Older adults who take many medications have a higher risk for becoming frail
Taking five or more medicines increases risk for harmful side effects and frailty in older adults. Research suggests reducing avoidable prescriptions can lessen risks.
Drug Interactions
Articles tagged with Drug Interactions
Blood-repellent materials: A new approach to medical implants
Researchers have grown a new type of titanium surface that repels blood, potentially reducing the risk of rejection and complications in medical implants. The 'superhemophobic' material is made by altering the surface chemistry of titanium, which normally attracts blood.
Five-minute chats in the waiting room may prompt families to eat more fruits and vegetables
Researchers found that brief conversations in waiting rooms increased fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income families, with a nearly four-fold increase in program use. The Double Up Food Bucks program matches SNAP funds spent on healthy foods, supporting local growers.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 18, 2017
Structure of atypical cancer protein paves way for drug development
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have uncovered the structure of a cancer cell receptor protein, paving the way for the development of new cancer-fighting drugs. The study identified key binding sites that can be targeted to modulate the protein's function and prevent tumor growth and metastasis.
Cheery robots may make creepy companions, but could be intelligent assistants
A study of robot use in a retirement home found that seniors preferred companion robots with serious dementias and assistant robots with playful demeanors. The findings suggest that robot design could play a crucial role in promoting healthy interactions between seniors and robots.
Avoiding over-the-counter heartburn meds could save cancer patients' lives
A University of Alberta study found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) decrease capecitabine's effectiveness in gastric cancer treatment, reducing progression-free survival by over a month and overall survival by two months. PPIs can also affect colorectal cancer treatment efficacy.
Old age should not exclude organ donation after death
A study found that patient and kidney survival rates are comparable among donor age groups, including those over 80. Kidneys from octogenarian donors have a higher discard rate, but the difference is not significant. The results support using extended criteria donors, including older adults.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 15, 2016
Unlocking a liver receptor puzzle
Researchers at Emory Health Sciences have made a breakthrough in understanding how diabetes drugs interact with LRH-1, a protein that regulates metabolism of fat and sugar. The study found that small changes to compounds can significantly impact their binding pocket interaction.
Filling need for fast and accurate assessment of blood's ability to clot
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a portable sensor called ClotChip that can quickly and accurately assess blood's clotting ability. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of blood clots, allowing for faster and more precise assessments.
New method improves stability, extends shelf life of protein drugs
A new study has discovered a novel route to improve the stability of protein drugs, significantly extending their shelf life. Stability increases from 14 hours to over 100 days while maintaining activity under stressed conditions, offering potential treatment solutions for diseases in developing countries.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2016
Program may help increase numbers of live kidney donors
A new program, Live Donor Champion, has been shown to increase knowledge of live donation and comfort approaching others about live donation. The program boosted live donor referrals, with a 5.5-fold increase in having at least one donor referral compared to matched controls on the waiting list.
Solid-phase extraction of ibuprofen from pharmaceuticals
A new approach to solid-phase extraction of ibuprofen from pharmaceuticals has been successfully developed using zirconium dioxide as the extraction material. The procedure demonstrated efficient trapping of ibuprofen in hydrophobic suppository matrices, with recoveries of 95% and 94%, respectively.
New computational tool may speed drug discovery
A new computational tool called fABMACS helps scientists understand how proteins function and develop targeted therapies for diseases like cancer. By simulating chemical changes to drugs, fABMACS predicts improved drug potency and efficacy.
Nanomaterials for neurology: State-of-the-art
Chronic neurodegenerative disorders are progressively altered brain cell functions, but nanotechnology offers a solution with bio-engineered systems that interact at a molecular level. Nanomedicine improves drug efficacy with sustained release, reduced toxicity and fewer side effects.
Making the microbiome part of precision medicine
The microbiome plays a crucial role in human health and disease, making it essential for personalized medicine. Research suggests that understanding the microbiome's interactions with genetics, environment, and lifestyle can lead to more effective treatments, including targeted therapies and antibiotics.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·DateNov 1, 2016
Telemedicine, in addition to clinical care, may help manage diabetes
A study published in CMAJ found that telemedicine, including text messaging and web portals, can effectively manage diabetes by monitoring blood sugar levels and motivating patients. The use of interactive formats such as web portals or text messaging was most effective in controlling HbA1C levels.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 31, 2016
Could apps be the answer to self-managing diabetes?
