Topical Tacrolimus in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

2001 ◽  
Vol 35 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 943-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M Gianni ◽  
Maria Marzella Sulli
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Skin Penetration ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Cell Mediated Immunity ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Topical Tacrolimus ◽  
Duration Of Therapy ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Optimal Duration

OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy of topical tacrolimus in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). DATA SOURCES: Searches of MEDLINE (1966–October 2000), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–October 2000), and ScienceDirect (1994–October 2000) were performed using the key search terms tacrolimus, FK506, and atopic dermatitis. DATA SYNTHESIS: Since patients with AD have defects in cell-mediated immunity, the immunosuppressant properties of the macrolides (cyclosporine and tacrolimus) may prove to be beneficial in the treatment of AD. Topical tacrolimus has been frequently studied in the treatment of AD because it was found to have better skin penetration and higher potentency than topically applied cyclosporine. Studies evaluating the use of topical tacrolimus are presented and provide evidence that topical tacrolimus is effective in the treatment of AD with no evidence thus far of systemic adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: There is a fair amount of documentation of the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus. Further trials are needed to determine the optimal duration of therapy and its efficacy and safety in children less than seven years of age.

Nebulized Morphine for Relief of Dyspnea Due to Chronic Lung Disease

2005 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 1088-1092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherrill J Brown ◽  
Samantha F Eichner ◽  
Jennifer R Jones
Keyword(s):  
Lung Disease ◽  
Chronic Lung Disease ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Pulmonary Diseases ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Disease States ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Chronic Pulmonary Diseases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nebulized morphine for the management of dyspnea in chronic pulmonary diseases. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (1966–May 2004), EMBASE (1980–May 2004), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–May 2004) searches were performed. Key search terms included morphine, dyspnea, and inhalation. DATA SYNTHESIS: Nine studies have evaluated the efficacy of nebulized morphine in relieving dyspnea. Three trials had positive resuts, but the rest failed to show improvement after treatment with doses ranging from 1 to 40 mg nebulized morphine. The small number of subjects, variety of disease states, and different outcome measures limit interpretation of the studies. CONCLUSIONS: Results from several small studies do not support the use of nebulized morphine for treatment of dyspnea; however, several positive case reports have been published.

Safety of Selegiline with Cold Medications

2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeena E Jacob ◽  
Mary L Wagner ◽  
Jacob I Sage
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Drug Interactions ◽  
Interaction Potential ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Clinical Literature

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of the coadministration of selegiline with cold medications. DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE(1965–September 2002), IPA database, and Drug-Reax System. The following search terms were used: selegiline, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, MAOI, and drug interactions. Somerset Pharmaceuticals, the marketers of Eldepryl (selegiline HCI), were also contacted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Despite a warning against its concomitant use with pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan, interactions with selegiline have not been reported. However, there have been reports of patients experiencing adverse events with related agents. CONCLUSIONS: Patients taking selegiline should try to avoid pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan or use drugs without interaction potential. If selegiline is used with these medications, watch for adverse events or replace selegiline with another drug.

Bismuth Subgallate–Epinephrine Paste in Adenotonsillectomies

2000 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Randy C Hatton
Keyword(s):  
Active Ingredient ◽  
Science Citation Index ◽  
Citation Index ◽  
Postoperative Bleeding ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Bismuth Subgallate ◽  
Minimal Evidence

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of bismuth subgallate–epinephrine (BSE) paste as a hemostatic in adenotonsillectomies. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (January 1966–October 1999) and Current Contents (January 1997–October 1999) were searched, using bismuth subgallate, adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, and adenotonsillectomy as search terms. A citation search was performed using Science Citation Index (January 1977–October 1999). DATA SYNTHESIS: Adenotonsillectomies are common procedures; although there are few complications, hemorrhage is a concern. Bismuth subgallate has historically been used as an astringent and hemostatic. An evaluation of studies of bismuth subgallate and BSE paste was conducted. CONCLUSIONS: There is minimal evidence to support this practice, but data suggest that epinephrine may be the active ingredient in BSE paste. BSE paste is inexpensive, poses little risk, and may decrease postoperative bleeding; therefore, it may be a reasonable hemostatic agent.

Safety and Efficacy of Influenza Vaccine in Children

2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1712-1715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie GB Goldstein
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccine ◽  
Asthma Exacerbation ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Influenza Vaccines ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Safety And Efficacy ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
Asthmatic Children ◽  
Search Terms

OBJECTIVE: To describe the safety and efficacy of influenza vaccines in asthmatic children. DATA SOURCES: Literature was identified by a MEDLINE search (2002–March 2003). Key search terms included asthma, exacerbation, children, vaccine, and influenza. DATA SYNTHESIS: Concerns that the influenza vaccine may exacerbate asthma attacks have kept many asthmatic children from receiving this immunization. Researchers have conducted studies to determine the burden of influenza on asthmatic children, the safety of influenza vaccines, and their benefit in the presence of glucocorticoid burst therapy in the same population. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccines tested are safe and efficacious in asthmatic children.

