A huge challenge in clinical pharmacy is determining what information is actually relevant. By relevant, I mean what information actually impacts patient care. I see gabapentin most frequently used for neuropathy. The pharmacokinetics of gabapentin are a little...
TCA’s in the elderly are generally discouraged especially for symptoms of sleep and depression. There are a lot of other options to consider for treatment of both of these issues before TCA’s. While I’m not going to tell you what is ALWAYS right or...
I think most of you who follow the blog know I spend most of my time dealing with polypharmacy and geriatrics. I’m going to use the example of ACE Inhibitors in CHF to demonstrate my point. Every now and then, I will see patients who have a history of CHF and...
In my practice as a clinical pharmacist, I see the use of fentanyl patches on pretty much a daily basis. I’ve seen numerous mistakes with fentanyl patches and wanted to put together a list of 5 dangerous mistakes. In no particular order: 1. Fentanyl patches...
81 year old female at a long term care facility with a history of dementia related behaviors. Whenever you hear dementia related behaviors, do not jump to conclusions. Define the behaviors first. This particular patient refused medications at times, refused...
68 year old male battling some knee pain tries 400 mg three times daily to help with osteoarthritis and muscle pain. This gentleman has a history of cardiac issues including congestive heart failure and recent heart attack. He is currently on a low dose of Lasix...
