Drug Therapy
- Foxglove, not quite gone or forgotten
Digoxin use has waned dramatically over the past decades, with good reason, but for select patients, it may be a very reasonable option.
- Digoxin is still useful, but is still causing toxicity
The authors review the presentation of digoxin toxicity, its mechanisms and predisposing factors, and its medical management.
- Reducing the risks when using benzodiazepines to treat insomnia: A public health approach
The authors review measures for preventing harm before benzodiazepines are prescribed, decreasing harm within 4 weeks after they are prescribed, and limiting harmful effects of long-term prescribing.
- Medical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia
The goal is to maximize quality of life and minimize “bothersome” symptoms. Choices about medical therapy are guided by indication, effectiveness, side effects, as well as patient preference.
- Should my patients take their blood pressure medications in the evening to enhance cardiovascular benefit?
The focus should be to achieve blood pressure control and facilitate adherence, regardless of the timing of the medications.
- Born again: The many lives of metformin
Repurposing old drugs for new indications is not a new drug-development strategy.
- Should I consider metformin therapy for weight loss in patients with obesity but without diabetes?
The authors appraise the evidence to date for weight loss with metformin in this patient population.
- A practical guide for buprenorphine initiation in the primary care setting
The authors review changes in prescribing laws and outline buprenorphine induction protocols that can be adopted in the primary care setting.