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Biomedical subjects

J K Kirk

Publications and source records attributed to J K Kirk.

12 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists: their place in therapy.

Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (or blockers) are a newer class of antihypertensive agents. These drugs are selective for angiotensin II (type 1 receptor); unlike angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, they do not inhibit bradykinin metabolism or enhance prostaglandin synthesis. Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists are well tolerated. Cough occurs much less often with these agents than with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and they do not adversely affect lipid profiles or cause rebound hypertension after discontinuation. Clinical trials indicate that angiotensin-II receptor antagonists are effective and safe in the treatment of hypertension. Their use in congestive heart failure and renal disease is under investigation.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1996

Alendronate: a bisphosphonate for treatment of osteoporosis.

The bisphosphonates have been investigated over the past two decades for the treatment of various diseases of bone and calcium metabolism that are characterized by increased bone resorption, including osteoporosis, Paget's disease, primary hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemia of malignancy and metastatic bone disease. The bisphosphonate alendronate was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a therapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis. This agent is currently the bisphosphonate of choice for clinical use. In postmenopausal osteoporosis, alendronate has been shown to increase bone mineral density and to decrease the rate of new fractures. Adverse effects are not usually a problem when 10 mg per day of alendronate is given with at least 6 oz of water 30 minutes before ingestion of the first food or beverage of the day.

Alendronate↗
PubMed1995

Safe discontinuation of antihypertensive therapy.

We summarize herein the clinical and pathophysiological features of antihypertensive withdrawal syndrome and its risk factors, management, and prevention. Antihypertensive withdrawal syndrome occurs most frequently with beta-blocking agents and centrally acting antihypertensives such as clonidine hydrochloride. This syndrome resembles a state of sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity. In the most critical case, it can be severe and life threatening. Antihypertensive dosages, particularly for beta-blockers and clonidine, should be tapered slowly rather than discontinued abruptly.

Antihypertensive Agents↗
PubMed1995

Approaches to the treatment of hyperlipidemia in the solid organ transplant recipient.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature investigating increased lipid concentrations in transplant recipients and the use of lipid-lowering agents in this population. DATA SOURCES: Relevant articles were identified from a MEDLINE search using the terms transplantation, hyperlipidemia, immunosuppression, and therapy including diet, gemfibrozil, bile acid sequestrants, nicotinic acid, probucol, and hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. Selected literature, including controlled studies, was used in this review. STUDY SELECTION: Articles published since 1970 pertaining to hyperlipidemia in solid organ transplant recipients. Emphasis was placed on clinical trials that investigated approaches to the treatment of hyperlipidemia in transplant recipients. DATA EXTRACTION: Original articles and reviews were obtained to select material pertinent to the objectives. DATA SYNTHESIS: Descriptions of lipid concentrations in the transplant patient and treatment approaches used, including potential complications, were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for coronary heart disease in the solid organ transplant patient. Treatment alternatives include diet modification and, in most cases, pharmacologic intervention that should be based on the type of hyperlipidemia. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are effective agents in the treatment of hyperlipidemia in the transplant recipient and generally are used as single therapy in low dosages to minimize the risk of myositis or rhabdomyolysis.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Significant drug-nutrient interactions.

Many nutrients substantially interfere with pharmacotherapeutic goals. The presence of certain nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract affects the bioavailability and disposition of many oral medications. Drug-nutrient interactions can also have positive effects that result in increased drug absorption or reduced gastrointestinal irritation. Knowing the significant drug-nutrient interactions can help the clinician identify the nutrients to avoid with certain medications, as well as the therapeutic agents that should be administered with food. This information can be used to educate patients and optimize pharmacotherapy.

Absorption↗
PubMed1994

Salivary theophylline monitoring: reassessment and clinical considerations.

To assess the reliability of salivary theophylline concentrations for patient monitoring, concentrations of theophylline in sera and saliva of 50 patients (ages 6-81 years) receiving oral or parenteral theophylline were determined by two methods: a rapid dry-phase apoenzyme reactivation system (ARIS) and fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). Saliva production was stimulated by both citric acid (CA) and parafilm (PF). With both analytical methods, there were excellent correlations between salivary theophylline concentration, CS, and unbound serum theophylline concentration CU (r2 > 0.95), and between CS and total serum theophylline concentration, CT (r2 > 0.85). CA- and PF-stimulated CS by FPIA resulted in concentrations within 2.0 micrograms/ml of the actual CU for 100% of the samples measured (n = 47). By ARIS, 100% of the PF-stimulated CS and 93.6% of the CA-stimulated CS determinations were within 2.0 micrograms/ml of the CU (n = 47). To evaluate the predictive capabilities of PF- and CA-stimulated saliva, one-half (n = 24) of the patients were randomly selected and their data used to predict the CT for the remaining patients. FPIA PF-CS predicted 83.3% (20/24) of CT within +/- 2 micrograms/ml, while ARIS CA-CS predicted 75.0% within +/- 2 micrograms/ml. There was no difference between FPIA CS and ARIS CS results by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), but there was a difference between PF-CS and CA-CS (p < 0.05). However, when CU was used as a covariant, there was no significant difference. Using appropriate saliva collection procedures and the FPIA system, we conclude that CS provides adequate reliability for therapeutic drug monitoring of theophylline.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Uses and safety of acyclovir in pregnancy.

Acyclovir, an antiviral nucleoside analogue, is a widely used agent highly specific for herpes simplex and varicella-zoster viruses. Unintended exposure to acyclovir early in pregnancy, which is not uncommon, may cause excessive maternal and physician anxiety. This drug has not been studied prospectively in large numbers of pregnant women and lacks the Food and Drug Administration's approval for gestational use unless benefits clearly outweigh potential fetal harm. However, data published since acyclovir became available do not indicate increased adverse effects related to its use in pregnancy, especially if prescribed in selected situations, such as disseminated primary herpes simplex infections or maternal varicella pneumonia. This article reports the impact of inadvertent acyclovir exposure on a woman during the first trimester of pregnancy and reviews the literature on acyclovir's pharmacology, safety profile, and potential uses during pregnancy.

Acyclovir↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Important features of blood glucose meters.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of several blood glucose meters that will enhance practicing pharmacists' knowledge and understanding of these devices to allow education of the patient with diabetes. DATA SOURCES: Original and review articles, blood glucose meter package inserts and manuals. DATA SYNTHESIS: Careful blood glucose control is essential to prevent long-term complications of diabetes. Newer blood glucose meters have a broad variety of features, including small size, extended memory capacity, blood glucose manipulation techniques, and computer downloading capabilities. The decision to choose a blood glucose meter should be based on a number of criteria, including the patient's needs, ease of use, and affordability. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists must position themselves to differentiate among the numerous blood glucose meters available on the market and make appropriate recommendations based on patient-specific needs.

Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Critical pathways: the time is here for pharmacist involvement. American College of Clinical Pharmacy.

Successful development, implementation, and assessment of the effectiveness of critical pathways involves many processes and tools. Numerous pathways have been developed and the value of this tool in improving patient care has been demonstrated in some patient groups.27,29 Pharmacists are becoming more involved, but the window of opportunity is small. Critical pathways are routinely being utilized to optimally sequence time-appropriate interventions of the interdisciplinary plan of care set forth to achieve patient satisfaction and desired outcomes. Pharmacists must seize the chance to provide pharmaceutical care and assure their participation in the development and implementation of critical pathways.

Critical Pathways↗