May 22, 2017
May 21, 2017
May 20, 2017
April 25, 2017
Acetaminophen toxicity is a result of the formation of a reactive intermediate N-acetyl-p-benzoquinonimine (NAPQI), the product of a minor pathway involved in the metabolism of acetaminophen. At therapeutic doses, the majority of acetaminophen metabolism occurs via glucuronidation and sulfation to nontoxic metabolites. In overdose, the nontoxic routes of metabolism become saturated and the metabolism of acetaminophen to NAPQI becomes a major metabolic pathway. The formation of NAPQI occurs primarily via oxidation by hepatic CYP2E1 and, to a lesser extent, by CYP3A4, CYP2A6, and CYP1A2. A fraction of the total NAPQI may be a result of renal CYP2E1 metabolism.
April 25, 2017
April 24, 2017
The FDA has issued a Safety Alert restricting the use of codeine and tramadol in children. Children under 12 years and some adolescents younger than 18 years (especially those with certain genetic factors, obesity, or obstructive sleep apnea and other breathing problems) should not use medicines containing these drugs because of increased medical risks, including slowed or difficult breathing and death. The FDA is also recommending against the use of codeine and tramadol medicines in breastfeeding mothers due to possible harm to their infants, including excess sleepiness, serious breathing problems, or death.
April 23, 2017
An infographic that looks at the history of Pharmacovigilance and its evolution over the 20th century in response to serious adverse events and patient safety
April 22, 2017
April 22, 2017
Less than 50% of the U.S. population obtains the seasonal influenza vaccine, and the vaccine does not confer perfect immunity. There are three types of influenza, plus numerous variations. Practitioners should be confident in the use of antiviral agents in patients with influenza. The most recent guidelines recommend the use of nonpharmacologic management and neuraminidase inhibitors to either prevent the transmission of influenza or treat the infection. Pharmacotherapy is based on an understanding of which