UMEM Educational Pearls - Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Title: Tdap Recommended for all Patients 65 Years and Older

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: Tdap, tetanus, immunization, vaccine, pertussis (PubMed Search)

Posted: 1/3/2013 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 1/5/2013)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

The two available Tetanus/reduced diphtheria toxoid/acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine products in the U.S. are Boostrix and Adacel. Neither were originally approved in older adults age 65 and older. Boostrix received FDA-approval for use in this age group in July 2011, but Adacel never has.

However, in June 2012 ACIP issued new guidance recommending Tdap for all adults age 65 years and older. 

"When feasible, Boostrix should be used for adults aged 65 years and older; however, ACIP concluded that either vaccine administered to a person 65 years or older is immunogenic and would provide protection. A dose of either vaccine may be considered valid."

Bottom line: Regardless of which Tdap product is stocked at your institution, both are considered safe to use in adults 65 years and older.

Show References



Title: Treating PID in a Doxycycline-Allergic Patient

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: doxycycline, PID, pelvic inflammatory disease, STD, azithromycin (PubMed Search)

Posted: 11/28/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 12/1/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

In the rare circumstance you need to treat a patient with suspected PID and an allergy to doxycycline, what is the alternative?

For oral regimens, azithromycin is an option in place of doxycycline.

  • In one randomized trial, azithromycin demonstrated short-term effectiveness when given 500 mg X 1, followed by 250 mg/day for 6 days.
  • In another randomized study, the combination of ceftriaxone 250 mg IM single dose and azithromycin 1 g orally once a week for 2 weeks was effective.

Suggested regimen for PID with doxycycline allergy:

  • Ceftriaxone 250 mg IM X 1
  • Azithromcyin 500 mg IV/PO X 1, then 250 mg PO daily for 6 days
  • plus/minus Metronidazole 500 mg PO twice daily for 14 days

Show References



Title: Tolerability of penicillins in cephalosporin-allergic patients

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: penicillin, cross-reactivity, cephalosporin, IgE, allergy (PubMed Search)

Posted: 10/29/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 11/3/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

It seems we've finally put to bed the myth that 10% of penicillin-allergic patients will also react to cephalosporins. Dr. Campagna, et al. recently published a review article concluding that the true cross-reactivity is negligible except when side-chains are similar [PMID 21742459]. 

This topic was also the subject of a recent post on the Academic Life in EM blog (http://academiclifeinem.blogspot.com/2012/08/busting-myth-10-cephalosporin.html).

But what about the reverse question? Can I give a penicillin to a cephalosporin-allergic patient?

Dr. Romano's group tested 98 patients with skin-test postitive cepahlosprin allergy (mostly IgE -mediated anaphylaxis). Patients were then skin tested for penicillin allergy. Those testing negative were challenged with a penicillin.

  • 25% of patients reacted to the penicillin

  • Similar side-chain was a strong predictor of cross-reactivity

​A Letter to the Editor response to this study pointed out that the authors used a smaller-than-standard size threshold for a positive response to the penicllin AND used a higher-than-standard dose of amoxicillin for testing. In light of this, the rate of subjects with cephalosporin allergy who do not have a history of penicillin allergy but with true IgE-mediated allergy to penicillin might be much closer to 5%.

Bottom line: The cross-reactivity of penicillins in cephalosporin-allergic patients is somewhere between 5-25%.

Show References



A slight correction: The correct AUTHOR in the referenced article is:

Wilkerson, R. Gentry, MD. Angioedema in tthe Emergency Department: An Evidence-Based Review. Emergency Medicine Practice, Nov 2012;14(11).

