CP, 2010

Use of inotropes in critical care

Inotropes increase the contractility of the heart. It is important for pharmacists to understand the pharmacology of different inotropes to ensure that therapy is appropriate and adequately monitored.…

Make reflection part of your daily practice

Reflective practice is a way of learning from your direct experiences, rather than from the experiences of others.…

Help with treatment of depression in epilepsy

Q: UK Medicines Information summarises the evidence for this frequently asked question: What is the most appropriate antidepressant to use for a patient with epilepsy?…

COPD: clinical features and diagnosis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an incurable condition affecting millions of people worldwide.…

COPD: management

For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inhaled medicines are the mainstay of treatment.…

How to select a wound dressing

Some dressings are classed as pharmaceuticals, yet many pharmacists do not feel confident providing wound-care advice. This article offers some tips on how to select an appropriate dressing.…

Auditing use of IV paracetamol in a surgical division and intensive care

This article aims to identify the proportion of patients receiving paracetamol inappropriately via the IV route, determine trends for inappropriate administration, and identify effective changes that maximise its safe and effective use.…

Rheumatoid arthritis: management

Evidence in support of early and aggressive pharmacological intervention in rheumatoid arthritis continues to be gathered. DMARDs, corticosteroids and biologics are the main drugs in the armoury.…

Rheumatoid arthritis: features, causes and diagnosis

Social and financial independence can be lost when a person develops severe rheumatoid arthritis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes for patients and reduce costs to society.…

Planning for discharge: the next step for medicines reconciliation

Ensuring that medicines reconciliation takes place for every patient admitted to hospital is an excellent start. But to complete the circle there needs to be a renewed focus on communication at discharge…