In this episode, I’ll discuss an article about IVP antibiotic safety. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Article Safety of intravenous push administration of beta-lactams within a healthcare system Lead author: Kassandra Marsh, PharmD, BCIDP Published in American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy April 2020 Background In the aftermath of hurricane disruptions to IV solution supply […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss macrolides vs. fluroquinolones for legionella pneumonia. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Traditionally it is thought that a bacteriocidal antibiotic is preferable to a bacteriostatic one, especially in severe infections such as legionella pneumonia. However, the IDSA guidelines recommend that either a fluoroquinolone or a macrolide may be used first-line […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the remdesivir emergency use prescribing information as it pertains to adult patients. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Remdesivir is a viral RNA inhibitor which just received an emergency use authorization from the FDA for the treatment of COVID-19. For adult patients there are two different suggested dosage regimens: The […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the recent reports by the NIH and Gilead on the efficacy of remdesivir. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Back in episode 486 when discussing medications with in vitro but otherwise unproven efficacy against COVID-19, I mentioned that efficacy data for remdesivir was expected in April 2020. The NIH met […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss an article about using prothrombin complex concentrates for the treatment of factor Xa inhibitor-related intracranial hemorrhage. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Article Factor Xa Inhibitor-Related Intracranial Hemorrhage (FiX-ICH): Results from a Multicenter, Observational Cohort Receiving Prothrombin Complex Concentrates Lead author: Nicholas G. Panos Published in Circulation April 2020 Background […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the new NIH guidelines on therapeutic options for COVID-19. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher On April 21, the NIH published expert consensus guidelines on the treatment of COVID-19. As these guidelines are evidence-based, and we have not had enough time for the rigorous testing of therapies against COVID-19, there […]

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 […]