by Eric Christianson | Nov 8, 2023 | Hematology and Immunology Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Iron therapy can be life-changing for some anemia patients and help them improve their energy and ultimately, their quality of life. Sometimes anemia isn’t responsive to iron. In this article, I discuss my top reasons why patients don’t respond to iron...
by Eric Christianson | Nov 1, 2023 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are split into two categories, dihydropyridines (DHP), such as amlodipine and nicardipine, and non-dihydropyridines (non-DHP), such as verapamil and diltiazem. While these two drug classes are both CCBs, there are some key similarities...
by Eric Christianson | Oct 22, 2023 | Gastrointestinal Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Vitamin B12 is a critical nutrient that helps with the function of major body systems. It is involved in the production of red blood cells, is important in energy production, and helps maintain a normally functioning nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to...
by Eric Christianson | Oct 18, 2023 | Pharmacogenomics and Pharmacokinetics Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls, Psychiatry and Addiction Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
Smoking use is still fairly prevalent, despite the best efforts of health organizations such as the CDC, with an estimated number of 28 million Americans partaking in cigarette use. Other than the potential effects it can have on one’s health, pharmacists need to also...
by Eric Christianson | Oct 15, 2023 | Cardiovascular Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
At face value, metoprolol tartrate (brand name Lopressor) and metoprolol succinate (brand name Toprolol XL) may seem similar. They are both selective beta-1 adrenoceptor blockers, with tartrate being dosed twice daily and succinate being dosed once daily. However,...
by Eric Christianson | Oct 11, 2023 | Psychiatry and Addiction Medication and Disease State Clinical Pearls
In this article, we are going to share some of the most clinically important similarities and differences when comparing midazolam versus lorazepam. Both medications are part of the benzodiazepine class and have effects such as sedation, hypnosis, decreased anxiety,...