Helixtalk - Rosalind Franklin University's College Of Pharmacy Podcast

In this episode, we discuss three "older" antihypertensives that are not preferred first-line therapies: clonidine, methyldopa, and minoxidil.  We outline why these agents are not first-line therapies and review their pharmacology and adverse effect profiles.

In this episode, we discuss the history of ergot products for treatment of migraines. We compare their safety and efficacy to newer agents such as the triptans and assess their resultant place in therapy.

In this episode, we discuss several aspects of serotonin syndrome including the typical clinical presentation, its etiology and common drug-induced combinations, and how to appropriately manage the syndrome.

In this episode, we discuss the pathophysiology of embolic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and review the use of left atrial occlusion devices, such as the WATCHMAN device, to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation without the use of anticoagulants like warfarin.

In this episode, we review the 12 recommendations from the 2016 CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.  These recommendations are intended to help curb the opioid epidemic and provide guidance to healthcare providers regarding safer use o

In this episode, we discuss the concept of professional advocacy, with a particular focus on how to advocate for the profession of pharmacy and what tools and organizations are available to assist in being an advocate.

In this episode, we discuss with Dr. Megan Hartranft the five oncology drugs that every pharmacist should know about, which is a great review for P4 students who are currently preparing for the NAPLEX.  We cover cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, methotrexate, doxorubicin, and vincristine.

In this episode, we discuss the newest definition of sepsis and septic shock according to the Sepsis-3 criteria and the 2016 Surviving Sepsis guidelines.  We also review the scoring systems of “qSOFA” and “SOFA” and use a patient case to help demonstrate the new definitions.

In this episode, we discuss the overuse of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and several concerns regarding chronic use of this medication class, including hypomagnesemia, fracture risk, low seurm B12 levels, anemias, and increased risk of certain infections.

In this episode, we discuss the new FDA categorizations of biosimilars, the legal implications of biologic/biosimilar prescriptions, and the new "follow-on" approval pathway of Basaglar, a new insulin glargine U-100 product.

In this episode, we discuss the SPRINT trial (intensive vs. standard blood pressure control) using a case vignette of Mr. Wilson, a 55 year old patient presenting to a clinic with a blood pressure of 139/89 mmHg.

In this episode, we discuss precepting tips and clinical pearls with Dr. Brad Cannon.

In this episode, we discuss more of the most important drug interactions, including grapefruit juice with statins and calcium channel blockers, QT prolonging medications, levothyroxine with cations and PPIs, and PDE-5 inhibitors with nitrates.

In this episode, we discuss some of the most important drug interactions, including serotonin syndrome, St. John's wort, statins and CYP inhibitors, and antihypertensive medications with NSAIDs.

In this episode, we discuss two new naloxone devices (intramuscular Evzio and intranasal Narcan) and review new state laws that are expanding the role of pharmacists in dispensing these opioid reversal products.

In this episode, we discuss three shocking recommendations from the CHEST 2016 VTE guideline update.  We focus on (1) the debate between NOAC, DOAC, or TSOAC nomenclature, (2) the controversial recommendation of preferring NOACs over warfarin in VTE treatment, and (3) the efficacy of compression stocking for prevention and treatment of post-thrombotic syndrome.

In this episode, we discuss RFUMS's Interprofessional Community Clinic (ICC), a student-run clinic providing health services to underserved populations.  The students in this episode discuss how the ICC evolved and highlight pearls and challenges in starting and running a free health clinic or screening event.

In this episode, we discuss the self-care of nasal congestion and allergies, including systemic/topical decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, cromolyn, and alternative medicine therapies.

In this episode, we discuss self-care of cough and cold, including using PQRSTA or SCHOLAR-MAC to prompt relevant questions for patients, codeine, dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, camphor, menthol, and guaifenesin.

In this episode, we discuss self-care of constipation including bulk-forming laxatives, hyperosmotic laxatives, emollient laxatives, lubricant laxatives, saline laxatives, and stimulant laxatives.