Medical conditions

Motion sickness: causes, prevention and management

Motion sickness is a common problem that occurs when there is a conflict between the vestibular, visual and proprioceptive systems. It can be highly debilitating, but prevention strategies and symptom management can reduce the impact it has on individuals.…

Pharmacists given discretion to dispense urgent items on mixed prescriptions in ‘confusing’ HRT prepayment certificate guidance  

The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee says it is “totally unacceptable” to expect stretched community pharmacies to deal with the government's rules over mixed prescriptions and the new HRT prepayment certificate.…

Hyponatraemia: clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment

Hyponatraemia is a common presentation in emergency, acute and critical care. Learn the signs, symptoms and tests needed to diagnose and treat it.…

Autism: identification, management and support

Healthcare professionals need a robust knowledge of autism and the challenges faced by autistic individuals and their carers to provide effective support. Pharmacists can ensure medicines are used appropriately and make reasonable adjustments to provide equitable access to services.…

‘Pandemic of tragedy’: how the availability of drugs online led to the death of a 24-year-old

A father recounts how the death of his son Jason Houghton could have been prevented with tighter controls around the availability of drugs online.…

Pharmacy’s role in supporting adults who self-harm

An overview of self-harm in adults and how pharmacy staff can provide support.…

Testosterone for menopause: why women face difficulties accessing treatment

GPs and specialist menopause clinics are overwhelmed with demand for testosterone to treat low libido in post-menopausal women; however, there are still no products licensed for women in the UK, leaving them to 'guesstimate' doses using male formulations or being forced to pay privately.…

Boots to trial £20 type 2 diabetes screening service

If deemed suitable for screening, patients will undergo a finger prick blood test and receive diagnostic test results within seven minutes.…

ADHD and central nervous system stimulant prescribing has increased by almost 70% in five years

The NHS Business Services Authority's 'Medicines used in mental health' report covers five types of mental health medication prescribed in England and dispensed in the community.…

Interpretation of electrocardiograms

Understanding and interpreting electrocardiogram readings is an increasingly important skill for pharmacists. This article introduces the basic principles of the electrocardiogram and how to recognise common abnormalities.…