Drug Poisoning and Overdose for the Health Professional: Review of Select Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Medications

2000 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-81
Author(s):  
David L. Laven ◽  
Lisa Oller
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Chemical Exposure ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Poison Control ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Initial Exposure

Exposure to over-the-counter and prescription medications can pose significant therapeutic and health hazards to patients, and present health care professionals with scenarios that require proper assessment and treatment. Knowing when an exposure to or overdose of a drug requires emergency medical attention is equally as important as to knowing when such assistance is not necessary—that simple treatment measures performed at home will suffice. This current discussion is intended to highlight select principles and clinical information pertaining to common drug exposures and overdoses, but not replace the full spectrum of information that would be available to health care professionals (and the lay public) by contacting their nearest poison control center. Many of the basic principles and concerns that are encountered with exposures to chemicals (i.e., route of exposure, patient medical history, quantity of the substance involved, elapsed time since the initial exposure, etc.) apply equally well to drug exposures. Likewise, evaluating each of these variables will determine which type of treatment approaches are, and are not, considered in situations of drug (or chemical) exposure and overdose.

Chemical Hazards and Poison Control for the Health Professional—Review of Select Principles and Exposures

2000 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-124
Author(s):  
David L. Laven ◽  
Lisa Weisser
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Chemical Exposure ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Poison Control ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Control Center ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Route Of Exposure

Exposure to a wide variety of chemicals can pose significant hazards to patients, and present health care professionals with scenarios that require proper assessment and treatment. Knowing when a chemical exposure requires emergency medical attention is equally as important as knowing when such assistance is not necessary and that simple treatment measures performed at home will suffice. This current discussion is intended to highlight selected principles and clinical information pertaining to common chemical exposures, but not to replace the full spectrum of information that would be available to health care professionals (and the lay public) by contacting their nearest poison control center. There are several factors that should be considered when assessing the nature of and possible clinical outcomes (and medical needs) from patient exposure to chemicals. Identification of the chemical(s) involved, events leading up to the exposure, route of exposure (e.g., ingestion, dermal, inhalation, ocular), patient medical history and current symptoms, are just a few of the variables that must be ascertained before various treatment approaches can be undertaken.

The Pharmacist “Toolbox” for Smoking Cessation

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 591-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
William P. Wynn ◽  
Ron T. Stroman ◽  
Michaela M. Almgren ◽  
Kelly J. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
The United States ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Traditional Therapies

Annually there are 500 000 preventable deaths in the United States caused by smoking; as health care professionals, pharmacists have a unique opportunity to advise, assess, and assist patients to quit smoking. This review article provides pharmacists with a “toolbox” containing an overview of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods for smoking cessation. Currently approved over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications (nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, and bupropion) are summarized, and nonpharmacologic therapies discussed include cognitive therapy and hypnosis. In addition to traditional therapies some potential approaches to smoking cessation are addressed, including nicotine immunizations and electronic cigarettes.

scholarly journals Iatrogenic tramadol addiction

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prabhat Chand ◽  
Naveen Jayaram ◽  
Pratima Murthy
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Family History ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Opioid Analgesic ◽  
Routine Clinical Practice ◽  
Limited Time ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Time Period ◽  
History Of

<p>Tramadol, either alone or in combination with paracetamol, is a commonly prescribed opioid analgesic in routine clinical practice. It has reportedly low abuse potential. There are, however, a few reports of tramadol misuse among health care professionals and persons with a family history of addiction. We describe the clinical profile of three women developing addiction to tramadol. In all these cases tramadol was initially prescribed for pain by the physician. Physicians should not only prescribe tramadol cautiously and for a limited time period but also be trained in identifying misuse (self‑use, over the counter procuring, using for mind altering<br />properties) and dependence (craving, withdrawal symptoms etc.).</p>

scholarly journals Perception of Patients on Usage of Smartphones by Health Care Professionals during Clinic Hours

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel O Bolarinde ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Background of the study: Smartphones medically related applications are quickly becoming one of the main tools for accessing clinical information among health care professionals. Aim of Study: This study assessed the perception of patients on usage of smartphones by health care professionals during clinic hours. Methodology: The study recruited 185 patients. Data on demographic characteristics and perception of patients on the use of smartphones for medical information were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were summarized using a descriptive statistics and inferential statistics of Chi square. Alpha level was set at 0.005 Results: 76 Males, 109 Females participated in this study. 67.6% (125) own a smartphones. 34.6% (64) have seen health care professionals using smartphones during clinic hours, 28.1% (18) had their health care providers explain to them reasons for using smartphone. 34.1% (63) agreed it was unprofessional for health care provider to use smartphone during clinic, 33.5% (62) disagreed, 32.4% (60) were undecided. No association observed between respondents’ age (χ2= 12.00, p= 0.606), educational qualification (χ2= 8.501, p= 0.075) and responses to the statement that use of smartphones by health care professional was unprofessional. Conclusion: Although one third of the respondents agreed that usage of smartphones by healthcare professionals in the clinic while attending to patients was unprofessional however, usage of smartphone for health related information by health care professionals during clinic hours should be with caution to avoid losing the confidence repose in them by their patients.

