An Update on Common Pharmaceuticals in the Prevention of Pancreatic Cancer.

In this review, we aim to update readers about the most recent studies on common pharmaceuticals and their association with pancreatic cancer risk. The use of prophylactic aspirin, metformin, beta-blockers, and statins has been studied in the past but showed inconclusive results in the reduction of pancreatic cancer incidence. However, in recent studies, these medications along with combination therapy of aspirin and metformin were found to have a more significant association with decreasing risk.

Teaching the pharmacology of antiarrhythmic drugs.

Objective: To provide doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students with highly integrated, comprehensive and up-to-date instruction related to the pharmacology of antiarrhythmic drugs.

Design: Students were taught the medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutics of antiarrhythmic agents in the cardiology module presented in quarter 7 of the PharmD curriculum. Important foundational information for this topic was presented to students in prerequisite physiology courses and pathophysiology courses offered earlier in the curriculum.

Crossword puzzles as a tool to enhance learning about anti-ulcer agents.

Objective: To design, implement, and evaluate the use of crossword puzzles as a low-stakes educational tool for enhancing learning about anti-ulcer agents.

Design: Crossword puzzles were created using a free Internet resource and administered to students during 3 consecutive lectures covering the pharmacology and medicinal chemistry of anti-ulcer agents. Student perceptions of the crossword puzzle were examined using an 8-item survey instrument.