Articles tagged with Drug Dosage
A new study by Adelaide University researchers found that higher cumulative doses of clomiphene citrate increase the risk of miscarriage and twinning, but do not improve live birth rates. The study analysed over 21,000 embryo transfer cycles and found a dose-response relationship between cumulative doses and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
This cross-sectional study found that melatonin use was associated with a small reduction in REM sleep percentage, but not with differences in total sleep time or other sleep stages. The study suggests that further research is needed to clarify the effects of melatonin on children's sleep.
Repeatedly losing and gaining weight accelerates muscle loss in middle-aged people, as found in new UC San Francisco research. The study analyzed MRI scans of 1,433 participants and found that those with fluctuating weights lost nearly four times as much thigh muscle over four years.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that a single daily dose of a polypill significantly enhances cardiac function and reduces hospitalizations for patients with heart failure. The treatment, which combines three types of medications, shows promise as a simplified approach to optimal therapy.
Researchers at the German Center for Infection Research have developed a promising single-dose malaria treatment called SPAP, which targets the malaria parasite through multiple mechanisms. The four-drug combination therapy has shown significant promise in improving malaria treatment and could be a major advancement in sub-Saharan Africa.
The study's findings suggest that adults can reduce their likelihood of severe COVID-19-associated outcomes by obtaining a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccination. Receipt of the vaccine was associated with additional protection against medically attended COVID-19, including emergency department/urgent care encounters and hospitalizations.
Researchers found that over-the-counter probiotics contain only 36 unique species of bacteria, with most common species being forms of Lactobacillus. The analysis suggests a lack of consistency in the combination of species used to support gut health and vaginal health claims.
A cohort study of over 1.8 million Canadian adults found that shorter prescription courses, single medication, and short-acting agents are associated with lower rates of long-term benzodiazepine use. This study provides valuable insights for informing prescribing practices to reduce reliance on these medications.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered adding salt can help release therapeutic material from endosomes, improving delivery efficiency for mRNA vaccines and gene therapies. The simple strategy overcomes a major obstacle in gene medicine, potentially making these therapies more efficient and accessible worldwide.
Researchers from UH, Baylor College of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center propose a new treatment approach for Crohn's disease by targeting the stress signal that fuels inflammation. They found that repurposing two existing cancer medications can promote natural repair and regeneration of the intestinal lining.
A new study shows that while dental opioid prescription fills in the US have dropped by 27% since 2021, the rate remains higher than in other developed countries and the US territory of Puerto Rico. The study suggests that some US dentists are still overprescribing opioids.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
A randomized trial found that duloxetine does not prevent painful neuropathy caused by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer. The study suggests that duloxetine should only be used for managing existing neuropathy, not prevention.
Extended low-dose apixaban effectively reduced symptomatic superficial vein thrombosis (SuVT) risk. Patients with enduring risk factors for SuVT benefited from this anticoagulation strategy.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is spotlighting new trials for colorectal cancer in March, focusing on early detection methods and treatments for treatment delays and loss of appetite. The trials aim to improve patient outcomes, with several enrolling patients with newly diagnosed colon or rectal cancer.
A new national survey found that nearly three-quarters of clinicians encounter obstacles when starting buprenorphine treatment for patients using fentanyl. Researchers emphasize the need for evidence-based guidelines to initiate buprenorphine in light of more potent drugs.
A national clinical trial found that oxybutynin significantly reduced hot flash frequency and quality of life for men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer. The study showed substantial improvements in hot flash symptoms, often within the first week of treatment.
A study by Norwegian researchers found that adrenaline is highly effective in restarting hearts after hospital cardiac arrests. Administered intravenously, adrenaline works within one minute to increase the patient's chance of regaining their pulse.
A recent study found that high doses of rifampicin do not improve survival rates among adults with tuberculous meningitis. The researchers are now exploring alternative treatments targeting inflammation in the brain membranes and investigating TNF inhibitors as potential therapies.
Acute sepsis alters fluid kinetics and creates a 'third space' resistant to adrenergic modulation, leading to maldistribution of crystalloid fluid. Vasoactive drugs have limited effect on fluid distribution in septic sheep compared to healthy animals.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth investigate why drugs used to treat other tumours are ineffective against NF2-related schwannoma and meningioma tumours. They explore repurposing clinically tested cancer drugs to target MDR mechanisms, which may lead to effective therapies for patients with these tumours.
Researchers tracked 120 older veterans taking gabapentinoids and loop diuretics, finding that only 4 doctors correctly identified the gabapentinoids as the cause of leg swelling. The study highlights the dangers of 'prescribing cascades' and emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and alternative treatment options.
A study published in Pediatric Drugs found that children and adolescents with underweight are more likely to discontinue ADHD medication within a year. The researchers also found clear differences in dosage, gender, and age that can affect treatment outcomes.
A new compound MCH11, a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor, shows promising effects in reducing alcohol consumption and motivation to drink in mice. The molecule exhibits anxiolytic and antidepressant properties with sex-dependent efficacy, correcting genetic alterations associated with alcohol use disorder.
