Antithrombotic Usage Patterns in the Era of New Oral Anticoagulant Options for Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Appropriate treatment reduces the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite the known benefits of warfarin, anticoagulation prescribing rates remain inadequate in high-risk patients. Over the last 6 years, 4 novel oral anticoagulants have been approved for use for stroke prophylaxis in non-valvular AF (NVAF), which may allow prescribers to tailor therapy for each NVAF patient.

Lurasidone (latuda®): an atypical antipsychotic.

Lurasidone is a new atypical antipsychotic that has demonstrated positive effects on psychosis, mood, and cognition. This improved efficacy and safety profile for the treatment of schizophrenia. Its overall tolerability profile seems to be comparable to the other atypical antipsychotics.

Use of famotidine in adult patients with end-stage renal disease: assessment of dosing and mental status changes.

Background: Famotidine dosage adjustment is required in patients with chronic kidney disease. Since recommendations on the degree of famotidine dose reduction vary between references, a chart review was conducted to evaluate the tolerability of varying famotidine doses in adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods: An assessment was made of famotidine doses prescribed to patients with ESRD over a 7-year period in a university hospital.

Gender differences in the use of peak flow meters and their effect on peak expiratory flow.

Study Objective: To determine if gender differences in the skill of using peak flow meters affect peak expiratory flow (PEF).

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: University classroom.

Premenstrual asthma: emphasis on drug therapy options.

Premenstrual asthma is quite common, affecting up to 40% of women. Some studies suggest exacerbations of asthma requiring emergency department visits or hospitalizations are more common in the perimenstrual phase. Several drug treatment modalities for premenstrual asthma have been evaluated.