Article
Pediatrics
Laurie Seidel Halmo, George Sam Wang, Kate M. Reynolds, Heather Delva-Clark, Malin Rapp-Olsson, William Banner, G. Randall Bond, Ralph E. Kauffman, Robert B. Palmer, Ian M. Paul, Jody L. Green, Richard C. Dart
Summary: The study found that pediatric fatalities associated with over-the-counter cough and cold medications primarily occurred in young children after deliberate medication administration with nontherapeutic intent by a caregiver.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rohan Mital, Maribeth C. Lovegrove, Ruth N. Moro, Andrew Geller, Nina J. Weidle, Jennifer N. Lind, Daniel S. Budnitz
Summary: The analysis of emergency department visits related to over-the-counter cough and cold medications shows a high number of cases, mainly attributed to non-therapeutic use, especially unsupervised exposure in children. Visits for self-harm require a higher proportion of patients to be hospitalized.
PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Nancy E. Lane, Jasmina Ivanova, Birol Emir, Ali Mobasheri, Morten Georg Jensen
Summary: The study characterized the osteoarthritis (OA) population in the US, analyzing their clinical characteristics and commonly used treatments, finding that the prevalence was associated with body mass index, exercise frequency, and comorbid diagnoses. The use of dietary supplements and prescription medications was prevalent among individuals with OA.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Amanda G. Lovell, Bridget McCrate Protus, Julia R. Dickman, Maureen L. Saphire
Summary: The study shows that many crushed over-the-counter medications have poor palatability, and pharmacists' opinions on crushing medications changed after the experiment.
JOURNAL OF PAIN AND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brian E. Lacy, Elizabeth P. Shea, Machelle Manuel, Jessica L. Abel, Hancheng Jiang, Douglas C. A. Taylor
Summary: The study found that a high proportion of CIC patients, mainly female and white, have used at least one OTC medication with bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol being the most commonly used. Most patients stopped using OTC medications due to insufficient symptom relief. Many patients reported little to no satisfaction with the effects of OTC medications on their constipation and CIC-specific abdominal symptoms.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
William F. Rayburn
Summary: Pregnancy often requires the use of nonprescription or OTC drugs to alleviate symptoms, but there is a lack of sufficient studies on the safety of these drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Obstetric clinicians generally consider OTC medicines safe due to their low dose and short-term use. It is recommended to choose products with the lowest effective dose and necessary ingredients, and consult resources like the Reproductive Toxicology Center (REPROTOX) for safety information.
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mohammed Kays Alattiya, Anwar I. I. Joudeh, Riyadh Ali Hammamy
Summary: This is a case report of a seizure provoked by over-the-counter cold medications containing pseudoephedrine and caffeine in an 83-year-old male patient. Physicians should be aware of the potentially serious adverse events associated with commonly used nonprescription sympathomimetics in elderly patients.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CASE REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Otorhinolaryngology
Edward D. McCoul
Summary: Numerous OTC sinonasal remedies have limitations in effectiveness and safety, compared to alternative drugs. Clinicians should encourage patients to use alternatives like intranasal corticosteroids and newer-generation antihistamines, while discouraging unsupervised use of decongestants. Dialogue between healthcare providers and patients about OTC sinonasal remedies can optimize individual health and healthcare delivery.
OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK SURGERY
(2021)
Review
Respiratory System
Rebecca J. J. Stinson, Alyn H. H. Morice, Laura R. R. Sadofsky
Summary: Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) have a significant impact on society and there is no single effective treatment. This systematic review focuses on the role of plant derived substances in OTC remedies used to treat cold symptoms, with a particular focus on TRP channels involved in pain and cough.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Elin C. Lehnbom, Maria E. Berbakov, Emily L. Hoffins, Jukrin Moon, Lauren Welch, Michelle A. Chui
Summary: OTC medications are easily accessible products for treating common ailments without a prescription. Older adults are more susceptible to adverse health outcomes due to age-related changes, comorbidities, and prescription medication use. Community pharmacies are important for promoting safe use of OTC medications for older adults.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
M. Kamal, W. A. Negm, A. M. Abdelkader, A. A. Alshehri, G. El-Saber Batiha, H. Osama
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the use of the most common over the counter (OTC) medications and their effects on patients. The results showed that the most commonly used OTC drugs by the participants in the study were paracetamol, followed by ibuprofen. The gender of the patients was significantly related to the use of OTC drugs and patient counseling by the pharmacist.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Anurag Mehta, Dave L. Dixon, Anum Saeed, Michael S. Kelly, Martha Gulati, Michael D. Shapiro, Laurence S. Sperling, Salim S. Virani
Summary: This review discusses the effectiveness, safety, and real-world utilization of statins, and proposes reclassifying them as nonprescription drugs to improve access and availability for patients.
