Driving Under the Influence, Public Policy, and Pharmacy Practice
Motor vehicle accidents due to prescription drug impairment have increased in the past decade. Typically, impairment is associated with medications causing excessive drowsiness, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, but the scope of driving under the influence (DUI)-drug charges is reaching into medications that are not typically considered impairing, such as antipsychotics, antiepileptics, and mood stabilizers. Data associating medication use with driving impairment are growing, especially with agents not typically thought of as impairing. Forty-three states currently train drug recognition experts who employ a 12-step eval...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Sigona, N., Williams, K. G. Tags: Pharmacy Law Source Type: research
Factors Impacting Self-Perceived Readiness for Residency Training: Results of a National Survey of Postgraduate Year 1 Residents
Conclusion:
PGY1 residents generally felt prepared for time management and organization, foundational knowledge, and communication residency training competencies. This was significant for those who completed 1 or more academic APPEs, 5 or more clinical rotations, or a bachelors degree. Study results may assist pharmacy schools in preparing students for residency training, prospective resident applicants in becoming more competitive candidates for residency programs, and residency program directors in resident selection. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Truong, J. T., Barnett, M. J., Tang, T. T.-L., Ip, E. J., Teeters, J. L., Knapp, K. K. Tags: Pharmacy Education Source Type: research
Carvedilol-Induced Hyperkalemia in a Patient With Chronic Kidney Disease
A 69-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with a chief complaint of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. He had an extensive past medical history, including diabetes mellitus type 2 and chronic kidney disease stage III. Prior to admission, the patient was taking carvedilol 3.125 mg twice daily with no abnormality in his serum potassium. During hospitalization, his carvedilol was increased to 6.25 mg twice daily. The patient’s serum potassium then rose from 4.8 to 6.7 mEq/L, with no improvement following administration of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Nephrology concluded the carvedilol could be contributing to...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Hahn, L., Hahn, M. Tags: Adverse Drug Events Source Type: research
Alogliptin: Safety, Efficacy, and Clinical Implications
Conclusion: Alogliptin alone or in combination with other antidiabetic agents has shown a significant reduction in HbA1c while remaining safe and tolerable. The efficacy profile of alogliptin is comparable to other DPP-4 inhibitors. Additional long-term research is necessary with regard to long-standing efficacy and effects on beta-cell function. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Marino, A. B., Cole, S. W. Tags: Review Article Source Type: research
Development of an Anticoagulation Stewardship Program at a Large Tertiary Care Academic Institution
Pharmacist-directed anticoagulation management services (AMSs) have been shown to significantly lower anticoagulation-related mortality, length of hospital stay, bleeding complications, blood transfusion requirements, and cost of therapy. AMSs are only 1 component of an anticoagulation stewardship program. Frequently, stewardship programs are limited to inpatient populations. Incorporating components that facilitate transition to outpatient status will ideally encompass complete care. The purpose of this program was to expand anticoagulation services and standardize care by implementing a full-service stewardship program i...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Padron, M., Miyares, M. A. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research
Management of Prediabetes: A Comparison of the Treatment Approaches Utilized by a Family Practice Clinic and an Internal Medicine/Endocrinology Practice
Conclusion: Providers are likely to initiate nonpharmacological therapy but may not provide specific education recommended by the American Diabetes Association. The integration of a multidisciplinary team to provide guideline-based nonpharmacologic counseling may be beneficial in improving outcomes in the management of prediabetes. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Anderson, Z. L., Scopelliti, E. M., Trompeter, J. M., Havrda, D. E. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research
Key Articles and Guidelines in the Management of Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Significant numbers of patients undergo cardiac surgery worldwide each year. A large evidence base exists regarding the optimal pre-, intra-, and postoperative mediation management for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, valve replacements or repairs, and mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Prevention and treatment of perioperative arrhythmias, perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis, prevention of thrombosis, and bleeding through proper management of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies, and the use of pharmacotherapy to optimize both short- and long-term patient outcome...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Hollis, I. B., Jennings, D. L., Oliphant, C. S., Baker, W. L., Davis, E. M., Allender, J. E., Zemrak, W. R., Ensor, C. Tags: Cardiology Key Articles Source Type: research
Introduction: Cardiology Key Articles Section
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Cardiology Key Articles Source Type: research
Toxicology and Management of Novel Psychoactive Drugs
Health care providers are seeing an increased number of patients under the influence of several new psychoactive drug classes. Synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and piperazines are sought by users for their psychoactive effects, perceived safety profile, minimal legal regulations, and lack of detection on routine urine drug screening. However, these drugs are beginning to be recognized by the medical community for their toxic effects. The neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular toxicities are among the most common reasons for emergency medical treatment, which in some cases, can be severe and even life-threatening. Managemen...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Kersten, B. P., McLaughlin, M. E. Tags: Continuing Education Manuscript Source Type: research
Should Pharmacokinetic Safety Challenges Prevent Metformin Use in Patients With Cancer?
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Wintrob, Z. A. P. Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research
An Oncologist's Perspective on Metformin Use and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Outcomes
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Wang, E. S., Wetzler, M. Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research
A Pharmacist's Perspective on Metformin Use and Cancer Outcomes
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Ceacareanu, A. C. Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research
Pharmacists Role in Cholesterol Management: Addressing Challenges and Barriers
This article discusses the pharmacist’s role in addressing challenges and barriers in cholesterol management. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Manigault, K. R., Lewis, K. A. Tags: Medication Therapy Management Source Type: research
Pharmacist-Initiated Prior Authorization Process to Improve Patient Care in a Psychiatric Acute Care Hospital
This article describes a pharmacist-initiated PA process implemented at an acute care psychiatric hospital. This process was initiated secondary to a need for a standardized process at the facility. To date, the process has been seen as a valuable aspect to patient care. Plans to expand this process include collecting data with regards to adherence and readmissions as well as applying for a grant to help develop a program to automate the PA program at this facility. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Allen, S. N., Ojong-Salako, M. Tags: Medication Therapy Management Source Type: research
The Importance of Pharmacist Providing Patient Education in Oncology
The world’s increasing diversity requires health care professionals to adjust delivery methods of teaching to accommodate different cultural values and beliefs. The ability to communicate effectively across languages and various cultural practices directly affects patient education outcomes. Pharmacist should be aware of varying modalities and considerations when counseling a patient diagnosed with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. In more recent years, the medical profession has seen an increase in patient outcomes due to using the multidisciplinary team approach and has benefited by implementing Medication Therap...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - February 24, 2015 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Avery, M., Williams, F. Tags: Medication Therapy Management Source Type: research