A new national quality framework has been developed to evaluate medication management and clinical services provided by pharmacists in residential aged care. The PHARMA-Care National Quality Framework promotes a transparent, person-centred approach to medication management, aiming to reduce risks linked to polypharmacy.
Researchers validated panels of antibodies targeting clinically relevant nucleic acid modifications to visualize antisense oligonucleotides in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The tools enable detection of modified nucleic acids irrespective of sequence, facilitating multiple clinical and pre-clinical workflows.
A recent Irish study analyzed national prescription data for over 533,000 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and found five significant prescribing cascades. These cascades involve medications prescribed together, such as calcium channel blockers with diuretics or benzodiazepines with antipsychotics.
Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine aim to reduce falls and adverse drug events among older adults by using personalized approach tailored to individual genetic profiles.
A recent study found that US medical boards are often lenient when disciplining doctors for misconduct related to opioid overprescription. Researchers examined 100 cases and found that only six cases resulted in a doctor's license being revoked, with most receiving lighter disciplines such as temporary suspension or probation.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine demonstrated strong protection against a range of COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission. Annual updates to the vaccine are recommended due to waning immunity from older versions.
A new tool, developed with a machine learning-based approach, can predict diuretic response in patients with ADHF. The BAN-ADHF score may lead to personalized strategies for effectively managing congestion in hospitalized patients.
Researchers at University of Eastern Finland developed a new method for accurate determination of water content in water-soluble compounds, utilizing solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The method is simple, accurate and quick, with results comparable to traditional methods like TGA and X-ray crystallography.
Lepodisiran, a short interfering RNA, targets hepatic synthesis of apolipoprotein(a), reducing serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations. Phase 1 study results support further investigation of lepodisiran's efficacy in treating elevated lipoprotein(a) levels.
A majority of people over 50 are open to stopping one or more prescription medicines, but many don't discuss it with their health provider first. The poll shows that comprehensive medication reviews and cost considerations play a crucial role in deprescribing conversations.
A new study published in Critical Care found that repeated high doses of steroids improve patient outcomes under specific circumstances. The researchers analyzed a large dataset to iron out the specifics of this treatment and identified optimal conditions for pulse methylprednisolone therapy.
A new cutaquig study found that increasing infusion volume per site resulted in a reduction of injection sites, while increasing infusion rates decreased infusion duration. The research also showed that dosing every other week demonstrated equivalency to trough levels with weekly dosing.
Dupilumab, an FDA-approved medication, offers new hope for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, a rising condition in the US. The treatment reduces eosinophil counts and improves symptoms of dysphagia, leading to better endoscopic healing and histologic severity improvements.
A survey of primary care physicians revealed that those with beliefs about BZD potential harm were less likely to prescribe it. Clinicians with low concern about continuing BZDs for long-term treatment were more likely to prescribe the medication.
Researchers have designed DNA-based transporters that can deliver precise concentrations of drugs, potentially improving cancer treatment. These nanotransporters can also be programmed to prolong the effect of a drug and minimize its dosage, reducing side effects.
A tiny sensor can detect lithium levels from sweat on a fingertip in 30 seconds, providing a non-invasive alternative to blood tests. The sensor, developed by researchers, has the potential to improve medication adherence and patient care.
A study found that a majority of online pharmacies selling imatinib, a chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, are uncertified and operate unsafely. Patients may face risks of nonadherence, treatment failures, and adverse events if they use these pharmacies.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers shows a sharp increase in opioid poisoning cases and sales in Switzerland between 2000 and 2019, with oxycodone being the second most common cause. The rise is similar to that seen in other European countries, but per capita sales are higher in Switzerland.
A large study has found six predictors that can help determine the optimal lithium dose for patients with bipolar disorder. The predictors include age, sex, kidney function, and medication use. The researchers hope to develop a digital app to aid psychiatrists in finding the right dose.
A study published in Med found that the human microbiome's variation explains different patient responses to statins. The researchers discovered a Bacteroides enriched microbiome with lower diversity was associated with stronger LDL-lowering effects but greater disruption of blood glucose levels.
A study found that regular pharmacist visits reduced medicine-related problems by 60% and improved cognition scores. The research highlights the need for personalized pharmaceutical support within the aged-care sector to prevent harm from medicines.
A new study found that Black kidney transplant recipients exhibit a faster clearance rate of tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug. The study suggests that considering both sex and race when dosing tacrolimus may reduce adverse effects and enhance transplant outcomes.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has published new consensus recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of research studies involving investigational drugs. The recommendations focus on seven areas, including pharmacy workflows and collaboration with sponsors.
A recent University at Buffalo-led study found that nearly 1 in 7 COVID patients in ICU experienced severe bleeding when given full-dose blood thinners. The research compared the safety and effectiveness of two blood clot treatment strategies, finding that a smaller dose was equally effective but carried less bleeding risk.
A recent study analyzing pediatric drug dosage guidelines found inconsistencies in recommended doses, with varying results from allometric scaling and prior patterns of use. The analysis suggests a need for more precise treatment approaches to address the complexities of pediatric dosing.