scholarly journals A review on health-care acquired infections of the hospital staff during routine patient’s delivery service

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1581-1586
Author(s):  
A.A. Enaigbe ◽  
C.C. Irodi
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Adverse Drug Events ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The health-care acquired infections (HCAIs) occur world-wide among persons undergoing medical attention in health institutions and result in unexpected long-term stay, disability and financial loses. The most predominant infections are catheter associated urinary tract, central line associated, surgical site and ventilator associated pneumonia infections. The patients are prone to infections during hospitalization from varied environmental sources, hands of health-care professionals, medical equipment and other infected patients. The frequent factors affecting patients on admission are improper hand hygiene, contact with infected patients, adverse drug events and surgical complications. Patients under health-care delivery can acquire infection disseminated from food, water, aerosols and hospital wastes. The application of personal protective equipment, routine educational interventions are common approaches that can help stop HCAIs and save lives, decrease death rate and health delivery expenses. In buttressing this, the World Health Organization (WHO) enunciated guidelines to enhance hand washing practices, infection prevention and control programme, monitored use of antibiotics and its resistance. The other measures included global adoption of efficient surveillance system and the impact of relevant stakeholders in health sectors needed to prevent and control hospital acquired infections.

scholarly journals Health record systems that meet clinical needs

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella Negrini
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Patient Safety ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Record System ◽  
Health Records

Introduction Increased attention has recently been focused on health record systems as a result of accreditation programs, a growing emphasis on patient safety, and the increase in lawsuits involving allegations of malpractice. Health-care professionals frequently express dissatisfaction with the health record systems and complain that the data included are neither informative nor useful for clinical decision making. This article reviews the main objectives of a hospital health record system, with emphasis on its roles in communication and exchange among clinicians, patient safety, and continuity of care, and asks whether current systems have responded to the recent changes in the Italian health-care system.Discussion If health records are to meet the expectations of all health professionals, the overall information need must be carefully analyzed, a common data set must be created, and essential specialist contributions must be defined. Working with health-care professionals, the hospital management should define how clinical information is to be displayed and organized, identify a functionally optimal layout, define the characteristics of ongoing patient assessment in terms of who will be responsible for these activities and how often they will be performed. Internet technology can facilitate data retrieval and meet the general requirements of a paper-based health record system, but it must also ensure focus on clinical information, business continuity, integrity, security, and privacy.Conclusions The current health records system needs to be thoroughly revised to increase its accessibility, streamline the work of health-care professionals who consult it, and render it more useful for clinical decision making—a challenging task that will require the active involvement of the many professional classes involved.

scholarly journals Use of smoking cessation products: A survey of patients in community pharmacies

2017 ◽  
Vol 150 (5) ◽  
pp. 326-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Phung ◽  
Lauren Luo ◽  
Noor Breik ◽  
Silvia Alessi-Severini
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Health Care Practitioners ◽  
Quit Attempts ◽  
Multiple Choice Questionnaire ◽  
The City

Objectives: At 17.3%, smoking rates in Manitoba continue to exceed the national average. In this province, a total health care spending of more than $200 million per year has been attributed to smoking. This study examined the use of smoking cessation agents, including nicotine replacement products and prescription medications, in a sample of smokers in the city of Winnipeg. Methods: A simple multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to willing individuals attending 2 community pharmacies in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Data on demographics, smoking habits, previous attempts of smoking cessation and previous and current use of over-the-counter and prescription smoking cessation products were collected anonymously. Results: Of the 2237 individuals who were approached, 586 were smokers (26.2%) and 180 responded to the survey (30.7%); 48.9% were female. A majority of smokers (32.8%) reported smoking 16 to 25 cigarettes per day. More than 90% had smoked for more than 5 years, 27.2% had more than 5 previous quit attempts and 82.1% used smoking cessation products with the intention to quit. Self-motivation (44.4%) and family/friend advice (28.3%) were major reasons for quitting. Impact of health care practitioners’ advice was low (6.4%). More than 80% of respondents reported that they had no insurance coverage for their smoking cessation products. Despite having the highest rate of use, both nicotine gum (33.3%) and patches (24.4%) were reported to have lower rates of perceived efficacy. Electronic cigarette (97.9%) and varenicline (70.6%) had the highest rates of reported effectiveness. Conclusion: Smokers wanting to quit undergo many attempts. Pharmacists should assume a key role in reaching out to smokers.