 



 

  • Angioedema is induced by elevated levels of bradykinin.
  • Bradykinin is noramlly degraded by angiotensin-1 converting enzyme and several other enzymes (including aminipeptidase–P)
  • A deficiency in aminopeptidase-P likely leads to ACE induced angioedema.
  • Treatment typically starts with discontinuing ACE inhibitors, administering H1 and H2 antagonists, and corticosteroids (all Class indeterminate). 
  • Another consideration may be FFP 10-15 ml/kg IV or the off label use of icatibant (both Class II recommendations).
  • Icatibant inhibits the bradykin B2 receptor. It is a sythetic decapeptide structurally similar to bradykin.
  • Icatibant has been effective in case reports and case series in ACE induced angioedema. There is a prospective, double blind randomized placebo controlled trial underway.
 

 

Show References



Title: Cross-reactivity Between Sulfonamide Antimicrobials and Non-Antimicrobials

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: sulfa, allergy, cross-reactivity, antimicrobial, sulfonamide (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/24/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 10/6/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

Patients frequently report having a sulfa allergy. In most cases, the allergic reaction was secondary to a sulfonamide antimicrobial agent, such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.

The question is: Can I use furosemide (or other non-antimicrobial agents containing a sulfa component)?

  • There is minimal evidence of cross-reactivity between sulfonamide antimicrobials and non-antimicrobials.

  • Despite this, the U.S. FDA-approved product information for many non-antimicrobial sulfonamide drugs contains warnings concerning possible cross-reactions.

Bottom line: If a patient had a true IgE-mediated anaphylatic reaction to a sulfonamide antimicrobial, it may be best to avoid other sulfa-related medications (use ethacrynic acid if a loop diuretic is needed). Otherwise, the available literature does not support cross-reactivity between sulfonamide antimicrobials and non-antimicrobials.

Show References



Title: Carbapenem Cross-Reactivity in Penicillin-Allergic Patients

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: carbapenem, penicillin, allergy, skin test, cross-reactivity (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/26/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 9/4/2013)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

Carbapenems (meropenem, ertapenem, doripenem, imipenem/cilastatin) are broad-spectrum antibiotics that have good gram-negative and anaerobic coverage and are used to treat resistant bacterial infections.

  • Early retrospective studies showed ~10% cross-reactivity in penicillin-allergic patients.

  • More recent prospective studies verified penicillin allergy by the accepted standard (ie, skin test to the major and minor penicillin determinants) and tested for carbapenem allergy by administering a full therapeutic dose to carbapenem skin test-negative patients.

  • The cross-reactivity between skin tests appears to be around 1%, with all carbapenem skin test-negative patients tolerating the challenge.

 
Key point: Remember that only 10% of patients reporting penicillin allergy actually have a true IgE allergy. It's like a built-in, 10-fold safety factor.
 
Bottom line: In a patient reporting a penicillin allergy, the incidence of cross-reactivity to a carbapenem is probably around 0.01%. With cross-reactivity this low, it is likely that if a patient does have a reaction to the carbapenem, they are independently allergic to that drug too.

Show References



Title: Vasopressors in Cardiac Arrest: Where Do We Stand in 2012?

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: vasopressor, cardiac arrest, epinephrine, vasopression (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/30/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 8/4/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

A recent paper reviewed 53 articles to assess the utility of vasopressors in cardiac arrest. The authors aimed to determine if vasopressors improved ouctomes in this patient population. Here are their conclusions:

  1. Epinephrine is associated with improvement in short term survival outcomes as compared to placebo, but no long-term survival benefit has been demonstrated.
  2. Vasopressin is equivalent for use as an initial vasopressor when compared to epinephrine during resuscitation from cardiac arrest.
  3. There is a short-term, but no long-term, survival benefit when using high dose vs. standard dose epinephrine during resuscitation from cardiac arrest.
  4. There are no alternative vasopressors that provide a long-term survival benefit when compared to epinephrine.

Although these conclusions don't support the use of vasopressors in cardiac arrest, we should not abandon these therapies. Most of the trials were completed before wide-spread recognition of the post-cardiac arrest syndrome, implementation of therapeutic hypothermia protocols, and early cardiac catheterization.

