Int J Clin Pharm Th
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Int J Clin Pharm Th · Feb 2007
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyIbuprofen sodium dihydrate, an ibuprofen formulation with improved absorption characteristics, provides faster and greater pain relief than ibuprofen acid.
The objective of this 6-hour study was to compare rate of pain relief, analgesic efficacy and tolerability of a novel ibuprofen formulation, ibuprofen sodium dihydrate, with that of ibuprofen acid in subjects with postoperative dental pain. ⋯ Ibuprofen sodium dihydrate provides faster and more efficacious pain relief during the first hour after intake when compared to a conventional ibuprofen acid formulation. The tolerability profiles are similar.
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Int J Clin Pharm Th · Jan 2007
Treatment of mental health problems in general practice: a survey of psychotropics prescribed and other treatments provided.
Real-life data on the treatment of patients with mental health problems are important as a reference to evaluate care and benchmarking. This study describes the treatment of mental health problems in general practice as diagnosed by general practitioners (GP). ⋯ The majority of mental health problems, when professionally treated, are treated in primary care. More than half the patients are treated with antidepressants and/or benzodiazepines. Most patients also receive supportive counseling or advice.
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Int J Clin Pharm Th · Jan 2007
Comparative StudyComparison of plasma and saliva concentrations of levetiracetam following administration orally as a tablet and as a solution in healthy adult volunteers.
Concentrations in saliva, as an alternative to concentrations in blood, can be advantageous for the monitoring of antiepileptic agents. This study assesses the relationship between saliva and plasma concentrations of levetiracetam after administration orally as a solution and as a tablet. The possibility that saliva concentrations of the drug are altered by contamination in the buccal cavity was also examined. ⋯ Using saliva to monitor therapeutic exposure to levetiracetam is feasible beginning 15 minutes after tablet intake but beginning 4 hours after intake of an oral solution.
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Int J Clin Pharm Th · Oct 2006
ReviewZiconotide--a novel neuron-specific calcium channel blocker for the intrathecal treatment of severe chronic pain--a short review.
Worldwide a large number of patients suffer from severe chronic pain even after treatment with opioids following the 3-step analgesic ladder developed by the WHO. Intraspinal agents, including morphine, have been tried as a fourth step. However, approximately 20% of cases remain refractory. ⋯ Following intrathecal infusion ziconotide is distributed within the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) where its clearance (0.38 ml/min) corresponds to the rate of turnover of the CSF. Negligible amounts of ziconotide are present in the systemic circulation where it is rapidly degraded by proteolysis. In conclusion, ziconotide is a new and valuable alternative analgesic for the acute and long-term treatment of severe pain, especially in patients refractory to opioids.
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Int J Clin Pharm Th · Oct 2006
Lorazepam concentrations, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in a cohort of mechanically ventilated ICU patients.
To evaluate plasma concentrations, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lorazepam in a cohort of mechanically ventilated patients. ⋯ Lorazepam clearance was preserved with a wide range of concentrations. Higher concentrations were associated with deeper sedation and use of CIVS. Elevated concentrations during CIVS were attributable to administration of larger doses.