scholarly journals “… Above All, It’s a Matter of  This Person’s Quality of Life”: Health Care Professionals’ Perspectives on Deprescribing in Older Patients With Limited Life Expectancy

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 439-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Lundby ◽  
Trine Graabæk ◽  
Jesper Ryg ◽  
Jens Søndergaard ◽  
Anton Pottegård ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Older People ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Limited Life Expectancy ◽  
Limited Life ◽  
Primary Responsibility ◽  
Group Interviews

Abstract Background and Objectives Deprescribing may be particularly relevant in older people with limited life expectancy. In order to effectively carry out deprescribing in this population, it is important to understand the perspectives of the full spectrum of health care professionals (HCPs) involved in the management of these patients’ medication. Thus, we aimed to explore different HCPs’ perspectives on deprescribing in older patients with limited life expectancy. Research Design and Methods Six qualitative focus group interviews were conducted using a semistructured approach. The groups comprised HCPs from both primary and secondary care, including family physicians (FPs), geriatricians, clinical pharmacologists, clinical pharmacists, nurses, and health care assistants. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results were analyzed using systematic text condensation. Results A total of 32 HCPs participated in the study (median age of 40.5 years; 22% male). The analysis elicited three main themes related to HCPs’ perspectives on deprescribing in older patients with limited life expectancy: (a) Approaching deprescribing, (b) Taking responsibility, and (c) Collaboration across professions. Within themes, subthemes were identified and analyzed. Discussion and Implications Our results imply that different groups of HCPs consider deprescribing an essential aspect of providing good care for older people with limited life expectancy and find that all HCPs play a crucial role in the deprescribing process, with FPs having the primary responsibility. In order to facilitate deprescribing among this population, however, the collaboration between different HCPs should be improved.

HOW SAFE IS ON-LABEL DRUG USE IN PAEDIATRICS? THE CASE OF FIRST GENERATION H1-ANTIHISTAMINES

2015 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. e1.58-e1
Author(s):  
Pauline De Bruyne ◽  
Koen Boussery ◽  
Thierry Christiaens ◽  
Els Mehuys ◽  
Myriam Van Winckel
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Off Label ◽  
Single Drug ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
H1 Antihistamines

BackgroundFor obvious reasons, much attention has recently been paid to off-label prescriptions in paediatrics. However, on-label prescribing can cause health issues too: we discuss the case of first generation H1-antihistamines (FGAs). These have been in use for over 70 years, for a variety of indications such as relief of allergic conditions, cough and insomnia.Materials and methodsThe FGAs were listed using their International Nonproprietary Names (INN). For each formulation, the information of the Summary of Product Characteristics issued in five selected European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and United Kingdom) was collected. This was plotted against the published evidence on efficacy and safety of each FGA.Results16 different FGAs are currently marketed in single-drug oral preparations in the evaluated countries. When investigating each drug separately, a huge variability in labelled indications, licensing age for paediatric use, and availability characteristics in the different countries is observed. Most of the indications are not supported by evidence from published clinical trials.ConclusionBoth health care professionals and consumers generally assume that all approved H1-antihistamines have been shown to be efficacious and safe, but many in this class – in particular those introduced before 1985 – have not been optimally studied. This might explain the inconsistencies in indications and licensing ages of the evaluated drugs in different countries. Moreover, many of the antihistamines are sold over the counter, which may contribute to overuse. Such overuse can be a serious problem, as sedation is a known side effect of all FGAs.

Cannabidiol: Background and Literature Review of Potential Treatments

2021 ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
Beth Kolongowski ◽  
Lindsay Tjiattas-Saleski
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Structural Isomer ◽  
Duty Of Care ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Over The Counter ◽  
Off Label ◽  
Internet Searches

Cannabidiol, commonly abbreviated CBD, is one of the hundreds of compounds present in the flowering cannabis plant, along with its more well-known structural isomer, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. CBD can be extracted from the plant and utilized in many forms, from topical oils to smokable flowers. Recently, availability, interest in and use of CBD across the nation have grown exponentially, with internet searches for CBD increasing 160% between 2017 and 2018 and 14% of Americans citing current CBD use. Users of this compound endorse numerous perceived benefits, including anxiolysis, analgesia and much more. Most users claim to employ CBD to treat specific medical conditions spanning from autoimmune, to psychiatric, to musculoskeletal. Evidence supports some of these reported effects in recent studies, as CBD has demonstrated anticonvulsant, antipsychotic and antinociceptive properties, among others. However, the implications of these findings are still in their infancy. As of June 2018, one FDA-approved pure CBD product for seizure treatment, Epidolex®, is available for prescription use and many more are in various stages of testing. However, numerous safety and legal concerns remain regarding off-label and over-the-counter CBD usage. Physicians and other health care professionals are likely to encounter CBD use by their patients. As usage continues to grow, so does the duty of care providers to understand its role and serve as a source of evidence-b

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