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Page 6 of 26
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.
FDA video warning on metoclopramide and tardive dyskinesia
Video: patient safety warning on chronic use of metoclopramide and the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia.
Overview on monoclonal antibody therapy: PPT, images and videos
This post intends to be a brief and readable overview on what monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are and some examples of their clinical applications. The following slideshow is a clear and accurate introduction on the topic: (ignore the first slide error message and move to the second)
Grand Rounds Vol. 5 No. 30
I’m excited for being part of what a would dare to say it’s by now a classic: Grand Rounds, the best of medical writing on the web! Thank you to the medical and health bloggers who submitted their posts. ALL submissions I received were excellent, but I decided to include just a few to avoid
Cardiac arrhythmias made easy: a video you’ll never forget
Easy to understand video on cardiac electrophysiology. A cardiology professor acts the main types of cardiac arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation and flutter).