Drugs in R&D
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The off-label use of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) for intractable bleeding is associated with a risk of thrombotic events. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and predictors of rFVIIa-related thrombotic events and its efficacy in the reduction of transfusion requirements during various surgeries. ⋯ rFVIIa can significantly reduce transfusion requirements when given for intractable bleeding during cardiothoracic surgery at the expense of thrombotic events in approximately one tenth of the cases. Further prospective studies are necessary to study if this effect of rFVIIa is translated to a favorable outcome.
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Review
Ketamine as a potential treatment for suicidal ideation: a systematic review of the literature.
To review the published literature on the efficacy of ketamine for the treatment of suicidal ideation (SI). ⋯ Consistent with clinical research on ketamine as a rapid and effective treatment for depression, ketamine has shown early preliminary evidence of a reduction in depressive symptoms, as well as reducing SI, with minimal short-term side effects. Additional studies are needed to further investigate its mechanism of action, long-term outcomes, and long-term adverse effects (including abuse) and benefits. In addition, ketamine could potentially be used as a prototype for further development of rapid-acting antisuicidal medication with a practical route of administration and the most favorable risk/benefit ratio.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Ibuprofen sodium is absorbed faster than standard Ibuprofen tablets: results of two open-label, randomized, crossover pharmacokinetic studies.
A novel ibuprofen (IBU) formulation, Advil(®) Film-Coated Tablets (IBUNa), was developed. ⋯ IBUNa is absorbed faster but to a similar extent as standard IBU formulations.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
A multicenter, open-label study of an intravenous short-acting β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist landiolol hydrochloride for coronary computed tomography angiography by 16-slice multi-detector computed tomography in Japanese patients with suspected ischemic cardiac disease.
During coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA), β-blockers (β-adrenergic receptor antagonists) have commonly been used to lower heart rate and improve image quality. ⋯ Landiolol hydrochloride was confirmed to reduce heart rate significantly and rapidly after intravenous injection and this suggests that the study drug is a safe and useful agent for improving the image quality of CCTA by 16-slice MDCT.
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Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications are subject to abuse, misuse, and diversion. Obtaining ADHD prescriptions from multiple prescribers or filled across multiple pharmacies, known as 'doctor shopping', may reflect such unsanctioned use. We sought to create a definition of shopping behavior that differentiated ADHD medications from medications with low risk of diversion, i.e. asthma medications, and describe the incidence, frequency, and demography of shopping behavior. ⋯ Overlapping prescriptions by different prescribers and filled at three or more pharmacies defines ADHD medication shopping. Shopping behavior is most common in adolescents and younger adults. A small proportion of shoppers is responsible for a large number of shopping episodes.