Show References



Title: Drugs for UTIs

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: Uti,bactrim,smx/tmp,ciprofloxacin,levofloxacin (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/2/2012 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD

Acute, uncomplicated cystitis (in the non-pregnant female):

·      The drug of choice is SMX/TMP (provided the resistance rate is <20%) X 3 days.

·      An alternative is nitrofurantoin X 5 days.

 

Acute, uncomplicated pyleonephritis (in the non-pregnanct female) may be treated with:

·      Levofloxacin X 5 days, or ciprofloxacin X 7 days (provided resistance rate is <10%).

·      Alternatively, SMX/TMP may be used X 14 days.

Show References



Title: tPA for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients on Warfarin

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: alteplase, tPA, warfarin, INR, ischemic stroke (PubMed Search)

Posted: 7/2/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 7/7/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

  • IV alteplase (tPA) has many contraindications when administered for acute ischemic stroke. Among them is a history of warfarin use with INR > 1.7 (0-3 hours) or any history of warfarin use regardless of INR (3-4.5 hours).
  • A recent retrospective analysis of a major stroke registry compared the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) following tPA in patients on warfarin with an INR < 1.7 (n - 1,802) with patients not on warfarin therapy (n = 21,635).
  • After adjusting for differences in the two populations, the authors found no increased symptomatic ICH risk in patients with preadmission warfarin use (5.7% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.94).

Issue 1: Mean INR in study patients was only 1.22 (median 1.2). An INR of 1.2 represents very little actual anticoagulation.

Issue 2: In the small subgroup of patients with INR 1.5 to 1.7 (n = 269) there was a higher risk of ICH (7.8%), but did not reach statistical significance (it was significant in the unadjusted risk population).

Bottom line: Patients with INRs < 1.5 may be ok to receive tPA. Patients with INRs 1.5 or greater need further study.

Show References



Title: Naltrexone vs. Methylnaltrexone

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: naltrexone, methylnaltrexone, constipation, opioid dependence (PubMed Search)

Posted: 6/1/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 6/15/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

Naltrexone and methylnaltrexone are both mu-receptor antagonists that look similar and have similar names. But, they have very different uses.

  • Naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol)
    • Used to treat opioid/alcohol dependence or to prevent relapse following opioid detoxifcation
    • Dose: 25 to 100 mg PO daily or 380 IM every 4 weeks
    • Crosses blood-brain-barrier and can precipitate withdrawal
  • Methylnaltrexone (Relistor)
    • Used to treat opioid-induced constipation
    • Dose (weight-based): 8 to 12 mg (or 0.15 mg/kg) subcutaneously once daily
    • Peripherally acting, does not cross blood brain barrier

Show References



Title: 2012 Beers Criteria update from the American Geriatrics Society

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: older adult, Beers Criteria, geriatric (PubMed Search)

Posted: 4/30/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 6/15/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

The American Geriatrics Society updated Beers Criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults is now available. 

The update differs in several ways from the 2003 edition. Medications that are no longer available have been removed, and drugs introduced since 2003 have been added. Research on drugs included in earlier versions has been updated and new information is provided about appropriate prescribing of medications for an expanded list of common geriatric conditions. 

Here is an abbreviated list of medications/classes on the list that we may use in the ED. Use caution.

  • Anticholinergics
  • Nitrofurantoin
  • Clonidine
  • Antidysrhythmics
  • Digoxin
  • Antipsychotics
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Insulin
  • Metoclopromide
  • NSAIDs

Show References



Title: Antibiotics For MRSA

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: MRSA, antibiotic, pneumonia, VAP, cephalosporin, infection (PubMed Search)

Posted: 5/3/2012 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD

If vancomycin resistance is suspected with MRSA infections, there are several other antibiotic choices. They are all extremely expensive.


Antibiotic ORAL Indication Precaution
Telavancin N

SSTI

May cause QT prolongation:

Caution with azole antifungals,

class III antiarrhythmics,

antidepressants, antipsychotics.

