Adverse drug reaction, side effects and toxicity

Valproate triggers changes in placenta, researchers find

In a study looking at placentas from caesarean deliveries, valproic acid had a significant impact on mRNA levels of major carriers for essential compounds such as folic acid, glucose, choline, thyroid hormones and serotonin.…

Certain antipsychotics linked with increased risk of gestational diabetes

Women who continue taking olanzapine or quetiapine during pregnancy are more likely to develop gestational diabetes than those who discontinue atypical antipsychotic medication.…

Proton pump inhibitors linked to pneumonia risk beyond first year of use

Research into long-term proton pump inhibitor use among older adults has led to cautions over pneumonia risk.…

Over 40% of patients not told about side effects of their medicines

Hospital patients are not getting enough information about how to take care of themselves after discharge, according to a report by the Care Quality Commission.…

NSAIDs preferred choice for acute dental pain, review finds

Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with or without paracetamol, can provide a better balance of benefits and risks compared with opioids for the treatment of acute dental pain, a review has revealed.…

Medication-related harm in older adults costs the NHS £400m each year, study finds

Medication-related harm affects one in three older adults and incurs an annual cost of around £400m to the NHS, most of which is attributable to hospital readmissions, a study has found.…

Andexanet shows promise in patients taking new anticoagulants

Results from an ongoing trial of 228 patients with acute major bleeding show that patients taking andexanet experienced a reduction in anti-FXa activity.…

Refractory epilepsy: management in tertiary care

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness or convulsions, associated with neurones exhibiting abnormally high electrical excitability in the brain.…

Australian paramedics first to use droperidol to safely calm violent patients on drugs and alcohol

Paramedics in Australia have become the first to use new antidopaminergic drug droperidol to quickly and safely calm patients who have become violent under the influence of alcohol and drugs.…

ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers reduce risk of cardiotoxicity for some Herceptin patients

Researchers conclude that prophylactic use of lisinopril or carvedilol should be considered in patients who could benefit from anthracycline treatment prior to trastuzumab (Herceptin).…