PPIs reduce the effectiveness of clopidogrel (Plavix)
Pharmamotion has now a new page containing updates on clopidogrel – PPI interactions. The latest edition of the monthly newsletter from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued a drug safety advice on the interaction between the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel (Plavix) and PPIs. They conclude that available data supports a clinically significant interaction […]
Brief Grand Rounds from Argentina
I’m starting this Grand Rounds with a confession: I completely suffered of lack of time for this Round’s preparation. Maybe you are wondering why, since this blog carnival is perfectly scheduled. Well, the thing is that here in Argentina winter has arrived and things are starting to get a bit more complicated than we thought. […]
Methamphetamine mechanism of addiction in the brain reward system
A video by National Geographic discusses the mechanisms of addiction of Methamphetamine (also known as Meth and Tik).
Cartoons on Big Pharma
An interesting set of cartoons to think about topics such as: medications costs, disease mongering, and the relationship between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry.
Aripiprazole (Abilify) not approved for bipolar disorder
According to a press release, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) did not accept aripiprazole for the treatment of manic episodes in bipolar I disorder and for the prevention of new manic episodes. According to the SMC, the manufacturer did not present a sufficiently robust economic analysis to gain acceptance. Psychiatrist Daniel Carlat from “The Carlat […]
Agomelatine (Valdoxan) for major depressive episodes
Agomelatine (Valdoxan, Melitor, Thymanax) is a recently marketed new drug for the treatment of major depression with a novel mechanism of action. It can be included in the class of “other antidepressants”, or classified as a melatonergic drug. Mechanism of action Agomelatine acts as an agonist on melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors. Additionally, it blocks […]
Recommendations and guidelines on prescribing methadone for chronic pain
Methadone has been traditionally used as a drug to treat heroine addiction. In the last few years, it has gained importance as an agent in the treatment of chronic pain. As a result of this, the US Food and Drug administration has started a campaign to raise awareness about the potential risks of using methadone […]
Pharmacologic treatment of Migraine. Part 1: pathophysiology and clinical features
This is the introduction to a series of three posts on the pharmacological treatment of migraine. Part 2 will explore agents used in the prevention of attacks, while in part 3 drugs like triptans and ergot derivatives will be discussed. Introduction: classification of headaches Headache is one of the most common medical complaints in clinical […]
Propylthiouracil (PTU) side effects: FDA warned about risk of hepatotoxicity
The FDA warned prescribers about the risk of serious liver injury associated with the use of the anti-thyroid drug propylthiouracil (PTU). FDA’s warning highlights: There is an increased risk of liver injury with propylthiouracil (PTU) when compared to methimazole. Monitor for symptoms and signs of liver injury when propylthiouracil is chosen as anti-thyroid therapy. This […]
Introduction to CNS pharmacology video lecture: GABA-A and glutamate receptors
This video lecture is focused on central nervous system pharmacology: it introduces GABA-A and glutamate receptors . It sets the grounds for the study of barbiturates (see lecture), benzodiazepines mechanism of action, propofol and others.
Mechanism of action, indications and adverse effects of: etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab
Etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab are TNF alpha blockers. Learn about TNF alpha in inflammation. Mechanism of action, therapeutic uses and adverse effects profile of these drugs.
PPT lectures on opioids: mechanism of action, pharmacological effects and more
PPT lectures on opioids: mechanism of action in analgesia (mu, kappa and delta receptors), pharmacological effects of morphine and antagonists.
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should be avoided in pregnancy and during breastfeeding
UK’s MHRA: do not to use ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists while breastfeeding. Hypertension Journal reviews ACEI toxicity in pregnancy.
FDA approves bevacizumab (Avastin) for glioblastoma multiforme
Prescribing information, mechanism of action, approved indications and videos on Avastin (bevacizumab) for glioblastoma multiforme.