A systematic review of 14 studies found that mobile app users with type 2 diabetes experienced a reduction in average blood glucose levels, with an approximate 0.5% decrease in HbA1c. Younger patients reported more benefits from using apps.
Consensus by international federation on drug use at high altitude
The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation has published guidelines for the safe use of various drugs in mountain environments. The guidelines cover a range of drug types, including alcohol, steroids, and oxygen, and aim to provide evidence-based advice for medical professionals and climbers.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHigh Altitude Medicine & Biology·DateOct 25, 2016
Physicists develop world's first artificial cell-like spheres from natural proteins
Researchers develop artificial cell-like spheres from natural proteins to study drug transport and variability. Variants in genes ABCB1 and CYP19A1 associated with anastrozole concentrations and joint pain in breast cancer patients.
Anti-tuberculosis drug disrupted by botanical supplement, can lead to disease
A new study found that Sutherlandia, a commonly used African botanical supplement, can reduce the effectiveness of isoniazid, a widely used anti-tuberculosis drug. This could lead to active tuberculosis and potentially drug-resistant forms in patients taking both supplements.
Big data analysis is 'next frontier' in identifying harmful drug interactions
Researchers used big data analysis to identify a previously unknown interaction between ceftriaxone and lansoprazole, increasing the risk of acquired long QT syndrome. The study used large datasets of clinical records to confirm the association, paving the way for faster data-driven approaches to identifying potential drug interactions.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 10, 2016
Dangerous drug interactions uncovered with data science
Researchers discovered eight pairs of drugs associated with a higher risk of long QT syndrome, which can cause abnormal heart rhythms and sudden death. The study used big data mining to identify the interactions, and found that ceftriaxone and lansoprazole increased the risk by 1.4 times.
SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 10, 2016
Preoperative factors associated with long-term weight loss after gastric bypass surgery
A study found that patients taking more medications before surgery and those with a history of smoking had greater long-term weight loss after gastric bypass. Preoperative insulin use was also associated with improved weight loss outcomes.
Most patients taking warfarin long-term do not maintain stable INR values
A study published in JAMA found that only 34% of patients with stable INR values while taking warfarin remained stable over the subsequent year, indicating that predicting stability is difficult. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants may offer improved safety and efficacy but are more costly.
Many physicians still prescribe controversial drug combination
A significant number of patients on clopidogrel therapy are also prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) omeprazole or esomeprazole, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Despite regulatory warnings, many physicians have continued to prescribe this combination.
Virtual development of real drugs
A team of scientists has created an online resource, systemsDock, to virtually check the effectiveness and specificity of potential drugs. The tool allows users to screen multiple drugs against multiple biological targets, providing a comprehensive understanding of drug interactions with the biological system.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 21, 2016
Many drugs can cause or worsen heart failure, cautions new statement
The new scientific statement highlights the potential of commonly used medications and nutritional supplements to cause or worsen heart failure. Healthcare providers should inform patients about all prescription and over-the-counter medications they may be taking, as well as nutritional supplements, to prevent drug-drug interactions.
Inhibiting ApoC-III reduces triglyceride levels in mice
Researchers found that inhibiting Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) decreases triglyceride levels in blood by targeting similar pathways as LDL cholesterol. Treating mice with an ApoC-III inhibitor lowered triglycerides, but the effect was blocked in mice lacking key components of the LDL signaling pathway.
New clue to how lithium works in the brain
MIT biologists identify a key protein inhibited by lithium, leading to reduced worm activity, suggesting a mechanism for lithium's effects on the brain; the findings propose a new hypothesis linking BPNT1 inhibition to mood stabilization in humans
Chemical signal can make it easier to personalize medication
A study led by Linköping University found that 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (HMC) is associated with several immune diseases. HMC may be used diagnostically to detect disease and personalize medication.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease
Recent studies suggest that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in Alzheimer's disease are influenced by direct interactions with proteins such as Lynx, NMDA-receptors, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This new understanding adds complexity to cholinergic signaling in the brain and may lead to the development of targeted drugs.
