By specialty
Articles filed under By specialty.
Aliskiren (Rasilez) for essential hypertension: not recommended by the NHS Scotland
The Scottish Medicines Consortium issued on 5th December 2008 an advice on aliskiren (Rasilez, Tekturna in the US): Aliskiren (Rasilez) is not recommended for use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of essential hypertension. Aliskiren has shown comparable efficacy to other antihypertensive agents in terms of blood pressure reduction, though its effects on mortality and
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE): SMC review
The Scottish Medicines Consortium issued on 7th November, 2008 an advice on rivaroxaban (Xarelto): ADVICE: following a full submissionrivaroxaban (Xarelto®) is accepted for use within NHS Scotland for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adult patients undergoing elective hip or knee replacement surgery.In three large phase III studies in patients undergoing either total knee
FDA updated information about a safety review of Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (Vytorin), Ezetimibe (Zetia), and Simvastatin (Zocor)
FDA updated yesterday ( January 8, 2009) information related to their review of the ENHANCE trial: On January 25, 2008, FDA announced that it would be reviewing data from the ENHANCE trial (Effect of Combination Ezetimibe and High-Dose Simvastatin vs. Simvastatin Alone on the Atherosclerotic Process in Patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia). (http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/early_comm/ezetimibe_simvastatin.htm). Preliminary results from this
Bivalirudin (Angiox) for acute coronary syndromes: SMC review
The Scottish Medicines Consortium issued on 7th December, 2008 an advice on bivalirudin (Angiox): Bivalirudin (Angiox) is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of adult patients with acute coronary syndromes (unstable angina/non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction) planned for urgent or early intervention. It is restricted to use in patients who would
Ramipril and hydrochlorothiazide (Tritazide and related) indications, contraindications and posology updated in a review by the CHMP
The CHMP has issued a question and answer document dated 18 December 2008, about the review of Titrazide (ramipril and hydrochlorothiazide) and associated names: Questions and answers on the referral for Tritazide tablets containing ramipril and hydrochlorothiazide 2.5/12.5 mg, 5/12.5 mg, 5/25 mg The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has completed a review of Tritazide. The
Ramipril (Tritrace): indications, contraindications and posology updated in a review by the CHMP
The CHMP has issued a question and answer document dated 18 December 2008, about the review of Titrace (ramipril) and associated names: Questions and answers on the referral for Tritace tablet and hard capsules containing ramipril 1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has completed a review of
Dabigatran (Pradaxa, Pradax) for the prevention of VTE. Mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
Information about dabigatran (Pradaxa in Europe, Pradax in Canada) for the prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTE), from Health Canada. On June 10, 2008, Health Canada issued a Notice of Compliance to Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Ltd. for the drug product, Pradax. Pradax contains the medicinal ingredient dabigatran etexilate used in its salt form, dabigatran etexilate
Mnemonic for direct sympathomimetic catecholamines
Direct sympathomimetic catecholamines mnemonic DINED: Dopamine Isoproterenol Norepinephrine Epinephrine Dobutamine Thanks to MedExcel
Sitaxentan (Thelin) for pulmonary hypertension. Australian Prescriber review
From Australian Prescriber: Sitaxentan sodium Thelin (CSL) 100 mg tablets Approved indication: pulmonary hypertension Australian Medicines Handbook section 6.7.2 Pulmonary hypertension results from intimal hypertrophy narrowing small pulmonary arteries. The increase in pulmonary vascular resistance leads to right ventricular failure. Primary pulmonary hypertension is less common than the pulmonary hypertension associated with other conditions such
Genetic variants of cytochrome P-450 linked to decreased response to clopidogrel (Plavix,Iscover and others)
From Physician’s First Watch: Genetic Variants Linked to Decreased Response to Clopidogrel, Increased Cardiovascular Risk Polymorphisms in the gene encoding the cytochrome P-450 2C19 enzyme (CYP2C19) not only confer reduced response to clopidogrel, but also are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events, according to three studies published online by the New England Journal of
EMEA positive opinion for prasugrel (Efient)
Press release about the positive opinion of the CHMP for the antiplatelet agent Efient (prasugrel): COMMITTEE FOR MEDICINAL PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN USE SUMMARY OF POSITIVE OPINION for EFIENT International Nonproprietary Name (INN): prasugrel On 18 December 2008 the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion, recommending to grant a marketing
Pharmacology mnemonic. Beta 1 and beta 2 receptor location.
Beta-1 vs Beta-2 receptor location “You have 1 heart and 2 lungs”: Beta-1are therefore primarily on heart Beta-2 primarily on lungs Thanks to Medexcel
Video animation on renal physiology and diuretics mechanism of action.
Mechanism of action of loop diuretics ( Source: Bertram Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Mc Graw Hill Medical, 2007): Pharmacodynamics These drugs inhibit NKCC2, the luminal Na+/K+/2Cl– transporter in the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop. By inhibiting this transporter, the loop diuretics
Pharmacology mnemonic. Thrombolytic agents
Thrombolytic agents USA: Urokinase Streptokinase Alteplase (tPA) Thanks to MedExcel
Pharmacology Mnemonics. Warfarin: action, monitoring, MOA
Warfarin: action, monitoring WePT: Warfarin works on the extrinsic pathway and is monitored by PT. Warfarin: metabolism SLOW : _ Has a slow onset of action. _ A quicK Vitamin K antagonist, though. Small lipid-soluble molecule Liver: site of action Oral route of administration. Warfarin Thanks to MedExcel