bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustaining Treatment of Coccidioidal Meningitis by Extending the Stability of Amphotericin B
Authors: Burger David E. , Caldwell John W. 
Published: January 2018

Coccidioides immitis is an endemic fungus in California's San Joaquin Valley. The most debilitating and life-threatening manifestation is meningitis. The administration of intrathecal amphotericin B is an effective treatment, without which mortality is almost certain within 1 year. Kern Medical Center currently prepares 600 intrathecal doses annually for patients who have failed treatment with high-dose oral fluconazole. The recent national amphotericin B shortage severely compromised this life-saving therapeutic modality. Although a vial of amphotericin B reconstituted with sterile water for injection is stable in the refrigerator for 7 days, this extended period of use could subject a single vial to as many as 15 entries. To prevent contamination, our practice has been to discard the remaining amphotericin B after 24 hours. However, if the stability of admixed amphotericin B could be extended and its sterility ensured, our institution would be able to provide care during drug shortages. After reconstitution of a 50 mg amphotericin B vial with 10 mL of sterile water, a 1 mL aliquot was added to each of seven 50 mL bags of 5% dextrose in water, resulting in a concentration of 100 mcg/mL. Five 2 mL samples were obtained from each bag on days 0 and 15. Visual stability, concentration, pH, and sterility were measured. Our results indicate that an amphotericin B concentration of 100 mcg/mL is stable in 5% dextrose for 15 days when stored at 4° Celsius and protected from light.
Clarifying Adverse Drug Event Terminology; Thiazolidinedione-Induced Congestive Heart Failure; Riluzole-Induced Neutropenia; Possible Pancreatitis Linked to Quetiapine Use; Clopidogrel-Induced Thrombotic, Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Shuster Joel 
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), to discuss methods of prevention, and to promote reporting of ADRs to the FDA's MEDWATCH program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting preventable ADR to MEDWATCH, please consider sharing the account with our readers. In 2004, ISMP is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its incorporation as a nonprofit organization. The Institute represents more than 20 years of experience in helping health care practitioners keep patients safe, and continues to lead efforts to improve the medication use process.
Error-Prone Unit-Dose Packages; Concentration Confusion; Apply the JCAHO “Two-Identifier” Rule in the Pharmacy
Authors: Cohen Michael R. 
Published: January 2018

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them in your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the USP Medication Errors Reporting Program, which is presented in cooperation with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. If you have encountered medication errors and would like to report them, you may call USP toll-free, 24 hours a day, at 800-233-7767 (800-23-ERROR). Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. The reports described in this column were received through the USP-ISMP Medication Errors Reporting Program (MERP). Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported through the ISMP ( www.ismp.org ) or USP ( www.usp.org ) web sites or communicated directly to ISMP by calling 1-800-FAIL SAFE or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications. In 2004, ISMP is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its incorporation as a nonprofit organization. The Institute represents more than 20 years of experience in helping health care practitioners keep patients safe and continues to lead efforts to improve the medication use process.
Essential Tremor Treated with Topiramate: A Case Series
Authors: Daugherty Kimberly K. , Ryan Melody , Slevin John T. 
Published: January 2018

Objective The authors evaluated a series of essential tremor (ET) patients treated with topiramate in a university-based movement disorders clinic. Design A retrospective clinical review of patient cases in a naturalistic setting was employed. Subjects and Setting Patients who were prescribed topiramate for ET were identified from clinic records. Patients were contacted by telephone to determine subjective improvement of tremor. Patients reporting improvement were invited to return for clinical evaluation. Outcome Measures Patients drew the Archimedes Spiral and were asked about performance of activities of daily living at each office visit. These activities were evaluated using a 5-point Essential Tremor Scale (ETS). Results Fourteen ET patients had been prescribed topiramate. The average age was 58 years and the average tremor duration was 17 years. The mean final topiramate dose was 105 mg/day (range: 25 to 400 mg/day). Eight of the 14 patients reported subjective tremor improvement with a mean dose of 128 mg/day (50 to 400 mg/day). Five of the patients were available for further evaluation. The average topiramate dose for the five patients was 175 mg/day (50 to 400 mg/day). The mean initial ETS score was 3.02 (2.5 to 3.5) for the patients; the final mean ETS score was 2.3 (1.75 to 3). The mean dose for the six patients who stated they did not respond to topiramate treatment was 75 mg/day (25 to 100 mg/day). One patient discontinued topiramate due to increased nervousness. Conclusions Based on the 57% subjective response rate seen in our case series, topiramate may be a useful treatment for some patients with ET in a clinical practice.
Morphine Sulfate Extended-Release Liposome Injection
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Levien Terri , Baker Danial E. 
Published: January 2018

