Flow Resistors: Second Line of Defense With Children’s Liquid Medications

While pharmacists are urged to continue educating children’s caregivers on the proper use of pediatric safety caps and to emphasize the importance of closing them completely, a new study suggests that more can be done to stem the tide of accidental medication ingestion by small children. Why are the researchers calling for more widespread use of flow restrictors, especially with liquid medications in which small amounts can be harmful to children?

Severe Hypoglycemia Occurs at All Levels of Blood Sugar Control in Patients Medicated for Diabetes

Even patients on diabetes medication whose blood sugar is poorly controlled can experience severe hypoglycemia, according to a new study. Researchers suggest their results call into question assumptions that hypoglycemia is only a problem for diabetes patients with tightly controlled blood sugar and low HbA1c values. Here are the details.

FDA Severely Restricts Use of Nizoral Oral Tablets for Fungal Infections

Concerned about the risk of liver injuries, adrenal insufficiency, and drug interactions, the FDA says ketoconazole oral tablets, marketed as Nizoral, should only be used when alternative antifungal therapies are unavailable or not tolerated. Find out what drugs can cause dangerous heart rhythm disruption when coadministered with ketoconazole.

Ending Lipophilic Statin Therapy Can Raise Parkinson’s Disease Risk for Some Patients

Adding to the increasing evidence that statins have more than just an antihyperlipid therapeutic effect is a new study linking use of lipophilic formulations with reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease. The study involved more than 40,000 patients in Taiwan, where common medical practice is to end statin therapy when treatment goals are reached. Here's what effect that had on the risk of developing Parkinson’s, especially in women and the elderly.