Modeling the correct doses for disease-fighting drugs
Colorado State University's Brad Reisfeld and colleagues create a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic model to predict drug concentrations in the body. The model can account for individual differences and changes in metabolism, allowing for more effective treatment.
Targeted treatment for liver cancer under way
Researchers at University of Eastern Finland found that inhibiting Aurora kinase A protein can inhibit liver cancer cell growth, offering potential new treatment option. The study's findings can be used to develop treatments for patients with p53-altered liver cancer.
Neutrons probe structure of enzyme critical to development of next-generation HIV drugs
A team of researchers used neutron crystallography to better understand a protein implicated in HIV replication, revealing a pH-induced proton 'hopping' mechanism that guides the enzyme's activity. This understanding is vital for drug resistance and guiding rational drug design.
Steps that lead to genes being switched on revealed in atomic simulation
Researchers at Imperial College London have created a computer simulation of gene expression interactions, revealing the sequence of events that lead to genes being switched on. This breakthrough could lead to the design of molecules that interfere with or disrupt the process, potentially tackling diseases.
Gut model HuMiX works like the real thing
Researchers developed HuMiX, a human microbiome research tool that accurately models the complex interactions between human cells and bacteria. The model allows for the study of metabolic processes, including communication between the intestine and brain, and has potential applications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
Unique nano-capsules promise the targeted drug delivery
Researchers developed gel nano-capsules that can release medicine in response to temperature changes, improving the efficiency of targeted drug delivery. The innovation overcomes existing challenges, such as aggregation and electrostatic interactions.
Putting antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the immune system under 'surveillance'
A Boston College research team, led by biologist Tim van Opijnen, is developing new technologies to predict drug resistance in certain bacteria and identify effective treatments. The five-year study will use cutting-edge genomics research tools and techniques to understand how bacteria interact with the immune system.
Pitt computational model finds new protein-protein interactions in schizophrenia
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a computational model to discover new protein-protein interactions associated with schizophrenia. The study identified over 500 never-before-known PPIs, which could lead to greater understanding of the disease and its relation to other complex diseases.
Medical and drug device companies target nurses to influence hospital purchasing decisions
A new study from the University of Sydney found that medical device and pharmaceutical companies interact with nurses, who have significant influence over hospital purchasing decisions. Nurses reported receiving gifts, product samples, and paid travel, and most acknowledged benefits in working with industry representatives.
Surgery associated with reduced fractures in patients with hyperparathyroidism
Patients undergoing parathyroid surgery experienced fewer hip fractures and fractures of any type compared to those receiving bisphosphonates. Surgery also improved bone mineral density, while bisphosphonates had no impact on fracture risk.
More elderly using dangerous drug combinations
A new study found that one in six older adults now regularly use potentially deadly combinations of prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements. The study identified 15 potentially life-threatening drug combinations, with nearly half involving nonprescription medications or supplements.
Articles focus on OTC medications, dietary supplements & complementary/alternative medicine
A new study by JAMA Network reveals that concurrent use of prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements among older adults increases the risk of major drug interactions. The study found that 15.1% of older adults in 2010-2011 were at risk for a major drug interaction, up from an estimated 8.4% in 2005-2006.
Research to focus on chronic pain care, informed consent for patient records
A researcher at Indiana University has been awarded $1.1 million to develop information-based tools to improve primary care for patients with chronic pain, a condition affecting 100 million Americans annually. The project aims to create prototypes for clinical decision support and electronic health record management.
Slight change to antibacterial drug may improve TB treatments
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have discovered a new compound that is more effective against the tuberculosis enzyme and maintains activity against resistant forms. The findings could lead to a more effective treatment for the deadly disease, which killed 1.5 million people in 2014.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2016
New study confirms different generics have equal efficacy when treating epilepsy
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology confirmed that different generic antiepileptic products are equally effective in treating epilepsy, with no measurable difference found between them. This finding provides reassurance for patients and clinicians about the safety of substituting generics.
