In this episode, I’ll discuss the treatment of drug-induced Torsades. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher When responding to code blue, rapid response calls, and other medical emergencies, take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.  I discuss this and much more in my book A Pharmacist’s Guide to Inpatient Medical Emergencies. Shout out […]

In this episode I’ll: 1. Discuss an article about using propofol for toxin-related seizures. 2. Answer the drug information question “Should SSRIs be stopped in a patient with GI bleeding?” 3. Share a resource for critical care related information. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Article Propofol Use for Toxin-Related Seizures Lead author: F. Lee […]

In this episode I’ll discuss whether there is a pro-ketamine bias in the #FOAMed community. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Click here if you’d like to help me pick the title for my new book about inpatient medical emergencies for pharmacists. Ketamine is a uniquely useful drug. I discussed the use of ketamine in critical […]

In this episode I’ll: 1. Discuss evidence on the efficacy of ketamine IM for acute behavioral emergencies. 2. Answer the drug information question “Can a patient with an allergy to contrast media receive amiodarone?” 3. Share a resource for antimicrobial stewards. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Article Ketamine as Rescue Treatment for Difficult-to-Sedate Severe […]

In this episode I’ll discuss the use of flumazenil. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Shout out to “Pharmacy Ashkan” for suggesting this topic and sending many of the references that are linked in this episode. Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine receptor inhibitor. It is classified as an antidote to benzodiazepines. Indications The approved indications […]

In this episode I’ll discuss 6 tips for pharmacists responding to inpatient medical emergencies. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher   After years of working in the central pharmacy, an opportunity arose to go to the floors for code blue and rapid response calls.  At the time, I was very nervous! Nothing in my pharmacy […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the treatment of loperamide toxicity. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Loperamide is often referred to as “the poor man’s methadone”. It has been used as both a drug of abuse and as a way of self-treating opioid withdrawal. The dose used in loperamide abuse far exceeds the labelled 16 […]

In this episode I’ll discuss updated toxicology guidelines when using intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) for drug toxicity.  Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Back in episode 30 I discussed the use of ILE for drug toxicity.  In April 2016 the American College of Medical Toxicology published guidance for using ILE.   The most significant change to the […]

In this episode I’ll discuss cyanide toxicity. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Cyanide is a rapidly lethal toxin. It causes death within minutes to hours of exposure. Cyanide inhibits oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria, shutting down aerobic metabolism. Oxygen supply remains adequate but cells are unable to utilize the oxygen. Cyanide is present in […]

In this episode I’ll discuss whether sugammadex can rescue your patient from a “can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate” scenario. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Now that sugammadex has made it to the US market, the push to add it to formulary has begun.  I discussed the approval of sugammadex in episode 33.  Sugammadex may have […]