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Matching articles for "treatment guidelines"

Drugs for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2010; (Issue 99)

The goals of drug therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are to reduce symptoms such as dyspnea, improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, and decrease complications of the disease such as acute exacerbations. Other guidelines for treatment of this condition have been published or updated in recent years.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2010 Nov;8(99):83-8 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Psychotic Disorders

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2010; (Issue 96)

The antipsychotic drugs listed in Table 1 on the next page are more effective for treating the “positive symptoms” of schizophrenia (hallucinations and delusions) than the “negative symptoms” (apathy, social withdrawal, and blunted affect). Some symptoms of schizophrenia and acute psychoses may improve rapidly after treatment with antipsychotic drugs, but chronic schizophrenia improves slowly over many weeks and some patients may continue to improve for months. Most patients with chronic schizophrenia require prolonged maintenance therapy, but the risk of tardive dyskinesia and adverse metabolic effects must be kept in mind.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2010 Aug;8(96):61-4 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Depression and Bipolar Disorder

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2010; (Issue 93)

Drugs are not the only treatment for mood disorders. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history of efficacy and safety when drugs are ineffective, poorly tolerated or cannot be used. Some drugs are recommended here for indications that have not been approved by the FDA.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2010 May;8(93):35-42 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Pain

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2010; (Issue 92)

Pain can be acute or chronic. Chronic pain has been broadly classified into two types: nociceptive and neuropathic. Nociceptive pain can be treated with nonopioid analgesics or opioids. Neuropathic pain is less responsive to opioids; adjuvant medicines such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants are often used to treat neuropathic pain. Combining different types of analgesics may provide an additive analgesic effect without increasing adverse effects.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2010 Apr;8(92):25-34 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Some Common Eye Disorders

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2010; (Issue 89)

Drugs for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, bacterial conjunctivitis, and dry eyes are reviewed here. Ophthalmic drugs can have local and systemic adverse effects. In addition, for some elderly patients, the complexity of self-administering numerous ophthalmic drugs may be the limiting factor in their ability to care for themselves. Drugs for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis will be reviewed in a future issue of Treatment Guidelines on Drugs for Allergic Disorders.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2010 Jan;8(89):1-8 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Antifungal Drugs

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2009; (Issue 88)

The drugs of choice for treatment of some fungal infections are listed. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the FDA. More detailed guidelines are available online from...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Dec;7(88):95-102 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Advice for Travelers

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2009; (Issue 87)

Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for information about appropriate vaccines and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. Guidelines are also available from the Infectious Diseases...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Nov;7(87):83-94 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Tuberculosis

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2009; (Issue 86)

Even though the incidence continues to decline in the United States, tuberculosis (TB) is still a common cause of death worldwide, and the prevalence of drug-resistant TB poses severe challenges to its treatment and control. Guidelines with detailed management recommendations are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Oct;7(86):75-82 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Thyroid Disorders

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2009; (Issue 84)

Primary hypothyroidism is usually the result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism, goiter or cancer, or radioactive iodine therapy for...

Primary hypothyroidism is usually the result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism, goiter or cancer, or radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Aug;7(84):57-64 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2009; (Issue 83)

The range of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to expand. Some of those commonly used now are listed in the table on page 55. Mechanical therapies for the treatment of heart failure such as cardiac resynchronization, implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), ventricular assist devices and ultrafiltration for the relief of congestion will not be reviewed here.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Jul;7(83):53-6 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Surgery

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2009; (Issue 82)

Antimicrobial prophylaxis can decrease the incidence of infection, particularly surgical site infection, after certain procedures. Recommendations for prevention of surgical site infection are listed in the table that begins on page 48. Antimicrobial prophylaxis for dental procedures to prevent endocarditis is discussed in The Medical Letter 2007; 49:99.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Jun;7(82):47-52 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2009; (Issue 81)

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are now used early in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to prevent irreversible damage to joints and minimize toxicities associated with nonsteroidal...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 May;7(81):37-46 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Adult Immunization

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2009; (Issue 80)

Although immunization programs have produced high vaccination rates in US infants and children, similar successes have not been achieved in adults. Vaccines recommended for routine use in adults are reviewed...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Apr;7(80):27-36 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Insomnia

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2009; (Issue 79)

The majority of patients with insomnia do not have a predisposing psychiatric disease. Rather, untreated insomnia may be a risk factor for development of psychiatric problems such as depression or...

