Introduction of a Continuing Professional Development Tool for Preceptors: Lessons Learned
The objective of this study was to encourage preceptors to take advantage of the ACPE CPD resources and implement the concept of CPD (reflect, plan, act, evaluate, record) as a framework for guiding individual preceptor’s continuing development as educators and to determine their opinion regarding the usefulness, effectiveness, and obstacles to implementation of this approach. A total of 3713 preceptors from the participating schools were encouraged to undergo CPD training and invited to respond to a series of questions. Of the initial respondents, 48% represented health system/hospital preceptors, followed by commun...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tofade, T., Kim, J., Lebovitz, L., Leadon, K., Maynor, L., Culhane, N., Freeberry, M., Harris, J. S., Abate, M. Tags: Pharmacy Education Source Type: research
Serotonin Syndrome Following Methylene Blue Administration During Cardiothoracic Surgery
We report a case of serotonin syndrome following methylene blue administration in a cardiothoracic surgery patient.
Case Report:
A 59-year-old woman taking preoperative venlafaxine and trazodone was given a single dose of 2 mg/kg methylene blue (167 mg) during a planned coronary artery bypass and mitral valve repair. Postoperatively, she was febrile to 38.7°C and developed full-body tremors, rhythmic twitching of the perioral muscles, slow conjugate roving eye movements, and spontaneous movements of the upper extremities. Electroencephalography revealed generalized diffuse slowing consistent with toxic encephalopathy,...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Smith, C. J., Wang, D., Sgambelluri, A., Kramer, R. S., Gagnon, D. J. Tags: Adverse Drug Events Source Type: research
Rapid-Onset Piperacillin-tazobactam Induced Thrombocytopenia
We describe 2 patients who developed rapid-onset thrombocytopenia from piperacillin/tazobactam. Other causes of immediate thrombocytopenia were excluded. These cases describe a rare presentation of rapid-onset thrombocytopenia in a commonly used medication. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Shaik, S., Kazi, H. A., Ender, P. T. Tags: Adverse Drug Events Source Type: research
Immunotherapy in Melanoma: Recent Advances and Promising New Therapies
The incidence and mortality of melanoma are on the rise. Historically, patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma were faced with a grim prognosis, with survival rates of 15% at 5 years. Prior to 2011, no drug or therapeutic regimen had been shown to improve overall survival (OS) in metastatic melanoma. Chemotherapeutic agents, such as dacarbazine or temozolomide, are often given to patients for palliative purposes; high-dose interleukin 2 and biochemotherapy are immunotherapeutic options that could be offered to patients with a good performance status at specialized centers. Neither has been shown to impact OS, but durab...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Saraceni, M. M., Khushalani, N. I., Jarkowski, A. Tags: Review Articles Source Type: research
A Review of Current Evidence of Olmesartan Medoxomil Mimicking Symptoms of Celiac Disease
Conclusions:
There is growing evidence supporting the association between olmesartan and sprue-like symptoms; however, further research is warranted. These symptoms can be life threatening and clinicians should be aware of the potential association. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Sanford, M. L., Nagel, A. K. Tags: Review Articles Source Type: research
Comparison of Oral Vancomycin Capsule and Solution for Treatment of Initial Episode of Severe Clostridium difficile Infection
Conclusion:
Formulation of oral vancomycin did not impact treatment outcomes in this retrospective study. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Bass, S. N., Lam, S. W., Bauer, S. R., Neuner, E. A. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research
High-Dose Caspofungin as a Component of Combination Antifungal Therapy in 91 Patients With Neoplastic Diseases and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Critical Review of Short-Term and Long-Term Adverse Events
The antifungal activity of echinocandins is concentration dependent. Previously, we demonstrated that high-dose caspofungin (HD-CSP; 100 mg daily) was well tolerated in 34 immunosuppressed patients with cancer and may have favorably influenced outcomes. We retrospectively assessed all 91 patients in whom HD-CSP was given for the treatment of invasive fungal disease (IFD). The median number of doses was 18.5 ± 21.5, and in 8 (9%) patients more than 40 doses were given. Most (62%) of the patients had leukemia. A total of 45 (49%) patients had undergone stem cell transplantation; 80% received allogeneic grafts and 47% ...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Safdar, A., Rodriguez, G., Zuniga, J., Al Akhrass, F., Pande, A. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research
A Survey of Community Pharmacists and Final-Year Student Pharmacists and their Perception of Psychotherapeutic Agents
Conclusions:
Final-year student pharmacists would benefit from the curricular incorporation of courses and advanced pharmacy practice experiences in Psychiatry. Community pharmacists caring for customers with psychiatric disorders should take advantage of continuing education series that highlight updates and new developments regarding psychotherapeutic agents in order to improve clinical outcomes of patients. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: McKee, B. D., Larose-Pierre, M., Rappa, L. R. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research
Promoting Pharmacy-Based Referrals to the Tobacco Quitline: A Pilot Study of Academic Detailing Administered by Pharmacy Students
Conclusion:
pharmacy students are capable of providing academic detailing for brief tobacco cessation interventions in community pharmacies. Results of this pilot study suggest a positive impact of this service on pharmacists’ counseling behavior for tobacco cessation. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Wahl, K. R., Woolf, B. L., Hoch, M. A., Zillich, A. J., Hudmon, K. S. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research
Key Articles and Guidelines in the Management of Hypertension: 2015 Update
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Evidence for optimal pharmacotherapy continues to accumulate at a very rapid pace; maintaining an up-to-date library of key articles for hypertension management can be challenging for busy clinicians. Further, there has been controversy surrounding the hypertension guidelines that were released in late 2013 and early 2014. The lack of congruence and simplicity in the current hypertension recommendations could result in delays with application of evidence to clinical practice. In order to facilitate clinicians’ efficient access to high-impact clinical tri...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Ripley, T. L., Brenner, M., Finks, S., Hough, A., McConnell, K. J., Parker, M., Dobesh, P. P. Tags: Cardiology Key Article Source Type: research
LCZ696 (Angiotensin-Neprilysin Inhibition): The New Kid on the Heart Failure Block?
This article provides an extensive review of the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties, clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of LCZ696. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Pham, A. Q., Patel, Y., Gallagher, B. Tags: Continuing Education Article Source Type: research
Compliance With Hospital Medication Management Standards for Safety and Efficacy Information
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Golightly, L. K., Simendinger, B. A., Barber, G. R., Stolpman, N. M. Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research
Reply to: Comment on: Aripiprazole-Associated Hiccups: A Case and Closer Look at the Association Between Hiccups and Antipsychotics
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Silverman, M. A., Leung, J. G., Schak, K. M. Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research
Comment on Aripiprazole-Associated Hiccups: A Case and Closer Look at the Association Between Hiccups and Antipsychotics
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - April 12, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Varsak, N., Varsak, Y. K. Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research
President's Message: Advancing the Practice of Pharmacy in New York State
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Shlom, E. A. Tags: New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists Section Source Type: research