Review of Serum Voriconazole Concentrations and Correlations with Adverse Events and Efficacy

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-189
Author(s):  
Michael J Latran
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Search Terms

Objective: To review the available evidence regarding the monitoring of serum voriconazole concentrations in terms of efficacy and safety. Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE was conducted (1950–February 2009), with combinations of the following search terms: voriconazole, therapeutic drug monitoring, voriconazole serum concentrations, voriconazole levels, trough, and adverse events. Data Collection: All studies and case reports that evaluated serum voriconazole concentrations in adults were reviewed and considered for inclusion. Citations in identified articles were searched for additional information. Data Synthesis: Ten studies and case reports that evaluated serum voriconazole concentrations in terms of efficacy and safety in adults were identified and included in this review. Results from efficacy studies show an association between low serum voriconazole concentrations and disease progression. One study found that a lack of response occurred more often in patients with a serum voriconazole trough of 1 μg/mL or less (p = 0.02). Another study found that patients were more likely to fail voriconazole therapy for invasive fungal infections when serum concentrations were less than or equal to 2 μg/mL. In terms of safety, 6 studies showed an association between elevated serum voriconazole concentrations and adverse events. Conclusions: Available data suggest that serum voriconazole concentrations of 1 μg/mL or less are associated with therapeutic failures, whereas serum voriconazole concentrations of 6 μg/mL or more are associated with adverse events. Studies show that monitoring serum voriconazole concentrations may decrease the incidence of adverse events while increasing efficacy.

Levodopa Therapy and the Risk of Malignant Melanoma

2000 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolene F Siple ◽  
Diana C Schneider ◽  
Wendy A Wanlass ◽  
Burton K Rosenblatt
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Malignant Melanoma ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Levodopa Therapy ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Medline Search ◽  
Search Terms

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of levodopa therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease and malignant melanoma. DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (January 1966–September 1999) of English-language articles was conducted. Key search terms included levodopa, melanoma, and Parkinson's disease; 34 case reports were identified. DATA SYNTHESIS: Carbidopa/levodopa continues to be a mainstay in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Since the late 1970s, a warning has appeared in the prescribing literature for levodopa regarding the risk of activating malignant melanoma. An evaluation was conducted of the case reports in which a causal relationship between levodopa and melanoma was suggested. CONCLUSIONS: There is an unlikely association between levodopa and induction or exacerbation of malignant melanoma.

Cardiotoxicity following Bupropion Overdose

2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 1791-1795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deon Druteika ◽  
Peter J Zed
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Cardiovascular Toxicity ◽  
Qrs Complex ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Drug Intoxication ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Acute Ingestion ◽  
Life Threatening

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether bupropion overdose has been associated with cardiovascular toxicity. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (1966–January 2002), EMBASE (1980–January 2002), Current Contents (January 2002), and PubMed (January 2002) databases for English-language human reports. Search terms included bupropion, overdose (drug), intoxication, poisoning, and acute ingestion. DATA SYNTHESIS: Articles describing toxicity following bupropion overdose were evaluated independently by both authors to identify cases of cardiotoxicity. RESULTS: Thirteen articles describing bupropion overdose in 116 patients were identified. Only 3 patients exhibited cardiotoxicity following acute ingestion; 2 of these patients also ingested other medications. All 3 patients experienced tachycardia and conduction delays (widened QRS complex and/or prolonged QTc interval), but none of these delays progressed to a life-threatening arrhythmia. All patients recovered, with resolution of cardiotoxicity within 2–4 days following ingestion. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that all patients with an overdose of bupropion should have an electrocardiogram performed on admission and should be monitored for the development of conduction delays and/or life-threatening arrhythmias.

Effect of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors on Blood Pressure

2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 442-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deanna L Johnson ◽  
Tina M Hisel ◽  
Beth Bryles Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cyclooxygenase 2 ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Selective Inhibitors ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Clinical Literature ◽  
Cox 2 ◽  
Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors (CSIs) on blood pressure. DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (1966–May 2002). Key search terms included COX-2 selective inhibitors; anti-inflammatory agents, nonsteroidal; celecoxib; rofecoxib; and hypertension. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data from prospective studies on the effects of CSIs on blood pressure are conflicting. Several studies have reported increased blood pressure as an adverse effect of CSIs. CONCLUSIONS: Additional studies are needed to evaluate the effects of CSIs on blood pressure. CSIs should be used with caution in hypertensive patients and blood pressure monitored closely if a CSI is indicated.

Leukotriene Modifiers to Prevent Aspirin-Provoked Respiratory Reactions in Asthmatics

2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 1457-1461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A Volkman ◽  
Pamala J Pontikes
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Polyps ◽  
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs ◽  
Complete Inhibition ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Antiinflammatory Drugs ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Clinical Literature ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
The Relationship

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of leukotriene modifiers in preventing aspirin-provoked respiratory reactions in asthmatics. DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (1965–February 2001). Key search terms included aspirin, asthma, leukotriene, and treatment. DATA SYNTHESIS: Aspirin-sensitive asthmatics experience a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from rhinitis to life-threatening bronchospasms, after the ingestion of aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The relationship between aspirin sensitivity, asthma, and nasal polyps was first reported in 1922. The exact mechanism of these reactions is not clearly understood. Four studies investigated the use of leukotriene modifiers to prevent aspirin-provoked respiratory reactions. The efficacy of these agents ranged from complete inhibition to no blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who experience aspirin-sensitive asthma should be cautious when taking aspirin and NSAIDs, despite treatment with leukotriene inhibitors.

Sialorrhea — Therapeutic Drug Options

2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (11) ◽  
pp. 1785-1790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy Z Tscheng
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
The Other ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Drug Treatments

OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy and safety of various drug treatments for sialorrhea. Pharmacotherapy for drug-induced sialorrhea is not addressed. DATA SOURCES: Clinical studies were identified using PubMed (1966–October 2001). Key search terms included sialorrhea and drug therapy. DATA SYNTHESIS: Sialorrhea is a social and physical detriment to patients. Drug treatment, although not necessarily the treatment of choice for all patients, can offer some symptom relief. CONCLUSIONS: Literature has documented that benztropine, glycopyrrolate, and scopolamine can reduce the incidence of sialorrhea. Although the literature evaluating the therapeutic options has limitations (e.g., small sample size, inconsistent outcome measurements), glycopyrrolate may have an advantage over the other agents due to fewer adverse effects.

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