The majority of patients with insomnia do not have a predisposing psychiatric disease. Rather, untreated insomnia may be a risk factor for development of psychiatric problems such as depression or anxiety.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Mar;7(79):23-6 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for HIV Infection

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2009; (Issue 78)

New guidelines for use of antiretroviral agents have been published, with a shift towards earlier and more continuous treatment. HIV infection is treated with combinations of antiretroviral drugs depending on the patientÆs HIV RNA levels ("viral load") and CD4 cell count. Increases in viral load while on therapy may indicate development of drug resistance, requiring further testing and a change in treatment regimen. Resistance testing is now recommended when a patient is first seen, regardless of when therapy will be started.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Feb;7(78):11-22 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypertension

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2009; (Issue 77)

Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the tables that begin on page 2. Combination products are listed on page 9. Drugs for treatment of hypertensive emergencies are not discussed here. They were reviewed in Treatment Guidelines (volume 1, page 19, December 2002) and in The Medical Letter (volume 50, page 73, September 22, 2008).

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Jan;7(77):1-10 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Asthma

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2008; (Issue 76)

No truly new drugs have been approved for treatment of asthma since omalizumab (Xolair) in 2003, but some randomized controlled trials of older drugs have been published, and new guidelines have become...

No truly new drugs have been approved for treatment of asthma since omalizumab (Xolair) in 2003, but some randomized controlled trials of older drugs have been published, and new guidelines have become available.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Dec;6(76):83-90 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Acne, Rosacea and Psoriasis

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2008; (Issue 75)

The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium acnes promote development of acne lesions by secreting chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes to the follicle, causing inflammation.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Nov;6(75):75-82 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2008; (Issue 74)

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass with microarchitectural disruption and skeletal fragility that results in an increased risk of fracture. The diagnosis has traditionally been established by bone densitometry, which is generally reported in terms of standard deviations (SD) from mean values in young adults (T score). The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined normal bone mineral density (BMD) for women as a value within one SD of the young adult mean. Values 2.5 SD (T score -2.5) or more below the mean are defined as osteoporosis. The WHO has developed a computerized model (FRAX) that predicts the 10-year probability of hip fracture based on clinical risk factors and BMD at the femoral neck.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Oct;6(74):67-74 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Tobacco Dependence

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2008; (Issue 73)

Peptic ulcers caused by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are mainly gastric ulcers. The greater the number of office visits and the longer the counseling time, the higher the smoking...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Sep;6(73):61-5 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Treatment of Peptic Ulcers and GERD

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2008; (Issue 72)

Peptic ulcers caused by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are mainly gastric ulcers. Most duodenal and other gastric ulcers are caused by the gram-negative bacillus Helicobacter pylori. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by gastric acid reflux into the esophagus. Drugs that suppress gastric acid production are the primary treatment for GERD and peptic ulcers.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Aug;6(72):55-60 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Type 2 Diabetes

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2008; (Issue 71)

The development of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes results from a combination of metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance, diminished insulin secretion and excess hepatic glucose production. Diet, exercise and weight loss are helpful in improving glucose control, but most patients ultimately require drug therapy.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Jul;6(71):47-6 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Epilepsy

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2008; (Issue 70)

Treatment of epilepsy should begin with a single drug, increasing the dosage gradually until seizures are controlled or adverse effects become unacceptable. If seizures continue and further dosage increases appear inadvisable because of adverse effects, most Medical Letter consultants generally prescribe at least one and sometimes a second alternative drug as monotherapy before considering use of two drugs at the same time. Most antiepileptic drugs initially approved by the FDA only as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures may also be effective for other types of seizures and as monotherapy. Studies suggest that when used for the appropriate seizure type, antiepileptic drugs are roughly equivalent in efficacy. The choice of a drug is usually based on factors such as ease of use, adverse effects and cost.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Jun;6(70):37-46 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Drugs

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2008; (Issue 69)

Arterial and venous thrombosis are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Arterial thrombi consist of platelet aggregates held together by small amounts of fibrin. Antiplatelet drugs are the drugs of choice for prevention and treatment of arterial thrombosis, but anticoagulants are also effective, and their effects can add to those of antiplatelet drugs. Venous thrombi are composed mainly of fibrin and trapped red blood cells, with relatively few platelets. Anticoagulants are the agents of choice for prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism and for prevention of cardioembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 May;6(69):29-36 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Diet, Drugs and Surgery for Weight Loss

