In this episode I’ll discuss how to use dexmedetomidine for sedation in the ICU. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher If you are wondering about the use of dexemedetomine in agitated delirium or alcohol withdrawal, check out episodes 67 & 70. Mechanism of action Dexmedetomidine is a selective a2-adrenoceptor agonist. I like to think of […]
Episode 10: The Pharmacist and the ECG Should Be Friends
As the expert in drug therapy, you need to know how different drugs exert their effects on the electrical system of the heart. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Pharmacist review of the ECG is relatively straight forward compared to other professions. We should be able to identify the rhythm, look for signs of drug […]
Episode 6: Alternatives To Phentolamine For Vasopressor Extravasation
11/4/15 Update: Phentolamine is available again! The rest of the post is un-edited, but check with your purchaser to see if you can get phentolamine now. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Another one bites the dust. Phentolamine is no longer manufactured Phentolamine has now made ASHP’s list of drugs no longer available. This information […]
Episode 5: Vasopressors In Shock – A Review for PGY-1 Pharmacy Residents
In this episode I’ll review the vasopressors norepinephrine, vasopressin, epinephrine, dopamine, and phenylephrine. Fluids, vasopressors, and inotropes are the essential parts of the treatment of shock. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Shock is the syndrome that results when the cardiovascular system fails to maintain adequate tissue perfusion. The immediate treatment goal for shock is to maintain hemodynamics […]
Episode 4: Push Dose Pressors: Use Them Once, Shame On Me. Use Them Twice, Shame On You!
Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Push Dose Pressors, They’re Not Just For Anesthesia Anymore! I like preventing the complications of profound hypotension as much as anyone. Really, I do. It’s why I suggest you focus so much on anticipating patient and provider needs during an emergency situation. It’s why I suggest you put a […]
Episode 3: Pharmacists as Members of the Rapid Response Team
In this episode, I will discuss pharmacist participation on rapid response teams. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher According to the wikipedia definition (don’t tell my former professors I referenced that site!): A rapid response team (RRT) is a team of health care providers that responds to hospitalized patients with early signs of clinical deterioration on […]
Episode 2: Pharmacist Response to Code Blue Continued
In this episode, I will continuing discussing pharmacist response to code blue calls. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher I’ll wrap up a few things from episode 1 and review the ACLS cardiac arrest algorithm. I ended episode 1 with the following: – At the start of the code open and assemble an epinephrine syringe. […]
Episode 1: Patients Will Die Less Often If A Pharmacist Responds to Code Blue Calls
In this episode, I’ll discuss how patients are less likely to die if a pharmacist response to the code blue call. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Why should Pharmacists respond to code blue calls? It’s simple. Patients will die less often. To the tune of 12,880 reduced deaths in 2007, p=0.009 according to: Bond, […]