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive five to six well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late Phase III trials. The monographs are targeted to your Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Subscribers also receive monthly one-page summary monographs on the agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation (DUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent to you in print and CD ROM forms and are available online. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of your facility. Subscribers to the The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. If you would like information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The September 2004 monograph topics are ezetimibe, iloprost solution for inhalation, posaconzole oral suspension, palifermin, and cilansetron The DUE is on tindazole.
Tenofovir-Associated Renal Problems: Hyperphosphatemia from OTC Bowel Preparations: Beta-Blocker Induced Quadriparesis: Two Adverse Reactions in the Same (Unlucky) Patient: Warfarin-Associated Hemorrhage: Benzodiazepines and Hip Fractures
Authors: Shuster Joel 
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), to discuss methods of prevention, and to promote reporting of ADRs to the FDA's medWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting preventable ADR to medWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers. Your report will be published anonymously unless otherwise requested. This feature is provided by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices in cooperation with the FDA's medWatch Program and Temple University School of Pharmacy. ISMP is an FDA medWatch partner. In 2004, ISMP is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its incorporation as a nonprofit organization. The Institute represents more than 20 years of experience in helping health care practitioners keep patients safe, and continues to lead efforts to improve the medication use process.
Folic Acid to Prevent Neural Tube Defects: A Potential Pharmacy Initiative with Public Health Implications
Authors: Ryan Melody 
Published: January 2018

Purpose This study (1) reviewed available data and recommendations regarding the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) through folic acid supplementation for the general population, women with previous NTD pregnancies, and women with epilepsy and (2) examined the potential role of pharmacy in the prevention of NTDs. Methods Published clinical literature was identified through a review of articles abstracted from MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts. Search terms were folic acid, neural tube defect, spina bifida, myelomeningocele, anencephaly, epilepsy, clinical guidelines, and pregnancy. Clinically relevant information consistent with current guidelines was extracted. Results Administration of 0.4 mg/day of folic acid to women of childbearing age decreases rates of NTDs. In the general population, two types of NTD-reduction strategies have been employed: educational campaigns and food supply supplementation. Continued surveillance of NTD rates is needed to fully assess the effect of food supply supplementation in the US. Women with previous NTD pregnancies should consume 4 mg/day of folic acid during the month before and the month after conception. Public health interventions, including targeted educational materials and a national database to track subsequent pregnancies in women with previous NTD pregnancies, are needed. No evidence-based information about the effectiveness or dosing of folic acid supplements in women with epilepsy is available. Conclusions Pharmacists have an important role to play in the education of other health care professionals and patients about periconceptual folic acid supplementation. However, pharmacists must first be prepared to fulfill this role. Significant research in special populations — to determine the best folic acid dose and the most effective educational strategies — should be undertaken in the future.
Hyperammonemia with Valproic Acid: Colonic Ischemia Associated with “Triptan” Use Visual Side Effects with Pegylated Interferon: Alopecia Areata with Infliximab: Adverse Effects Seen with Medications Used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Shuster Joel 
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), to discuss methods of prevention, and to promote reporting of ADRs to the FDA's medWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting preventable ADR to medWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers. In 2004, ISMP is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its incorporation as a nonprofit organization. The Institute represents more than 20 years of experience in helping health care practitioners keep patients safe, and continues to lead efforts to improve the medication use process.
Furosemide (Nebulized): Dyspnea in Cancer Patients
Authors: Generali Joyce , Cada Dennis J. 
Published: January 2018

Off-Label Drug Uses This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label DrugFacts, a quarterly publication available from Facts and Comparisons. Off-Label DrugFacts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific FDA-unapproved drug uses. This new guide to the literature will enable the health care professional/clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and to determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. The most relevant data are provided in tabular form so that the reader can easily identify the scope of information available. A summary of the data—including background, study design, patient population, dosage information, therapy duration, results, safety, and therapeutic considerations—precedes each table of published studies. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information prior to patient care decisions. Direct questions or comments on “Off-Label Drug Uses” to hospitalpharmacy@drugfacts.com .
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Drugs: Emerging Legal and Regulatory Issues
Authors: Rumore Martha M. 
Published: January 2018

