In this episode I’ll discuss diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Definition Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) are the most serious acute complications of diabetes.  These diabetic crises cause thousands of deaths annually in the US. DKA and HHS differ clinically according to the […]

In this episode, I’ll discuss the treatment of ACE inhibitor induced angioedema. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Angioedema due to Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is a rare event. Because of the high frequency of ACE inhibitor use, many patients will go on to develop ACE inhibitor induced angioedema. Angioedema is the swelling of deep […]

In this episode I’ll: 1. Review the updated CHEST guidelines on Antithrombotic Therapy for VTE Disease. 2. Answer the drug information question: “Can I continue metronidazole for prevention of recurrent clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in patients requiring antimicrobial therapy?” 3. Share a resource I wear around my wrist. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Shout […]

In this episode I’ll discuss a long time pet peeve of mine – the Cockcroft Gault formula can be used to predict – not calculate – creatinine clearance. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher 40 years after it’s publication, the Cockcroft Gault formula remains the most appropriate method of estimating kidney function for the purpose […]

In this episode I’ll: 1.  Discuss an article that found an increase in mortality when succinylcholine was used for rapid sequence intubation in patients with traumatic brain injury. 2.  Answer the drug information question “Do antibiotics need to be stopped prior to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to treat clostridium difficile infection?” 3. Share a resource I use during […]

In this episode I’ll focus on 2 examples of medication overdose that require more than supportive care to treat effectively: 1. Acetaminophen poisoning 2. Methanol & ethylene glycol poisoning Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher A special shout out to my kids for the artwork & audio bumper for this episode! Many poisons, few antidotes […]

In this episode I’ll: 1. Review an article about fixed dosing of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate for emergent warfarin reversal 2.  Answer the drug information question: What is the dose of subcutaneous heparin to provide full therapeutic anticoagulation? 3.  Share a resource for information about drug-induced & iatrogenic respiratory disease Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or […]

In this episode I’ll review the medications used to support the treatment of shock from 12 different etiologies. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher During the treatment of shock, the patient’s life hangs in the balance while the care team quickly delivers interventions to identify and treat the underlying cause. Many of these interventions require […]

In this episode I’ll: 1. Review an article about augmented renal clearance of antibiotics in critically ill patients 2. Answer the drug information question “For a patient with rash to penicillin that is 5 months s/p TAVR and has 4/4 bottles positive for gram positive cocci resembling staph, what antibiotic regimen should be used?” 3. […]

In this episode I’ll review the pharmacologic treatments for anaphylaxis. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Definition Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction with a rapid onset. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic reactions to food, insect stings and medications are the most common triggers for anaphylaxis. As a result of the IgE reaction, mast cells […]

In this episode I’ll discuss the management priorities for a hospital pharmacist when caring for a patient with status epilepticus. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Seizure Whenever I encounter a hospital inpatient with an acute seizure, I make sure that I have IV lorazepam available. Most seizures stop after about 2 minutes. In reality […]

In this episode I’ll talk about tips for the pharmacist in the initial treatment of severe sepsis / septic shock. Subscribe on iTunes, Android, or Stitcher Introduction Severe sepsis is sepsis with organ dysfunction and septic shock is sepsis induced hypotension that remains after adequate fluid resuscitation. Additional criteria for the definitions of severe sepsis […]