Drug Formulary Review Archives – July 1, 2006
July 1, 2006
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Web-based calculator reduces errors, improves pediatric infusions and chemo
Research conducted at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has found that use of a web-based calculator significantly reduces the total number of errors and eliminates all high-risk errors in the prescribing process for continuous pediatric infusions, while failure modes and effects analysis-guided computerized physician order entry reduces ordering errors in pediatric chemotherapy. -
Clinical pharmacists involved in many ICUs
Clinical pharmacists are directly involved as caregivers in nearly two-thirds of U.S. ICUs. Research conducted by Robert MacLaren, PharmD, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, found that although clinical pharmacists provide a range of clinical and administrative services, involvement in educational and scholarly activities varies. -
ED drug storage location influences prescribing
Adding drugs to an emergency department (ED) automated medication management system (ED AMMS) influences the frequency with which physicians prescribe them, according to a study from the University of Rochester reported in the May 2006 Academic Emergency Medicine Journal. -
News Briefs
FDA has suspended a Phase 3 trial of Threshold Pharmaceuticals' lonidamine for treating benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) after six participants showed liver problems. The agency said three men experienced adverse events in the European/Canadian Phase 3 trial, and three other men in trials developed elevated liver enzymes. -
New FDA Approvals
Remicade (infliximab) was approved to treat children with active Crohn's disease. FDA said Centocor's infliximab is a genetically engineered monoclonal antibody that reduces inflammation by blocking the action of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a). It initially was approved in 1998 to treat Crohn's disease in adults. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: NeoProfen Formulary Evaluation
Mechanism of Action: The mechanism of action is unknown for both drugs, but is hypothesized to involve prostaglandin inhibition, leading to constriction of ductus arteriosus. Indomethacin is predicted to have additional or more extensive actions that increase the chances of cerebral, renal, and gastrointestinal (GI) adverse reactions.