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2008; (Issue 68)

Losing even a small amount of weight and increasing physical activity can prevent some of the complications of obesity, particularly type 2 diabetes. Diet and exercise are the preferred methods for losing weight but are associated with high long-term failure rates. Drugs may help some patients, but all currently available drugs for weight reduction have drawbacks. Gastric surgery can produce marked weight loss in the severely obese, but long-term data on safety are limited.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Apr;6(68):23-7 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Migraine

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2008; (Issue 67)

Some drugs for treatment of migraine attacks are listed in table 2 on page 18. Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in table 3 on page 20. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Mar;6(67):17-22 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Lipids

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2008; (Issue 66)

Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. They should not be used as a substitute for lifestyle changes; a combination of diet, exercise and lipid-lowering drugs is optimal for prevention of coronary disease. Lipid-regulating drugs must be taken indefinitely; when they are stopped, plasma lipoprotein levels return to pretreatment levels in 2-3 weeks.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Feb;6(66):9-16 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Antifungal Drugs

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2008; (Issue 65)

The drugs of choice for treatment of some fungal infections are listed in the tables. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the FDA. Other guidelines are available from...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Jan;6(65):1-8 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Choice of Contraceptives

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2007; (Issue 64)

Transdermal, transvaginal and intrauterine hormone delivery systems have made highly effective contraceptive products more convenient to use. New oral contraceptive options include regimens with fewer or...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Dec;5(64):101-8 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2007; (Issue 63)

The goals of drug therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are to reduce symptoms such as dyspnea, improve exercise tolerance and quality of life, and minimize complications of the disease such as acute exacerbations and cor pulmonale. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines developed by the World Health Organization and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute were updated in 2006. The American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society jointly developed guidelines for COPD in 2004.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Nov;5(63):95-100 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Parkinson's Disease

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2007; (Issue 62)

ParkinsonÆs disease (PD) is caused primarily by progressive degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra. Dopamine itself cannot be used to treat PD because it does not cross the...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Oct;5(62):89-94 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Sexually Transmitted Infections

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2007; (Issue 61)

Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables that follow are limited to management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis and enteric infections. Guidelines are available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with detailed recommendations for treatment of these diseases.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Sep;5(61):81-9 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Allergic Disorders

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2007; (Issue 60)

Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, anaphylaxis and asthma (reviewed in Treatment Guidelines 2005; 3:33 and not included here), are prevalent worldwide, especially in...

Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, anaphylaxis and asthma (reviewed in Treatment Guidelines 2005; 3:33 and not included here), are prevalent worldwide, especially in industrialized countries. Pharmacologic treatment of these disorders continues to improve in efficacy and safety. In addition to using drugs to prevent and control the symptoms of their allergic diseases, patients should also be instructed to avoid, if possible, specific allergens and/or environmental conditions that trigger or worsen their symptoms.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Aug;5(60):71-80 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Non-HIV Viral Infections

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2007; (Issue 59)

The drugs of choice for treatment of non-HIV viral infections with their dosages and cost are listed in Tables 1-6. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the FDA. Vaccines used in the prevention of viral infections are discussed in the "Adult Immunization" issue of Treatment Guidelines.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Jul;5(59):59-70 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Cardiac Arrhythmias

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2007; (Issue 58)

The drugs of choice for treatment of common cardiac arrhythmias are listed in Tables 1 and 2. Some drugs are recommended for indications that have not been approved by the FDA....

The drugs of choice for treatment of common cardiac arrhythmias are listed in Tables 1 and 2. Some drugs are recommended for indications that have not been approved by the FDA.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Jun;5(58):51-8 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Choice of Antibacterial Drugs

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2007; (Issue 57)

Information about empirical treatment of bacterial infections, emerging trends in antimicrobial resistance, new drugs and new data about older drugs continue to become available. Usual pathogens and empiric treatment for some common types of infections are summarized in the text and a table listing the drugs of choice and alternatives for each pathogen begins on page 40. The recommendations made here are based on the results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials and the opinions of Medical Letter consultants.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 May;5(57):33-50 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Pain

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2007; (Issue 56)