Interferes with coagulation tests.

Daptomycin N

SSTI

Bacteremia

Endocarditis

Not for pneumonia.

May cause rhabdomyolysis;

Discontinue statins.

Linezolid Y

VAP

SSTI

Not for bacteremia.

May cause serotonin syndrome;

Caution with antidepressants,

antipsychotics, tramadol, methadone.

Tigecycline N

 

Intrabdominal infections

SSTI

Not for bacteremia.

Inhibits clearance of warfarin.

Reserve for polymicrobial infections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI); ventilator acquired pneumonia (VAP)



Title: Fidaxomicin vs. Vancomycin for Clostridium difficile infection

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: vancomycin, c. diff, clostridium difficile, fidaxomicin (PubMed Search)

Posted: 4/4/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 4/7/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

In a recent  multicenter, double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority trial, vancomycin was compared to fidaxomixin for Clostridium difficile infection.

  • Location: 45 sites in Europe and 41 sites in the USA and Canada

  • Patients: Age 16 years or older with acute toxin-positive C difficile infection.

  • Treatment: Oral fidaxomicin (200 mg every 12 h) or oral vancomycin (125 mg every 6 h) for 10 days.

  • Endpoint: Clinical cure, defined as resolution of diarrhea and no further need for treatment. 

  • Results: 198 (91.7%) of 216 patients in the per-protocol population given fidaxomicin achieved clinical cure, compared with 213 (90.6%) of 235 given vancomycin (one-sided 97·5% CI -4·3%). Occurrence of treatment-emergent adverse events did not differ between groups. 

  • Author conclusions: Fidaxomicin could be an alternative treatment for infection with C difficile, with similar efficacy and safety to vancomycin.

  • Funding: Optimer Pharmaceuticals.

Show References



The seasonal influenza vaccine is produced in chicken eggs. Ovalbumin, an egg protein, is often listed as a component of the purified vaccine on most drug-package inserts. The concentration of ovalbumin indicates the potential egg-allergen content of a vaccine.

Earlier ACIP guidelines recommended against giving the influenza vaccine to people with egg allergy, including those with a history of mild symptoms. However, several studies showed that influenza vaccine containing inactivated, or killed, virus is safe to give to people with egg allergy, especially those with a history of mild allergic reactions.

Influenza vaccines are now made with much lower ovalbumin concentrations than in the past; therefore, the level of potential egg protein allergens in a single dose of vaccine is extremely low.

The following are ACIP recommendations for the 2011 to 2012 influenza season:

  • Inactivated influenza vaccine (seasonal flu shot) is safe to give to people whose history of allergic reactions to egg has been limited to hives.
  • People with more severe allergic reactions to egg may receive the seasonal flu shot, but the vaccine must be given by a healthcare professional familiar with the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to egg and who has the ability to treat a severe reaction if one occurs.

Show References



Title: Droperidol as an alternative parenteral antiemetic

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: droperidol, antiemetic, qt prolongation (PubMed Search)

Posted: 1/31/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 2/4/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

In the setting of critical drug shortages of ondansetron, prochlorperazine, and metoclopramide, consider droperidol as a viable option for the treatment of nausea and vomiting.

Although it is similar to haloperidol, it is actually FDA-approved for “prevention and/or treatment of nausea and vomiting from surgical and diagnostic procedures” (unlike haloperidol). Ironically, it is not approved for agitation, although it can be used for that indication.

Dosing for antiemesis is 1.25 to 2.5 mg IV/IM. Additional doses of 0.625 to 1.25 mg can be administered to achieve desired effect. Onset is 3-5 minutes and duration of effect is 2-4 hours. It should be administered via slow IV push over 2 minutes.

Why is it not commonly used? Black Box Warning for QTc prolongation. An ECG is a must prior to administration. Also be cautious in patients who are on other medications that can prolong the QT interval (www.qtdrugs.org).



