News

Cimetidine (Tagamet®) was the first billion-dollar drug released back in the 1970’s for treatment of stomach ulcers. Ranitidine (Zantac®) was introduced in US market in 1983 and was the world’s biggest-selling prescription drug by 1987. It has since largely been superseded by the even more effective proton-pump inhibitors, with...

If you thought about starting Prilosec OTC or any other proton pump inhibitor (PPI) because of holiday over indulgence, after reading this newsletter you might want to reconsider! Americans spend nearly 11 Billion dollars on PPI use, and up to 1/3 is believed to be inappropriate.  As we discussed...

Back when I started practicing pharmacy the histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) were just in their infancy. Physicians and patients rejoiced when we had drugs to suppress stomach acid.  General surgeons whose bread and butter were gastrectomy procedures due to stomach ulcers were maybe not quite so excited. Tagamet was...

Last week we discussed prescription treatment options for pinworm infestation.  We explored treatment options such as Emverm®  (mebendazole) and Albenza (albendazole).  Both products were extremely expensive costing as much as $400.00 for initial treatment, followed by a second dose in two weeks. Your Thompson Pharmacist can step in and...

Pinworm infections are caused by a small, thin, white roundworm called Enterobius vermicularis. This infection affects all people, especially children, institutionalized persons, and household members of persons with pinworm infection. Pinworms are spread by humans, and not by pets! Epidemiology Mode of transmission: Pinworms are transmitted from fecal to hand...

Now that winter is approaching and respiratory and ear infection season is closely approaching, we pharmacists can be instrumental in prevention of diaper rash.  18-35 percent of all children exposed to antibiotic therapy will develop antibiotic associated diarrhea.   The more broad-spectrum antibiotics will cause a higher incidence of diarrhea....

Recently, hand, foot, and mouth disease is on the rise with cases affecting local school districts. I can’t think of a disease that has a more descriptive name than “Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease” abbreviated HFMD. How it is spread: Patients with HFMD is most contagious during the first...

Diaper rash is almost always caused by Candida albicans, and like any yeast thrives where it is warm, dark and moist.  Here are some treatment strategies to help manage diaper rash in our pediatric population.  It’s as easy as A, B,C, D & E. A = air out the...

This week we continue our discussion of yeast and fungi focusing on Candida albicans, in a different patient population, that is in our infants and diaper wearing toddlers. When we think of the ideal environment for yeast and fungi to grow, we think of warm, dark and moist.  What...