Pharmacologic Agents Used to Reverse the Anticoagulant Effect of Common Anticoagulants.

Numerous oral and parenteral anticoagulant drugs are now available for clinical use. Understanding the precise pharmacologic properties of each anticoagulant is imperative for those practitioners who prescribe these drugs, including knowing the current recommendations for reversing the anticoagulant effect of each anticoagulant. This review provides a brief description of the various anticoagulants used today and also discusses the pharmacologic properties of those drugs used to reverse the anticoagulant action of specific anticoagulants.

A Brief Review of the Pharmacology of Hyperkalemia: Causes and Treatment.

Hyperkalemia is a common problem in both inpatients and outpatients. Many disease states (eg, chronic kidney disease) and medications may precipitate hyperkalemia. There are several drugs now available to treat hyperkalemia.

A Brief Drug Class Review: Considerations for Statin Use, Toxicity, and Drug Interactions.

For approximately 30 years, statins have been effectively used to control cholesterol, thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. Evidence-based recommendations regarding how these drugs are dosed and used have changed significantly through the years. There are seven statins approved for use in the United States, and although the mechanism of action pertaining to cholesterol reduction is the same for all statins, each has its own specific pharmacologic profile.

Rules for improving pharmacotherapy in older adult patients: part 2 (rules 6-10).

The population of older adult patients in the United States is growing each year. Appropriate pharmacotherapy has allowed many older patients to live longer and maintain healthy lives. Unfortunately, the inappropriate utilization of medications can be harmful to older adult patients.

Rules for improving pharmacotherapy in older adult patients: part 1 (rules 1-5).

The population of older adult patients in the United States is growing each year. Appropriate pharmacotherapy has allowed many older patients to live longer and maintain healthy lives. Unfortunately, the inappropriate utilization of medications can be harmful to older adult patients.

Comparing new anticoagulants.

For years, the pharmaceutical industry has been trying to find a safe and effective drug to replace warfarin. Although warfarin is an effective anticoagulant, its pharmacology, adverse effects, and risk profiles dictate that patients taking this medication must be monitored judiciously. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved two drugs for commercial use, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, that will compete directly with warfarin for use in specific indications.

Pharmacotherapy considerations in elderly adults.

Life expectancy for Americans has increased dramatically since 1900, as have the available pharmacotherapeutic options. Unfortunately, pharmacotherapy mishaps occur commonly in the older adult population. This problem greatly affects the morbidity and mortality of elderly patients and greatly increases healthcare costs.

Adverse drug reactions: part II.

Pharmacovigilance is the process of identifying, monitoring, and effectively reducing adverse drug reactions. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are an important consideration when assessing a patient's health. The proliferation of new pharmaceuticals means that the incidence of ADRs is increasing.

Adverse drug reactions: Part I.

Pharmacovigilance is the process of identifying, monitoring, and effectively reducing adverse drug reactions. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are an important consideration when assessing a patient's health. The proliferation of new pharmaceuticals means that the incidence of ADRs is increasing.

Herbal products and dietary supplements: a survey of use, attitudes, and knowledge among older adults.

Context: Tens of millions of Americans use herbal products and/or dietary supplements, yet scant data are available regarding the purity, safety, or efficacy of these substances. A better understanding of usage trends and patient attitudes toward self-initiated supplementation is vital to obtaining accurate and complete medical history data.

Objective: To survey Americans aged approximately 60 years and older regarding their use of herbal products and dietary supplements and their attitudes and knowledge regarding the safety of these popular substances.