Title: Ondansetron: CONTRAINDICATIONS

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: ondansetron, zofran, prolonged QT, torsades, drug interactions, ciprofloxacin, antifungal, azoles (PubMed Search)

Posted: 2/2/2012 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD

 

There are many profound interactions with ondansetron that can potentially prolong the QT, leading to Torsades in susceptible patients
 
The highlights include:
  • Antifungal agents (the -azoles)
  • Class III antiarrhythmics
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • Low potency antipsychotic
 
It is actually CONTRAINDICATED in patients on ciprofloxacin
 
Use CAUTION in patients with electrolyte abnormalities, bradycardia, and CHF.
 
There are several other medication contraindications, including apomorphine, thioridazine, posaconazole, pimozide, sparfloxacin and cisapride.
 
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm272041.htm#.TyrDf_YN5Wg.gmail

Show References



Title: Updated Guidelines for Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis in Women

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: cystitis, uti, nitrofurantoin, urinary tract infection (PubMed Search)

Posted: 1/3/2012 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 1/7/2012)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

In 2011, updated treatment guidelines were published for acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women. The recommendations differ from the previous iteration due to increased E. Coli resistance. The good news is we have been ahead of the curve in changing our prescribing habits.

Cystitis (recommendations in order of preference)

  1. Nitrofurantoin 100 mg BID X 5 days
  2. Bactrim DS 1 tab BID X 3 days (not recommended when resistance rate is > 20% - UMMC is 32%)
  3. Fosfomycin (not currently available at UMMC)
  4. Fluoroquinolones not recommended as first-line therapy due to “propensity for collateral damage”
  5. Beta-lactam agents, including amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefdinir, cefaclor, and cefpodoxime-proxetil, in 3–7-day regimens are appropriate choices for therapy when other recommended agents cannot be used. Other beta-lactams, such as cephalexin, are less well studied but may also be appropriate in certain settings.

Take home points:

  • Be familiar with your institution’s antibiogram
  • Use nitrofurantoin first-line for uncomplicated cystitis in women (it is contraindicated with CrCl < 60 mL/min)
  • Consider beta-lactams such as Augmentin or Vantin (cefpodoxime) in patient’s with kidney injury

Show References



Title: Ceftaroline, a fifth generation cephalosporin

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: MRSA, antibiotic, pneumonia, CAP, cephalosporin, infection (PubMed Search)

Posted: 1/5/2012 by Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD
Click here to contact Ellen Lemkin, MD, PharmD

 

  • Approved for CAP and Skin/Skin structure infections
  • “Fifth generationcephalosporin- implies activity against MRSA, although has broad spectrum
  • Resistance is expected to be limited, with the exception of VRE, and VSE (vanco resistant or sensitive enterococcus faecalis)

  • Renally excreted

  • Common side effects: diarrhea, nausea, headache

  • Serious side effects: anaphylaxis, renal failure, hepatitis, seizure

  • Low incidence of C. difficile

  • Dose : 600 mg IV (over 1 hour) q12 hours X 5-7 days



Title: Emergency Hospitalizations for ADEs in Older Americans

Category: Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Keywords: older adult, adverse drug event, ade, elderly, warfarin (PubMed Search)

Posted: 11/29/2011 by Bryan Hayes, PharmD (Updated: 12/3/2011)
Click here to contact Bryan Hayes, PharmD

A recent article estimated 100,000 emergency hospitalizations for adverse drug events in U.S. adults 65 years of age or older each year. Nearly half of these hospitalizations were among adults ≥80 years old and two-thirds were due to unintentional overdoses.

Four medications or medication classes were implicated alone or in combination in 67% of hospitalizations:

  • Warfarin (33.3%)
  • Insulins (13.9%)
  • Oral antiplatelet agents (13.3%)
  • Oral hypoglycemic agents (10.7%)

Opioids were #5. Digoxin was #7 and resulted in the highest percentage of hospitalizations per ED visit at 80%.

Show References