CURRENT CARDIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Alyssa Harben, Shiva Esfahanian, Laura Bix
Summary: In this study, we examined the information older adults consider important when choosing over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The research had two objectives: to identify the information they find important when selecting an OTC and when assessing its suitability for use. Focus groups consisting of OTC users aged 65+ were conducted, and the discussions were analyzed alongside survey results. The main themes that emerged were price, seeking advice, perception of efficacy, and perception of safety. This study discovered that older adults rely on habit-based decision-making driven by price comparisons and past success with products, rather than the specific information provided on the Drug Facts Label (DFL) required by the FDA.
PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Khadiga M. Kelani, Mohamed S. Emara, Ahmed W. Madkour, Hany A. Batakoushy, Rehab M. Tony
Summary: A sequential spectrophotometric resolution technique (SSRT) was developed to determine a quaternary combination drug of caffeine (CAF), pseudoephedrine (PSE), doxylamine succinate (DOX), and paracetamol (PAR). The technique overcame the challenge of their overlapping spectra with low absorptivities without prior separation. An in-lab sample enrichment technique was applied to increase minor components concentration. The proposed technique showed sensitivity, selectivity, and economic feasibility for simultaneous analysis of these drugs.
Review
Psychiatry
Fabrizio Schifano, Stefania Chiappini, Andrea Miuli, Alessio Mosca, Maria Chiara Santovito, John M. Corkery, Amira Guirguis, Mauro Pettorruso, Massimo Di Giannantonio, Giovanni Martinotti
Summary: This study analyzed published clinical data on over-the-counter (OTC) drug misuse, finding that the issue is widespread and popular worldwide, with vulnerable populations including adolescents and young adults. However, the true prevalence rates remain unknown due to a lack of appropriate monitoring systems. Healthcare professionals should remain vigilant and proactive in developing and implementing preventive measures for OTC misuse.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tammy E. Corr, Eric W. Schaefer, Ian M. Paul
Summary: Infants with NAS displayed smaller and leaner body composition measures in the first few weeks compared to previously reported body composition measurements in term infants, but grew similarly to healthy counterparts by 16 weeks. Infants requiring multidrug therapy for symptom control showed a tendency towards more severe body composition profiles.
JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Brandon J. Sonn, Kennon J. Heard, Susan M. Heard, Angelo D'Alessandro, Kate M. Reynolds, Richard C. Dart, Barry H. Rumack, Andrew A. Monte
Summary: Elevated levels of allantoate and ornithine were found in subjects with ALT elevation in pre-treatment samples, along with significant baseline ALT and alkaline phosphatase levels. These metabolites may be indicative of pathways related to nitrogen release and urea production. Further investigation into metabolic alterations may provide insights into hepatic adaptation mechanisms for various pharmaceuticals.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joshua C. Black, Karilynn M. Rockhill, Richard C. Dart, Janetta Iwanicki
Summary: The purpose of this analysis was to identify mortality patterns by analyzing multiple drug classes together. The Drug Involved Mortality database was used to calculate the total number of drugs involved and percentages of specific drug combinations. Clustering techniques were then applied to identify patterns of drug combinations listed on death certificates. The results showed that while individual drug substances contribute to many deaths, polysubstance mortality is more common than single substance mortality. Multidimensional analyses integrating all drugs involved are useful in identifying uncommon overdose patterns and changing trends.
ANNALS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Sasha K. Kaiser, Richard C. Dart
Summary: Antidotes are commonly used to reduce or eliminate the toxic effects of poisons. Insufficient stocking of antidotes by hospitals has been a long-standing issue, with potential medical and financial implications. In the United States, there is no regulation requiring hospitals to adequately stock antidotes, but consensus guidelines have been published recommending specific quantities of antidotes to be stocked.
