In this episode, I’ll discuss when to use (and when not to use) tranexamic acid in critically ill patients. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Mechanism Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent. It forms a reversible complex that displaces plasminogen from fibrin resulting in inhibition of fibrinolysis. It also inhibits the proteolytic activity of plasmin. […]

Click here to get ACPE CE credit for listening to this episode. In this episode, I’ll discuss how to administer mannitol for elevated intracranial pressure. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher The definitive treatment for elevated intracranial pressure is to fix the underlying cause. Common causes are traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, CNS infection, or […]

Click here to get ACPE CE credit for listening to this episode. In this episode I’ll: 1. Discuss an article about using the qSOFA score in adult emergency department patients. 2. Answer the drug information question “Can leucovorin be substituted for folic acid as cofactor therapy in the treatment of methanol toxicity?” 3. Share a […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the updated sepsis guidelines from the 2016 Surviving Sepsis Campaign recently published in Critical Care Medicine. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Here are what I consider the 5 most important updates to the 2016 sepsis guidelines compared to the 2012 version: 1. All patients receive 30 mL/kg of IV […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss how to evaluate drug interactions. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher The Hospital Pharmacy Academy is a place for pharmacists and pharmacy residents to gain practical clinical pharmacy knowledge and skills. Inside the Academy, you will find monthly video-based Masterclasses, weekly literature digests, and members-only forums to connect with other pharmacists and […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss a formula I use to prioritize my daily activities. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher 1 minute before 9 am = 2 minutes after noon Several years ago I read the copy of The Hospitalists Manual that my medical librarian had ordered. In the chapter titled “Pacing and Efficiency: The […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss Ockham’s Razor vs. Hickam’s Dictum. Ockham’s Razor and Hickam’s Dictum are often referred to as opposing theories for diagnoses of disease. Pharmacists can use knowledge of these principles to understand a part of physicians’ thought process and to evaluate potential adverse effects of medications. Ockham’s Razor William of Ockham was an […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the treatment of intracranial hemorrhage after thrombolytic therapy. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Background Alteplase, reteplase, and tenectaplase are fibrin-selective plasminogen activators. They convert plasminogen to plasmin, which then degrades fibrin and results in fibrinolysis. Massive pulmonary embolism, acute ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction are three common indications for […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the treatment of calcium channel blocker overdose in adult patients.   Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Consensus recommendations for the management of calcium channel blocker poisoning in adults have been published in the journal Critical Care in October 2016. The recommendations emphasize the role of poison centers (1-800-222-1222 in […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss lithium toxicity. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Lithium has been used since the 1970s for bipolar disorder. Toxicity from lithium may occur from an acute ingestion or when a patient on chronic lithium therapy has a decrease in renal function. Acute Patients with acute lithium ingestion primarily exhibit gastrointestinal […]

In this episode I’ll: 1. Discuss an article about the factor Xa reversal agent andexanet alfa. 2. Answer the drug information question “What is the treatment for cryptococcal meningitis in a non-HIV infected, non-transplant patient?” 3. Share a resource for lectures and handouts by a board certified toxicologist. Show notes at pharmacyjoe.com/episode121. Before we begin, […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss penicillin allergy and cross-reactivity. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher A big shout-out to those of you that took a moment to leave a review of my book A Pharmacist’s Guide to Inpatient Medical Emergencies on Amazon.  The reviews are essential for helping a potential reader decide if the book […]