Pain can be acute or chronic. Chronic pain has been broadly classified into two types: nociceptive and neuropathic. Nociceptive pain is generally treated with nonopioid analgesics and opioids. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants have been used to treat neuropathic pain. Combining two different types of analgesics may nprovide an additive analgesic effect without increasing adverse effects.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Apr;5(56):23-32 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Tuberculosis

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2007; (Issue 55)

Even though the incidence continues to decline, tuberculosis (TB) is still a problem in the United States. Treatment of TB can be divided into treatment of latent infection and treatment of active disease. Atable listing the first-line drugs used for treatment of TB with their doses and adverse effects can be found on page 16. Other guidelines with more detailed management recommendations are available.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Mar;5(55):15-22 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Cognitive Loss and Dementia

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2007; (Issue 54)

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, but cognitive loss is also associated with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or vascular dementia. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been defined as cognitive decline greater than expected for an individual's age and educational level, but not interfering with activities of daily living; it may be a transitional state between the cognitive changes of normal aging and the earliest stages of dementia.1 In longitudinal studies, the rate of progression from MCI to clinically diagnosable AD is 10-15% per year.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Feb;5(54):9-14 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Some Common Eye Disorders

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2007; (Issue 53)

Drugs for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis, and dry eyes are reviewed here. Ophthalmic drugs can have local and systemic adverse effects. In addition, for some elderly patients, the complexity of self-administering numerous ophthalmic drugs may be the limiting factor in their ability to care for themselves.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Jan;5(53):1-8 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Surgery

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2006; (Issue 52)

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Dec;4(52):83-8 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Treatment of ADHD

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2006; (Issue 51)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disruptive behavior disorder that occurs in 5-7% of school-age children and has also been estimated to occur in about 4% of adults. ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of frequent, severe inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that starts before the age of 7, is present in 2 or more settings (such as home and school), causes significant impairment in function, and is not caused by another mental disorder. The drugs approved for treatment of ADHD by the FDA are listed in this article. Except for atomoxetine, they are all stimulants and are classified as controlled substances by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Nov;4(51):77-82 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for HIV Infection

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2006; (Issue 50)

The approval of new drugs and continuing concerns about drug toxicity and resistance have prompted new antiretroviral treatment guidelines. Resistance testing is not recommended before starting antiretroviral therapy. HIV infection is treated with combinations of antiretroviral drugs while monitoring the patient's HIV RNA levels ("viral load") and CD4 cell count. Increases in viral load while on therapy may indicate development of drug resistance requiring further testing and a change in treatment regimen.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Oct;4(50):67-76 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Pharmaceutical Drug Overdose

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2006; (Issue 49)

Every pharmaceutical drug is a dose-dependent poison. This article describes the clinical presentation and treatment of some dangerous overdoses commonly reported in...

Every pharmaceutical drug is a dose-dependent poison. This article describes the clinical presentation and treatment of some dangerous overdoses commonly reported in adults.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Sep;4(49):61-6 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Psychiatric Disorders

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2006; (Issue 46)

Drugs are not the only treatment for psychiatric illness. Psychotherapy remains an important component in the management of these disorders, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used for many of them as well. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a long history of efficacy and safety when drugs are ineffective or cannot be used.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Jun;4(46):35-46 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Advice for Travelers

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2006; (Issue 45)

Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for information about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the Centers...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 May;4(45):25-34 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2006; (Issue 44)

Hypothyroidism is usually the result of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism or cancer, or radioactive iodine therapy. Treatment of hypothyroidism with replacement doses of thyroid hormone is usually lifelong. The drug of choice for thyroid replacement therapy is levothyroxine. Liothyronine and dessicated porcine thyroid are also marketed for this indication.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Apr;4(44):17-24 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2006; (Issue 43)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder, occuring in about 15% of the US population; it is 2-3 times more frequent in women than in men. IBS is characterized by chronic abdominal pain or discomfort...

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Mar;4(43):11-6 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction

Drugs for Insomnia

The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2006; (Issue 42)

Many drugs are used to treat insomnia, but for some patients nonpharmacological treatments such as changing sleep habits, relaxation training and cognitive therapy may be more effective and durable than treatment with drugs. Hypnotic drugs are generally FDA-approved only for short-term use, but in practice they often are taken much longer.

Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Feb;4(42):5-10 | Show Full Introduction Hide Full Introduction