Research finds new target in search for why statin drugs sometimes cause problems for some patients
Researchers discovered that statin drugs interact with a gap junction protein called GJC3, releasing ATP and causing inflammation. The discovery provides a new target for understanding why some patients experience harmful effects like muscle toxicity when taking statins.
Robotically driven system could reduce cost of discovering drug and target interactions
A new robotically driven experimentation system has been developed to determine the effects of a large number of drugs on many proteins, reducing the number of necessary experiments by 70%. The model uses an active learning approach to identify patterns and make predictions about unmeasured experiments with high accuracy.
New insights into the function of the main class of drug targets
Researchers at the University of Basel elucidated how drugs interact with cell surface proteins and transmit signals to the cellular interior. Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, they obtained unprecedented details into G protein coupled receptor function.
Researchers confirm attitude to aging can have a direct effect on health
Negative attitudes towards aging have been shown to negatively affect both physical and cognitive health in older adults. Participants with positive attitudes exhibited improved cognitive ability. Researchers highlight the importance of societal-wide interventions targeting attitudes towards aging.
Scientists take steps to make weak TB drugs strong again
Researchers found that fluoroquinolones interact with an enzyme in TB germs, but not as strongly as thought. They discovered a new way to make the drugs more potent by targeting broken DNA within the gyrase complex. This could lead to improved treatments for multidrug-resistant TB and other bacterial infections.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2016
Low blood levels of bicarbonate linked to earlier death in healthy older adults
A recent study found that low blood levels of bicarbonate are associated with an increased risk of premature death in healthy older adults. Participants with normal or high bicarbonate levels had a similar risk of dying compared to those with low bicarbonate levels, which was linked to a 24% higher mortality rate.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 14, 2016
Half of primary care doctors provide unnecessary specialty referrals upon patient request
A study found that 52% of primary care physicians make unnecessary specialist referrals, with 39% prescribing brand-name drugs over generics. Physician behavior is influenced by factors like patient requests, interactions with reps, and years of experience.
SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJan 6, 2016
Sweet and sticky: Bacteria use sugars to bind to human cells
Researchers at Griffith University have made a groundbreaking discovery about how bacteria interact with human cells, revealing high-affinity biomolecular interactions between glycans that were previously thought to be weak or non-existent. This finding opens up new avenues for developing vaccines and drugs to block infections.
Blood thinner, antidiabetic drug mix increases hospitalizations
A new study has found that combining the blood thinner warfarin with certain diabetes medications increases hospitalizations for falls, altered mental state, and insulin shock among Medicare patients. The study's findings have significant implications for patient safety and healthcare costs.
Pharmaceutical CBD (cannabidiol) shows promise for children with severe epilepsy
A study of 261 children with severe epilepsy found significant seizure reduction after taking pharmaceutical CBD (cannabidiol) in combination with anti-epileptic drugs. The frequency of seizures was reduced by a median of 45% in all participants, with some patients experiencing a 50% or greater reduction.
TSRI scientists find protein 'talks' to wrong partners in cystic fibrosis
Researchers at TSRI identified a mutant protein's incorrect interactions with other cellular neighbors, which disrupted its normal function. By removing these interactions, they partially restored the protein's normal function, suggesting new therapeutic targets to treat cystic fibrosis.
Arrested development
A University of Alberta study found that homeless people who felt disrespected during police interactions retained negative attitudes towards police for at least two years. The study suggests teaching empathic listening and communication skills to police can improve interactions with the homeless population.
SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalInternational Journal of Law and Psychiatry·DateNov 16, 2015
Equations used to place patients on transplant waitlists may create disparities
A study found that three commonly used kidney function equations yield discordant results for transplant waitlist qualification, potentially leading to significant differences in qualification time and disadvantage patients. The Cockroft-Gault equation most often disadvantaged patients compared to the MDRD and CKD-EPI equations.
Likely drug interactions in placenta could harm fetus
A new laboratory study finds that mothers taking certain medications during pregnancy may be at risk of birth defects or stunted fetal growth. The research highlights the need for more detailed knowledge of placental drug transport to preserve fetal health.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateOct 14, 2015