In this episode, I’ll discuss the use of sugammadex in myasthenia gravis patients undergoing thymectomy. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher A group of authors in Japan recently analyzed the association between the use of sugammadex and postoperative myasthenic crisis in patients with myasthenia gravis using a national inpatient database. 506 patients who received sugammadex […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the Chest authors’ guidelines on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher The Chest Guideline authors have published a set of recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19. The following are some […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss high-dose insulin euglycemic therapy in the treatment of a patient with massive caffeine overdose. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Many cardiotoxic medication overdoses appear to respond to high dose insulin euglycemia therapy, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and tricyclic antidepressants. The practice of high dose insulin euglycemia therapy involves […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the two scenarios where asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is treated with antibiotics in adult patients. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Considerable focus has appropriately been placed on reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in patients with otherwise asymptomatic bacteriuria. However, there are a few scenarios in which treatment with antibiotics is considered […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss whether a pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD) protects from medication-induced torsades. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Shout out to Pharmacy Jeremy and Pharmacy Marci for inspiring this episode! While implantable cardiac devices are given to patients with long QT syndrome and other arrhythmias, there is no data on […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss why you can’t use the Naranjo algorithm in the setting of drug overdose. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Shout out to “Toxicology Dave” on Twitter for highlighting this issue. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale (commonly referred to as the Naranjo Scale) attempts to apply objective criteria to answer […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the pharmacist’s role if malignant hyperthermia is suspected outside of the operating room. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Malignant hyperthermia is a rare event, occurring in about 1 out of 100,000 administrations of anesthesia. While MH is usually thought of as occurring in the operating room, it can occur […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss a new observation study on hydroxychloroquine and Covid-19. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Article Observational Study of Hydroxychloroquine in Hospitalized Patients with Covid-19 Lead author: Joshua Geleris Published in New England Journal of Medicine May 2020 Background Following reports from China and South Korea, and then a small French […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss whether the dose of enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis can be reduced in low weight patients. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Shout out to “Pharmacy Jeff” for inspiring this episode! When using enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis in low-weight adults, doses can approach the 1 mg/kg normally associated with VTE treatment. […]

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 […]