CP, 2009

Reacting to additives in medicines

Preservatives, diluents, binding agents and other pharmaceutical excipients are rarely considered as a potential source of adverse drug reactions. Should they be taken into account more often? Discuss...…

How to interpret spirometry readings

Spirometry is necessary for correctly diagnosing patients with respiratory disorders, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But spirometry alone cannot ensure the assessment is accurate…

Managing hyperkalaemic patients

Hyperkalaemia is a potentially life-threatening condition in which drug therapy is often implicated. Patients suffering from the condition will need their medicines reviewed as part of their treatment.…

How to interpret liver function tests

Patients with abnormal liver function tests are encountered commonly by pharmacists. It is therefore helpful to know how to amend patients’ treatments and when such amendments might be necessary.…

How to treat a patient whose INR is too high

Pharmacists have the skills to identify patients whose INRs are too high. It is also useful to know how to deal with such situations…

Alcohol consumption during low-dose weekly methotrexate therapy

Q: UK Medicines Information summarises the evidence for this frequently asked question: Can patients drink alcohol while taking long-term low-dose methotrexate?…

How to approach prescriptions for patients with renal impairment

Clinical pharmacists regularly encounter patients with compromised renal function. A basic understanding of renal disease is necessary to ensure prescriptions for such patients are appropriate.…

‘Responsible pharmacist’ coming soon to a hospital near you

New legislation detailing the concept of the responsible pharmacist has been passed. From October, it will affect the way medicines are sold from registered pharmacy premises, including those in hospitals.…

How to treat a patient whose INR is too high

Pharmacists have the skills to identify patients whose INRs are too high. It is also useful to know how to deal with such situations.…

Skin and soft tissue infection: focus on meticilllin-resistant S aureus

Healthcare-associated MRSA tends to affect older, compromised patients both in hospitals and in the community, whereas community-associated MRSA, although rarer, can attack the young and healthy.…