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Enzyme inducers most frequently reduce the concentrations of other drugs. This can ultimately lead to treatment failure. In rare situations (i.e. prodrugs), starting an enzyme inducer can potentially raise concentrations of the active metabolite and increase the risk for toxicity. Throughout my pharmacy career, I’ve been tested on various enzyme inducers. Here’s my top 5. […]
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In geriatrics, deprescribing has become a very popular term. Deprescribing is simply reducing a patient’s medication burden by reducing and discontinuing medications. This is often done as the potential long term benefits of medication dwindle as a patient’s life expectancy goes down. My favorite deprescribing resource is a list of algorithms that really allows you […]
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In this polypharmacy case study, I pick out some medications that we may be able to discontinue. An 88-year-old male is looking to reduce his medication burden. Current medications include: Aspirin 81 mg daily Furosemide 10 mg daily KCL 10 meq daily Omeprazole 20 mg daily Famotidine 20 mg BID Oxycodone 5 mg every four […]
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An 81-year-old patient is complaining of cramps in his legs which are particularly bothersome at night. He also states that he gets a creepy/crawly sensation in both of his legs. He was initiated on ropinirole 0.5 mg at bedtime with a diagnosis of restless legs. After 2 weeks of taking this medication, his symptoms haven’t […]
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A 71-year-old male with a history of BPH had developed a head cold. His current medications include finasteride and tamsulosin. He tried some loratadine for a day or two for his rhinitis which he decided did not help. At this point, he was already getting a little desperate as he was frustrated that he was […]
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