Parenteral Nutrition
Debunking Hyperkalemia Myths: What Clinicians Need to Know
H yperkalemia is a life-threatening electrolyte disturbance with significant implications for patient care. Despite its seriousness, several myths persist in clinical practice. In this article, we'll address these myths and provide evidence-based recommendations. Introduction to hyperkalemia Hyperkalemia affects 2.6-2.7% of the U.…
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Pregnancy-induced Nausea and Vomiting
Get Ready with Info on Ginger
As a nutrition support pharmacist, inquiries frequently arise regarding the efficacy of ginger supplements for alleviating nausea, vomiting , motion sickness, and other purposes. Ginger is studied for oral and topical use, and as aromatherapy. Its active components come from the rhizome and root. Effectiveness Explain th…
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Nutrition
Pharmacist's approach to manage acute HYPERkalemia
As a critical care pharmacist, both patiromer ( Veltassa ) and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate ( Lokelma ) can play a role in managing acute hyperkalemia, often in conjunction with other interventions. Both meds work similarly to sodium polystyrene sulfonate ( Kayexalate ), by binding potassium in the GI tract. Limited data suggest that potassium lowering is roughly c…
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Ursodeoxycholic acid
Gallstone Buster: Diet & Med Mix!
As a nutritional support pharmacist, you should know that gallstones are closely linked to diets rich in animal fat and protein, lacking in fiber. Traditional Asian and African diets, predominantly plant-based, show lower incidences of gallstones compared to Westernized diets. Key dietary factors associated with reduced gallstone risk include... Plant-based Die…
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Prenatal Formula
Choosing the right PRENATAL formula
As a nutrition support pharmacist, you can consider using either Elevit Pronatal or Pregnacare during pregnancy. The choice between these two products depends on their specific formulas. The first step is to ensure that the selected formula provides enough essential nutrients for pregnant women, such as iron (around 27 mg), calcium (about 1000 mg), folic acid (betwe…
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Nutrition
Good news, BLACK TEA reduces the risk of death
As a nutrition support pharmacist, you may receive questions about the benefits and potential harms of consuming black tea. Black tea is commonly consumed in amounts of 1-4 cups per day and can interfere with iron absorption in iron-deficient individuals . Furthermore, adding milk to black tea may reduce some of its beneficial cardiovascular effects by potentially…
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Stress
Battling stress with Ashwagandha
As a nutrition support pharmacist, you may receive inquiries about using Ashwagandha to combat stress. Ashwagandha , along with American ginseng and astragalus, are popular adaptogens known for their ability to help the body resist physical, environmental, and emotional stress. Studies suggest that taking 240-1000 mg of…
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Natural medicines HELP in milk supply
As a nutrition support pharmacist, you will be asked more about natural medicines that help with milk supply. Some popular remedies for increasing milk production during breastfeeding include fenugreek and moringa . While there is limited research, small studies suggest that fenugreek supplements or tea (1-2 grams, 1-3 times daily for 21-44 days) may help boost mi…
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Nutrition
Nutrition guide for CIRRHOSIS patients
As a nutrition support pharmacist, you will be asked more about the recent recommendations to ensure proper nutrition in patients with cirrhosis . Malnutrition is a significant concern for patients with cirrhosis, affecting up to 20% of those with compensated cirrhosis and 50% of those with decompensated cirrhosis . A state of malnutrition in cirrhosis has also been…
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Statins
Coenzyme Q10 for STATIN intolerance
As a community pharmacist, patients will ask you more about Coenzyme Q10 for STATIN intolerance. Statin intolerance is present in about 9% of statin-treated patients, according to a recent meta-analysis. This finding is getting a lot of attention and is likely to increase interest in supplements that might help limit statin-induced muscle pain and weakness . Be prepa…
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Pediatric
Suggest lifestyle changes first for HYPERtensive kids
As a clinical pharmacist, you will hear buzz about how to treat hypertension in children and adolescents, due to Hypertension guidelines. About 2% to 4% of children in have hypertension . Kids are considered hypertensive if their BP is at the 95th percentile or higher for their age, sex, and height, measured on at least 3 separate occasions. …
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Vitamin B12
Is it necessary to give VITAMIN B12 by injection
As a clinical pharmacy specialist, you will be asked, is it ever necessary to give vitamin B12 by injection?.. Only rarely . Many patients have trouble absorbing B12 from food due to reduced gastric acidity or lack of intrinsic factor. We used to think that these patients needed B12 by injection, but in many cases supplements can be given orally instead. About 1% …
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Vitamin D Supplements
Take MORE vitamin D and LESS calcium!
As a nutrition support pharmacist, people are asking you if they should take MORE vitamin D and LESS calcium. This follows some recommendations by many experts... According to Vitamin D , some experts recommend that adults get 1000 IU/day of vitamin D instead of just 400 IU/day. They say that vitamin D is MORE important than calcium for bone health and has o…
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Total parenteral nutrition
Safe medication administration Via FEEDING Tubes
As a critical care pharmacist, questions often come up about giving medications via an enteral tube. Dosage form, Liquid medications are often the best option if available. But point out that hyperglycemia may occur if sugar content in liquid meds is high. Plus GI side effects are possible with hyperosmolar medications (acetaminophen, potassium, etc) or sorbitol abo…
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Nutrition
Quell the hype around collagen supplements
As a nutrition support pharmacist, collagen supplements are being touted for everything from joint support to skin health as people search for the fountain of youth. This protein makes up bones, muscles, skin, etc. The theory is that oral supplements may offset collagen depletion from factors such as aging, smoking, or sun exposure. But point out that the majority of…
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Statins
Are Fish Oil supplements safe?!
As a nutrition support pharmacist, patients are asking whether fish oil supplements are safe. Some fish contain contaminants like mercury, PCBs, or dioxins. But most fish oil supplements are mercury-free since mercury accumulates in the meat more than the oils. And a large amount of other toxins are removed during manufacturing. But to be safe, direct patients to pro…
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Weight Loss
Obesity Management Update 2023
As a nutrition support pharmacist, you can help obese patients manage obesity as New Year’s resolutions kick in. Continue to emphasize lifestyle changes, and review medication lists for possible causes of weight gain (antipsychotics, steroids, etc). Updated Canadian guidelines recommend considering medications for patients with …
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Nutrition
Olive oil for the HEART
As a nutrition support pharmacist, you will be asked more about the benefits of olive oil for patients with hypertension and heart diseases. Olive oil has long been touted for its health benefits. It’s rich in the monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid, as well as linoleic acid. Help patients understand its benefits and encourage them to incorporate it into their dail…
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