In this episode, I’ll discuss whether the Tisdale Risk Score can be used to identify ICU patients at risk of QTc prolongation. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher The Tisdale Risk Score (TRS) was first published in 2013 as a way to identify hospitalized patients at risk for QT interval prolongation. The scoring system assigns […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss whether alteplase can be used to treat COVID-19 patients with thrombotic disseminated intravascular coagulation. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Many patients severely ill with COVID-19 develop a thrombotic disseminated intravascular coagulation. Fibrinolytic therapy has been studied in patients with acute lung injury previously, and several hospitals are currently enrolling […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss advice given by AHA and ACC Presidents on QTc interaction between hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher As discussed in episode 488, there is tremendous interest in combining hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin for the treatment of COVID-19 based on a small French observational study. Performing a risk:benefit analysis […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss what to use for acute asthma exacerbation if you run out of MDIs and can’t use nebulizers. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Many hospitals are prohibiting nebulizer use during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect staff from disease transmission during this aerosol-generating procedure. This has led to the increased use […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss whether hydromorphone can be used as a continuous infusion in place of fentanyl for ICU patients on a ventilator. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Some hospitals are being faced with supply shortages of critical medications such as fentanyl, and are faced with using less ideal alternatives for continuous sedation […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities and how it may pertain to unused and unopened medications that have been in COVID-19 patient rooms. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Avoiding bringing medications into rooms with COVID-19 patients until they are ready to be used is the […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss pharmacy-related COVID-19 updates. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine FDA Emergency Use Authorization The FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to be used in patients with COVID-19.  The FDA has also prepared patient and health care provider fact sheets.  If you are […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the discontinuation order of vasopressors. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher The first two vasopressors generally used to treat septic shock are norepinephrine and vasopressin. The usual strategy is to add vasopressin to norepinephrine. But what happens when the patient recovers and vasopressors need to be weaned? There is little […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss pharmacy-related recommendations from the surviving sepsis COVID-19 critical care guidelines. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher The Surviving Sepsis Campaign has published guidelines on the management of critically ill adults with COVID-19. These guidelines were last updated on March 20th 2020. Information and recommendations are changing rapidly in this area […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss evaluating the unknown QTc/torsades risk of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher In a small case-control study, the combination of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin appeared to reduce nasopharyngeal carriage of the COVID-19 virus. In vitro studies also suggest that hydroxychloroquine would have efficacy against this virus. While the […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the difference between DKA and HHS. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Definition Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) are the most serious acute complications of diabetes.  These diabetic crises cause thousands of deaths annually in the US. DKA and HHS differ clinically according to the presence of ketoacidosis […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss medications that have in vitro but otherwise unproven activity against COVID-19. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Do you want Monday’s podcast episode to be about meds that have in vitro but otherwise unproven activity against COVID-19 or some other topic that has nothing to do with COVID-19? — Pharmacy […]