In this episode, I’ll discuss the first randomized controlled trial of midodrine for weaning vasopressors. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Using midodrine to wean ICU patients off of vasopressors is a common strategy and one that I have used in my practice and discussed in previous episodes. The general principle is that some ICU patients […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss lab interference from the supplement biotin. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher The prevalence of biotin use may be as high as 7.7% according to a 2018 survey of an ED patient population. This supplement is sold as having effects on hair, nail, and skin health. Alternate names for biotin are […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss expectations for the onset of action of IM medications used for acute agitation. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher When caring for an acutely agitated patient, the delay between IM medication administration and the onset of action can seem exceedingly long. Staff and patient safety continue to be at risk until […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss using heparin anti-Xa levels to evaluate apixaban, rivaroxaban, fondaparinux, and danaparoid levels. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Anti-Xa inhibitors such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, fondaparinux, and danaparoid do not have readily available assays, yet there is often a clinical need to determine their presence or absence. Because heparin anti-Xa assays are […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the use of tetanus immune globulin. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Tetanus Immune Globulin can be part of successful tetanus post-exposure prophylaxis for certain patients as well as tetanus treatment. In post-exposure prophylaxis scenarios, tetanus immune globulin provides immediate but temporary passive immunity to tetanus. The immunity is conferred because […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss three ways to tell the difference between serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Muscular rigidity, significant hyperthermia, and autonomic instability are all common features of serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. While these two syndromes are very similar in presentation, they can usually be differentiated […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss three tips for inpatient medical emergencies. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Tip #1: ACE Inhibitor-Induced Angioedema When taking care of a patient with ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema, I focus on helping to facilitate protecting the patient’s airway with intubation. I don’t get distracted by other therapies which do not have a […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss a cost-avoidance study of a redistribution process to reduce waste of emergency medications in drug boxes. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Placing emergency medications throughout the hospital in drug boxes is essential to ensure their availability when emergencies arise. However, this leads to a large number of medications that […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the role for ketamine in status epilepticus. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher The initial therapy for status epilepticus is to use one of the following benzodiazepines: Lorazepam 0.1 mg/kg capped at 4 mg IV Midazolam 0.2 mg/kg capped at 10 mg IM Diazepam 0.15 mg/kg capped at 10 mg […]

This podcast has recently past the 5-year milestone, something that couldn’t be possible without all of the support and kind words of encouragement from you, the listeners of the podcast and readers of the blog. Thank you so much to those that have been there from the beginning, the middle and to those that are […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the dose of IV levothyroxine used for myxedema coma. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher   Myxedema coma is a rare medical emergency with in-hospital mortality of ~30% When it occurs, myxedema coma is often a result of either: 1. Withdrawal of thyroid therapy or 2. The first sign of thyroid […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the dose of inhaled tranexamic acid used for nonmassive hemoptysis. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher   Tranexamic acid (TA) is an antifibrinolytic medication. It forms a reversible complex that displaces plasminogen from fibrin resulting in inhibition of fibrinolysis. Tranexamic acid is commonly used systemically to reduce bleeding in trauma or […]