USPharmacist.com > March 2012

Issue: March 2012 • Archive

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In This Edition		Featured Article		Featured CE
• Editor's Notebook • Counseling Pearls • It's the Law • Clinical Corner • Consult Your Pharmacist • Educational Spotlight • Quick Poll – Counterfeit Drugs		Autism Spectrum Disorders The use of pharmacologic agents focuses on alleviating behavioral symptoms.		Acute Bacterial Meningitis This infection is a medical emergency, and prompt recognition and treatment are imperative.

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Editor's Notebook

Why the FDA Matters

The government agency is still vital to this country's health and well-being.

Counseling Pearls

The Prevention and Treatment of Head Lice in Children

Annually, approximately 6 to 12 million U.S. children aged 3 to 11 years become infested with head lice. Many OTC and prescription products are available to help eradicate the infestation.

Itching Like Crazy: Understanding Chickenpox

Two varicella-containing vaccines are available in the U.S. for use in children 12 months and older to prevent the occurrence of varicella-zoster virus. In comparison to prevaccination statistics, the incidence of infection has decreased significantly.

It's the Law

Off-Label Use of Alzheimer's Drugs

The quest for more effective treatments may lead to questionable off-label prescribing.

Clinical Corner

Drug Therapy Considerations in Circumcision

This neonatal procedure is commonly performed for religious or cultural reasons. There are several different devices available for performing circumcision, and all procedures require effective local anesthesia and pain management.

Update on the Treatment and Prevention of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Children

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 150 million cases of pneumonia occur each year in children aged under 5 years. New guidelines for the proper management of childhood CAP are examined.

Consult Your Pharmacist

Helping Parents Treat Diaper Rash

Applying skin protectants is the best way to prevent and treat this irritation in infants.

Educational Spotlight

Managing Heart-Related Complications in Patients With Diabetes

Cardiovascular problems are common and a major cause of death in patients with this metabolic disorder.

Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for Parkinson's Disease

This procedure can improve symptoms of tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and dyskinesia.

Clinical Considerations for the Treatment of H pylori Infection

It is important to develop individualized treatment regimens for afflicted patients.

Newswire

Abbott to Spin Off Its Pharmaceutical Division
Abbott Park, IL — Abbott Laboratories has announced that its pharmaceutical division will be known as AbbVie by the end of 2012. It will be a separate, publicly traded company from its parent. Drugs include the top-selling Humira for arthritis, Lupron for prostate cancer, and Synagis for respiratory virus. Richard A. Gonzalez, currently executive vice president, Global Pharmaceuticals, has been named CEO of the new company. Abbott Laboratories will retain its name and focus on nutritional products, branded generics, and medical devices. AbbVie will be located at Abbott's campus near Chicago and will account for approximately 45% of the company's revenue.

IDSA Issues Sinus Infection Guidelines
Arlington, VA — The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has issued new guidelines regarding the treatment of sinus infections. An estimated 98% of cases are caused by viruses, rather than bacteria, and should not be treated with antibiotics—a common practice that contributes to drug resistance. With no test to easily determine the source of infection, many physicians prescribe antibiotics as a precaution. If symptoms do not improve after 10 days and include fever of 102º F or higher, nasal discharge, or facial pain, the infection is likely bacterial and should be treated with antibiotics. For bacterial infections, the IDSA recommends a shorter course of treatment of 5 to 7 days with amoxicillin-clavulanate, an antibiotic combination that helps to overcome resistance.

Obesity Increases Mortality Risk With Sleep Aids
San Diego, CA — Researchers with the Scripps Clinic's Viterbi Family Sleep Center in San Diego have found that obesity appears to significantly increase the risk of death tied to hypnotics. Based on data from 40,000 U.S. patients, the use of sleep aids among obese patients (average BMI >38.8) was associated with about one extra death per year for every 100 people who were prescribed the drugs. The mortality rate was 8.1 times higher on average among those who were prescribed the smallest number of pills (18 or fewer annually) when compared with similar study participants who did not take the drugs. Obese patients appear particularly vulnerable, perhaps through interaction with sleep apnea.