Is direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising a gold mine or mine field for pharmaceutical manufacturers? It seems to be a little of both. Consumerism has proliferated in recent decades, as the public has sought more information about health care, medications, and medical issues in general. The General Accounting Office (GAO) estimated that at least 8.5 million Americans each year request and receive prescriptions for specific drugs after seeing or hearing advertisements for these products.1 Proponents of DTC advertising argue that it gives consumers the information they need to discuss treatment options with their physicians and can play an important role in improving health care. Opponents are concerned that these ads are misleading, that they fail to communicate risks, that they lead to drug overuse, and that their costs elevate drug prices — thereby adding to the costs of prescription drugs and fueling the rising cost of health care.1 In 1999, the first lawsuit was brought against a pharmaceutical company in connection with DTC advertising. Other cases have followed, with a significant impact on pharmaceutical product liability law. Civil liability has emerged from DTC advertisements of prescription drugs in print, broadcast, promotional, and cyberspace materials. Proposed legislative or regulatory limitations on DTC advertising have raised both First Amendment and public policy issues.
IV to Oral Conversion Programs for Anti-Infectives in the United States: Prevalence and Characteristics
Authors: Florea Naomi R. , Kuti Joseph L. , Nightingale Charles H. , Nicolau David P. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Despite the documented success of IV to oral anti-infective conversion programs, it is still unclear what the current standard of practice is in the US. A survey was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of conversion programs throughout the nation. Methods A questionnaire was mailed to 890 randomly chosen hospital pharmacy directors. A preset cutoff date of 4 weeks from the initial mailing was set for responses; a second mailing was sent to those directors that did not respond initially. Results A total of 237 (27%) institutions responded. Of these, 74% had instituted conversion programs. More programs required prior physician notification compared with allowing pharmacists to proactively transition candidates (70% vs 30%, P < 0.001). The most common anti-infectives converted were the fluoroquinolones and fluconazole. Common conversion criteria included adequate oral intake and fever reduction. Characteristics associated with an increased likelihood of a conversion program were pharmacy residency programs (RR 1.3; 95% CI 1.132 to 1.477), clinical pharmacists (RR 1.6; 95% CI 1.262 to 2.123), ID specialty pharmacists (RR 1.3; 95% CI 1.153 to 1.499), ID physician consult service (RR 1.2; 95% CI 1.028 to 1.459), and teaching hospitals (RR 1.2; 95% CI 1.038 to 1.386). Hospitals with conversion programs employed a greater number of clinical pharmacists (P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of a clinical pharmacist was the most significant variable predicting implementation (P < 0.001). Conclusion The majority of hospitals responding to this survey had an intravenous to oral conversion program. While most programs still required prior physician notification, the presence of clinical pharmacists significantly influenced the prevalence of implementation and proactive transition.
Metronidazole and Metformin: Prone to Mix-ups: Soy Allergy?: Save Lives: Improve the Pneumococcal Vaccine Administration Rate: Inefficient Screening Process: Omitted Vaccine Administration: Flammability of Ethyl Chloride: Current Nonproprietary Drug Names under Consideration by United States Adopted Names Council
Authors: Cohen Michael R. 
Published: January 2018

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them in your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the USP Medication Errors Reporting Program (MERP), which is presented in cooperation with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. If you have encountered medication errors and would like to report them, you may call USP toll-free, 24 hours a day, at 800-233-7767 (800-23-ERROR). Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported through the ISMP ( www.ismp.org ) or USP ( www.usp.org ) web sites or communicated directly to ISMP by calling 1-800-FAIL SAFE or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications. In 2004, ISMP is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its incorporation as a nonprofit organization. The Institute represents more than 20 years of experience in helping health care practitioners keep patients safe and continues to lead efforts to improve the medication use process.
Sildenafil (Topical): Anal Fissures
Authors: Generali Joyce , Cada Dennis J. 
Published: January 2018

Off-Label Drug Uses This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label DrugFacts, a quarterly publication available from Facts and Comparisons. Off-Label DrugFacts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific FDA-unapproved drug uses. This new guide to the literature will enable the health care professional/clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and to determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. The most relevant data are provided in tabular form so that the reader can easily identify the scope of information available. A summary of the data—including background, study design, patient population, dosage information, therapy duration, results, safety, and therapeutic considerations—precedes each table of published studies. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information prior to patient care decisions. Direct questions or comments on “Off-Label Drug Uses” to hospitalpharmacy@drugfacts.com .
Positions on alcohol control policy in the Finnish print press 1993–2000
Authors: Törrönen Jukka 
Published: January 2018

Using editorial materials from six Finnish newspapers in 1993-2000, the article traces the emergence and development of ‘new’ discourses and practices of alcohol control policy. The article has two main questions: First, how did these newspapers take part in and commit themselves to the revision of national alcohol policy and second, once the more liberal policy was in place, how did they begin to address problems related to alcohol use. The data were mainly collected from electronic archives. The material comprised all alcohol-related editorials published during the period under review. During 1993-2000 the six newspapers published a total of 280 editorials on issues of alcohol control policy. The editorials are analysed as arrested narratives: how do these narratives employ the discursive elements of moral juxtaposition, building a better world, and truth. During 1993-1997 the argumentation in the editorials was dominated by calls for greater liberalisation, and a firm stance against the public health argumentation aimed at regulating overall consumption. However, the liberalisation of alcohol control policy threw up completely new problems that had to do with public order and the youth issue. In 1998-2000 questions of order and security were already receiving greater visibility than the liberalisation discourse. The newspapers maintained there was no return to the old state-governed alcohol control policy. Instead, they insisted that the police needed to be given more resources and institutional powers, and alcohol policy was more and more defined in terms of controlling the behaviour of deviant groups, and youths in particular. Instead of throwing their weight behind municipal ordinances, the newspapers urged the authorities and decision-makers to get to grips with the problem (i.e. the youth) by introducing national legislation that would give the police the powers they needed. The editorials also took it upon themselves to encourage parents to impose limits on youngsters by means of both discipline and loving care. The traditional welfare state machinery was called upon to lend its support. In this sense the newspapers opened up the domains of education, family dynamics and local community to ever greater state influence.