Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy
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Expert Opin Pharmacother · Jul 2007
Review Meta AnalysisAdvances in the management of organophosphate poisoning.
Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is commonly encountered in agricultural communities. The mainstay of therapy in OP poisoning is the use of atropine. However, several other therapies have been evaluated. ⋯ Other adjuvants, such as magnesium, fresh frozen plasma and haemoperfusion appear promising, and need to be explored further. A multi-faceted approach may be the answer to improving outcomes in OP poisoning. This review evaluates the advances in OP management over the last 20 years.
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Expert Opin Pharmacother · Jul 2007
ReviewBacterial meningitis: a review of effective pharmacotherapy.
Acute bacterial meningitis is a serious and life-threatening neurological infectious disease. Despite the availability of effective antibiotics, supportive care facilities and recent advances in adjunctive strategies, for example, adjunctive dexamethasone, mortality and morbidity rates associated with bacterial meningitis remain unacceptably high. The review presents a brief overview of key clinical and epidemiological aspects of the disease and focuses on advances in pharmacotherapeutic strategies in adult patients with bacterial meningitis in the developed world.
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Expert Opin Pharmacother · Jul 2007
ReviewOral extended-release oxymorphone: a new choice for chronic pain relief.
Opana ER (oxymorphone extended release [ER]) is a new oral long-acting formulation indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain. Because the ER matrix slowly releases oxymorphone over 12 h, consistent plasma levels are produced with low peak-to-trough fluctuations. Oxymorphone ER is the only long-acting opioid that contains oxymorphone, which exhibits some distinct pharmacologic properties compared with most other opioids, including a longer half-life, higher affinity for the micro-opioid receptor, and lack of interaction with the CYPP450 drug-metabolizing system. With a safety and tolerability profile similar to other opioids and documented efficacy in several models of chronic pain (low back, cancer, and osteoarthritis), oxymorphone ER provides a new option for clinicians and patients in the treatment of chronic pain.