The stability of isradipine in an extemporaneously compounded oral liquid was studied. A suspension was prepared from the powder of commercially available 5-mg isradipine capsules and sufficient Simple Syrup, NF, to make...The stability of isradipine in an extemporaneously compounded oral liquid was studied. A suspension was prepared from the powder of commercially available 5-mg isradipine capsules and sufficient Simple Syrup, NF, to make a final volume of 50 mL. A control suspension was prepared from analytical-grade isradipine powder and Simple Syrup, NF. The final concentration of isradipine in both suspensions was 1 mg/mL. Three identical volumes of each suspension were stored in 2-oz amber glass prescription bottles, which were stored at 4 degrees C. Immediately after preparation and at 7, 16, 22, 28, and 35 days, samples were visually inspected and assayed in duplicate by high-performance liquid chromatography; the pH of the samples was also determined. At least 95% of the initial isradipine concentration remained throughout the study period in all samples of both suspensions. Color, odor, and pH did not change appreciably. Isradipine 1 mg/mL in an oral liquid compounded from Simple Syrup, NF, and powder from capsules was stable for at least 35 days in amber glass bottles at 4 degrees C.
Sagert G, Austin TW, Bombassaro AM
… +1 more, Parbtani A
Am J Hosp Pharm
· 1994 Oct · PMID 7847405
The extent to which prescribed antimicrobial prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis conformed with American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines was determined and the frequency of nonconformity with specific elements...The extent to which prescribed antimicrobial prophylaxis against bacterial endocarditis conformed with American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines was determined and the frequency of nonconformity with specific elements of the guidelines was evaluated. Patients with conditions defined by AHA as placing them at risk for developing endocarditis were identified through medical records for a four-year period at an 850-bed hospital. Data about the procedures they underwent and prophylaxis prescribed were compared with the AHA guidelines. Conformity with the guidelines was evaluated according to whether prophylaxis was recommended, optional, or unnecessary; nonconformity with specific elements of the guidelines (indication, choice of antimicrobial, dose, dosage interval, timing, and duration) was also evaluated. The following variables were evaluated for possible association with nonconformity to the guidelines: patient's age and sex, penicillin allergy, use of a consultant, and whether the procedure was the first performed in the patient after identification of the cardiac condition. Of the 131 cases analyzed, 29 (22%) involved prophylaxis that conformed with the AHA guidelines. Conformity with the guidelines was significantly lower when prophylaxis was recommended or optional than when it was unnecessary. Nonconformity was most common with the following elements: indication, choice of antimicrobial, and dose. Recommended prophylaxis was given more often in children than in adults and more often before first procedures than before subsequent procedures. More of the regimens prescribed for children exceeded the recommended duration than those prescribed for adults. Unnecessary prophylaxis was given more often when a consultant was involved than when no consultant was involved. In hospitalized patients, conformity with AHA guidelines for antimicrobial prophylaxis against endocarditis was low.
Situations related to labor and delivery that may require drug therapy are discussed, and treatment options are reviewed. The goal of labor induction and augmentation at term is to facilitate vaginal delivery of a health...Situations related to labor and delivery that may require drug therapy are discussed, and treatment options are reviewed. The goal of labor induction and augmentation at term is to facilitate vaginal delivery of a healthy infant. The primary uterine stimulant used for this purpose is oxytocin. Low-, intermediate-, and high-dose protocols have been reported; augmentation requires approximately half as much oxytocin as induction does. Mifepristone has also been used for labor induction. Prostaglandins are the primary agents used for cervical ripening, but oxytocin, relaxin, and mifepristone have also been used. Mechanical dilators are available for cervical dilation, which may be necessary when prostaglandins are contraindicated. Oxytocin is the drug of choice for preventing postpartum hemorrhage; if it is not effective, methylergonovine or carboprost may be used to control the hemorrhage. Labor induction during the midtrimester may be necessary because of obstetrical or medical complications or fetal death. These situations call for aggressive dosing of uterine stimulants (e.g., high-dose oxytocin, intravaginal dinoprostone suppositories, carboprost, mifepristone). Drug therapy may be required for labor induction or augmentation, cervical ripening or dilation, and prevention or control of postpartum hemorrhage. Oxytocin is the most commonly used agent for labor induction or augmentation and for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage; prostaglandins are frequently used for cervical ripening. Aggressive dosing of uterine stimulants is required when labor must be induced during the midtrimester.
The results of a national mail survey of pharmaceutical services in federal hospitals conducted by ASHP from May to July 1993 are reported. Mailing lists were compiled of all Air Force, Army, Navy, Public Health Service,...The results of a national mail survey of pharmaceutical services in federal hospitals conducted by ASHP from May to July 1993 are reported. Mailing lists were compiled of all Air Force, Army, Navy, Public Health Service, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, as well as some federal prison hospitals. Questionnaires were mailed to each chief of pharmacy. The adjusted gross population size was 326. The net response rate was 76%. Complete unit dose drug distribution was offered by 85% of respondents, and 83% offered complete, comprehensive i.v. admixture programs. About half of the pharmacies provided decentralized services. Over 99% provided services to ambulatory care patients. A computerized pharmacy system was present in 99% of the departments. More than 95% of hospitals participated in adverse drug reaction, medication error management, and drug-use-evaluation programs. A total of 93% provided drug therapy monitoring, and 89% provided patient education. About 70% provided written documentation of pharmacist interventions in the medical records, and 57% participated in drug research. A total of 42% provided pharmacist-managed drug clinics, 41% participated in drug management of medical emergencies, 30% provided written medication histories, and 30% provided drug therapy management planning. Pharmacokinetic consultations were provided by 64% of departments. About 90% had a well-controlled formulary system and prescribing restrictions. Therapeutic interchange was practiced by 64%. Diversified pharmaceutical services included telephone or mail-in refill services (80%), mail-out pharmaceutical services (58%), and services to long-term-care facilities (49%). A total of 70% of the hospitals were affiliated with a pharmacy school. The first ASHP national survey of pharmaceutical services in federal hospitals showed that comprehensive distributive and clinical services were offered by most of the facilities.