Efficacy and Safety of Vasopressin as First-Line Treatment of Distributive and Hemorrhagic Shock States.

Norepinephrine remains the first-line option to manage patients with circulatory shock. Limited evidence exists evaluating noncatecholamine compounds as first-line monotherapy for managing noncardiogenic shock. To compare vasopressin monotherapy with norepinephrine monotherapy for reversal of distributive and hemorrhagic shock.

Implementation of a Pharmacist-Led Patient-Controlled Analgesia Dosing Service.

Purpose: The development and implementation of a pharmacist-led patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) dosing service in a large academic institution are described.

Summary: To improve pain management at our institution and expand pharmacy clinical services, a pharmacist-led PCA dosing service was developed and implemented. The service is modeled after established antimicrobial and anticoagulation dosing services at our institution.

Treatment of Severe Alcohol Withdrawal.

Objective: Approximately 50% of patients with alcohol dependence experience alcohol withdrawal. Severe alcohol withdrawal is characterized by seizures and/or delirium tremens, often refractory to standard doses of benzodiazepines, and requires aggressive treatment. This review aims to summarize the literature pertaining to the pharmacotherapy of severe alcohol withdrawal.