋯ Metoclopramide and antihistamines are first-line options for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy Serotonin antagonists and some dopamine antagonists, such as metoclopramide, can prolong the QT interval on the ECG. Dopamine antagonists can cause extrapyramidal adverse effects, particularly in children
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Patients sometimes present to a medical practitioner with dental pain if they cannot see a dentist Doctors need to be aware of the common dental diseases that result in pain so they can help to manage the patient’s symptoms until they are able to see a dentist Appropriate advice regarding analgesics for dental pain is important. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are more effective in combination than either of them alone, with or without opioids Antibiotics are only indicated as an adjunct to dental treatment when there are signs of systemic involvement, progressive and rapid spread of infection, or when the patient is immunocompromised
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Renal supportive care incorporates the principles of palliative care into the management of patients with advanced kidney disease. Its focus is on improving the quality of life for patients with a high burden of symptoms Common problems include pain, restless legs syndrome and uraemic pruritus. Symptom management must involve patient participation, education and non-pharmacological strategies to address both physical and psychosocial problems, and to prioritise patient-centred goals The patients are medically complex and polypharmacy is common. When prescribing, it is important to consider the altered pharmacokinetics, potential drug interactions and the clearance of drugs by dialysis