Rheumatology
Caffeine may worsen rheumatoid arthritis
As a clinical pharmacist, you should always be aware of drug interactions. There's concern that caffeine might reduce the efficacy of methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis ... Methotrexate decreases inflammation by increasing adenosine levels. Caffeine might cause a problem, because it's an adenosine receptor ANTAGONIST. It's goi…
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Pregnancy Nutrition
Does CAFFEINE increase the risk of miscarriage
As a nutritional support pharmacist, you may hear that caffeine increases the risk of miscarriage. There is debate about whether caffeine increases the risk of miscarriage. A study in the news suggests that caffeine increases miscarriages, while another study says caffeine is not to blame. But on closer scrutiny, both agree that small amoun…
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Weight Loss
Don't combine ENERGY drinks with stimulants
As a nutrition support pharmacist, you will get more questions about energy drinks. An energy drink is a type of drink containing stimulant compounds, usually caffeine, which is marketed as providing mental and physical stimulation. They may or may not be carbonated and may also contain sugar, other sweeteners, herbal extracts, taurine, and amino acids. Many peop…
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Orthostatic Hypotension
How to TREAT orthostatic hypotension
The question often comes up about how to prevent or treat orthostatic hypotension to avoid dizziness and falls. It's often due to dehydration, diabetes , Parkinson's, or drugs. Follow these steps... Check for medications that may precipitate falls in blood pressure such as alpha- blockers ( Cardura, Tamsulin, etc) , diuretics and ma…
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SNRIs
Medications and supplements induced hypertension
Patients are often surprised when they learn they're taking medications that can INCREASE blood pressure or induced hypertension (HTN) . Check for common culprits if patients have new or worsening high blood pressure. Explain that most patients won't have a significant blood pressure increase with these medications, but some could see a 5 to 10 mmHg bump in s…
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