Dose-Related Paresthesias With Venlafaxine
Conclusion:
Clinicians need to be aware of the possible emergence of paresthesias with venlafaxine treatment, especially at doses of ≥150 mg/day. Patients who receive venlafaxine for pain disorders should be closely monitored for worsening of pain symptoms and may require adjustment of their doses. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 24, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Angelo, L. J., Lee, K. C. Tags: Adverse Drug Event Source Type: research
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea
This article reviews the literature on how antimicrobial stewardship programs impact Clostridium difficile rates and discusses experiences in designing, implementing, monitoring, and follow-through of such programs. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 24, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Piacenti, F. J., Leuthner, K. D. Tags: Theme Articles Source Type: research
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Emerging Treatments for Clostridium difficile Infection
The objective of this article is to present a review on the background, microbiologic efficacy, clinical efficacy, and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation and to provide an overview of emerging treatment options currently under investigation. Emerging treatment options discussed include the use of monoclonal antibodies directed against toxins A and B, C difficile vaccination, and transplantation of nontoxigenic C difficile strains. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 24, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Gens, K. D., Elshaboury, R. H., Holt, J. S. Tags: Theme Articles Source Type: research
Role of Fidaxomicin for the Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection
Clostridium difficile is a gram-negative, anaerobic, spore-forming emerging pathogen within health care systems and community-based populations that has a high associated morbidity and mortality as well as cost for the health care system. Recent studies reported high rates of recurrence thus a need for new pharmacological agents to treat C difficile infections (CDIs). Fidaxomicin is a novel macrocyclic antibiotic, originally isolated from fermentation broth of Dactylosporangium aurantiacum spp Hamdenensis, with selective spectrum, unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profile, adverse effect profile, efficacy, and ro...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 24, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Juang, P., Hardesty, J. S. Tags: Theme Articles Source Type: research
The Role of Vancomycin and Metronidazole for the Treatment of Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea
For the treatment of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD), metronidazole and vancomycin remain the most commonly used agents. The major advantage of metronidazole is its low cost, while the advantage of oral vancomycin is a more favorable pharmacokinetic profile. The epidemiology and clinical severity of CDAD have changed due to the emergence of a hypervirulent strain (BI/NAP1/027). In 2010, the Infectious Diseases Society of America/Society for Health Care Epidemiology of America expert panel defined severe CDAD and recommended oral vancomycin to treat these patients. Metronidazole remains the preferred ...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 24, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tart, S. B. Tags: Theme Articles Source Type: research
Antimicrobial Selection and Its Impact on the Incidence of Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea
The study objective was to determine which antimicrobials place patients at a higher risk for Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea (CDAD) and which interventions can reduce their risk. All patients with diarrhea and a positive toxin assay for Clostridium difficile for 3 months were included in the study. Patients were broken down into either community-acquired infection or health care–associated infection based on symptom onset, antibiotic usage prior to admission, and where the patient was admitted from. Physicians were educated on antimicrobials that place patients at higher risk for CDAD and alternative...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 24, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Montoya, M., DeTorres, O. Tags: Theme Articles Source Type: research
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: A Refresher on Causes and Possible Prevention With Probiotics--Continuing Education Article
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) describes any unexplained diarrhea associated with the use of an antibiotic. AAD also includes infection caused by Clostridium difficile, however this organism only accounts for a small percentage of diarrhea caused by antibiotics. AAD can be caused by multiple other organisms including C perfringens, S aureus, and Candida. Some antibiotics are more likely to cause non–C difficile AAD, such as erythromycin and the penicillin class. AAD develops through the loss of normal flora and reduced colonic bacterial carbohydrate metabolism during antibiotic administration. There is an incre...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 24, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Varughese, C. A., Vakil, N. H., Phillips, K. M. Tags: Theme Articles Source Type: research
Epidemiology of Clostridium difficile Infection
There has been dramatic change in the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) since the turn of the 21st century noted by a marked increase in incidence and severity, occurring at a disproportionately higher frequency in older patients. Historically considered a nosocomial infection associated with antibiotic exposure, CDI has now also emerged in the community in populations previously considered low risk. Emerging risk factors and disease recurrence represent continued challenges in the management of CDI. The increased incidence and severity associated with CDI has coincided with the emergence and rapid spre...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 24, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: DePestel, D. D., Aronoff, D. M. Tags: Theme Articles Source Type: research
Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea: Role of the Pharmacist in the Health System
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 24, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Saltiel, E. Tags: Theme Articles Source Type: research
Comments on Graves' Hyperthyroidism-Induced Psychosis Treated With Aripiprazole: A Case Report
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - September 24, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Muramatsu, R. S., Ahmed, I. Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research
NYSCHP Corporate Sponsor Scholarship Essay Award: Social Media, Friend or Foe?
(Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - August 1, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Wallen, B. Tags: New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists Section Source Type: research
Pre-Post Pilot Study of Noise Levels at a University Hospital Center Pharmacy Department
Conclusion:
Few data exist on the noise levels in hospital pharmacy departments. In spite of the corrective measures implemented, reducing noise levels in pharmacy departments was difficult to achieve. Average values of approximately 60 dB(A) seem to be unacceptable for work that requires a high level of attention. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - August 1, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Guerin, A., Leroux, T., Bussieres, J.-F. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research
Patient Attitudes Toward Community Pharmacist Attire
The white coat has symbolized professionalism, while representing provider–patient fiduciary relationship. Although well described in the literature for physicians, few studies examine the impact of pharmacist attire on patients’ opinions regarding professionalism and trust. Therefore, understanding patient perceptions regarding pharmacist’s attire and its influence on comfort, confidence, trust, and professionalism may provide guidance on ways to enhance the quality of the provider–patient relationship. A 43-item Likert-type questionnaire was administered to 347 adults in a community pharmacy setti...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - August 1, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Khanfar, N. M., Zapantis, A., Alkhateeb, F. M., Clauson, K. A., Beckey, C. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research
Optimizing Transition of Care Through the Facilitation of a Pharmacist-Managed Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment Program
A pharmacist-managed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment program was put into operation at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida to provide appropriate transition of care to the outpatient setting for patients diagnosed with DVT. A postgraduate year 1 pharmacy practice resident partnered with a clinical pharmacist to establish and implement the DVT pilot program in the emergency department (ED). Once contacted, the pharmacy resident or the clinical pharmacist communicated with the ED physician and made recommendations regarding appropriate anticoagulation. The pharmacist met with the patient to obtain informed conse...
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - August 1, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Davis, K. A., Miyares, M. A., Price-Goodnow, V. S. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research
Computerized Prescriber Order Entry and Opportunities for Medication Errors: Comparison to Tradition Paper-Based Order Entry
Conclusions:
The implementation of CPOE was associated with a reduction in OEs in the prescribing phase or order entry phase of the medication-use process. (Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice)
Source: Journal of Pharmacy Practice - August 1, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Jozefczyk, K. G., Kennedy, W. K., Lin, M. J., Achatz, J., Glass, M. D., Eidam, W. S., Melroy, M. J. Tags: Research Articles Source Type: research