EMERGENCY MEDICINE CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joanna Hockenhull, David M. Wood, Francina Fonseca, Marilena Guareschi, Norbert Scherbaum, Janetta L. Iwanicki, Richard C. Dart, Paul Dargan
Summary: This study investigates the prevalence of non-medical use of codeine in Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, and suggests that the availability of over-the-counter (OTC) codeine may be associated with higher levels of non-medical use.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Laura J. Fischer, Stevan G. Severtson, Marie C. Gurrola, Janetta L. Iwanicki, Jody L. Green, Richard C. Dart
Summary: In 2014, the rescheduling of hydrocodone combination products to Schedule II in the US resulted in significant reductions in prescriptions and misuse exposures. While there was a slight increase in prescriptions of oxycodone and other Schedule II opioids, the decreases observed in hydrocodone prescriptions were not offset. Overall, the rescheduling had an impact on prescribing and misuse of Schedule II opioid analgesics.
SUBSTANCE USE & MISUSE
(2022)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Oulfa Boussetta-Charfi, Cornelie Fanton D'Andon, HoanVu Nguyen, Barry H. Rumack, Manon Launay
Summary: This study investigated clinicians' understanding and use of the risk assessment tool for acetaminophen/paracetamol overdose. The results showed that there may be inaccuracies in the use of the tool, leading to improper treatment. It is recommended that physicians use an online calculator or consult with toxicologists or poison centers to improve patient care and safety.
THERAPEUTIC DRUG MONITORING
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Cosby G. Arnold, Layne Dylla, Andrew A. Monte, Kennon Heard, Susan Heard, Angelo D'Alessandro, Kate Reynolds, Richard Dart, Barry Rumack, Brandon Sonn
Summary: Sex-based physiology influences acetaminophen-induced protein adduct formation and metabolite expression at therapeutic doses, with males being less likely to develop acetaminophen protein adducts at therapeutic doses.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Andrew A. Monte, Ian Arriaga Mackenzie, Jack Pattee, Sasha Kaiser, Emileigh Willems, Barry Rumack, Kate M. Reynolds, Richard C. Dart, Kennon J. Heard
Summary: This study performed genetic analysis on patients taking therapeutic doses of acetaminophen and found that variants in the SULT1E1 gene were associated with the maximum increase in ALT activity. This association was not driven by a single variant, but rather by the combined effects of multiple variants within the gene. No other genes were found to be associated with maximum ALT increase in this cohort.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Daniel A. Spyker, Richard C. Dart, Luke Yip, Kate Reynolds, Scott Brittain, Mark Yarema
Summary: This study examined the pharmacokinetic profiles of acetaminophen overdose and found that delayed release formulations have slower absorption and decreased bioavailability compared to immediate release formulations.
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Karilynn M. Rockhill, Richard Olson, Richard C. Dart, Janetta L. Iwanicki, Joshua C. Black
Summary: This study utilized latent class analysis to identify unique behavioral profiles of adults who nonmedically use stimulants and opioids, revealing distinct patterns of behavior and motivations among different classes. The findings showed significant differences in DAST-10 scores across the identified classes, highlighting the importance of understanding drug use behaviors for interventions and public health approaches.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Joshua C. Black, Hannah L. Burkett, Karilynn M. Rockhill, Richard Olson, Richard C. Dart, Janetta Iwanicki
Summary: This study aims to analyze whether adults from the general population who use stimulants initiate use through a heterogeneous combination of behaviors and quantify the association between these typologies with present-day problematic drug use.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Erika Hernandez, Emily E. Hohman, Mackenzie J. Ferrante, Stephanie Anzman-Frasca, Ian M. Paul, Jennifer S. Savage
Summary: The study found that mothers' structure-based feeding practices in infancy, as well as some control-based feeding practices, were associated with later healthier toddler dietary patterns.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Richard C. Dart, Michael E. Mullins, Theresa Matoushek, Anne-Michelle Ruha, Michele M. Burns, Karen Simone, Michael C. Beuhler, Kennon J. Heard, Maryann Mazer-Amirshahi, Christine M. Stork, Shawn M. Varney, Alexandra R. Funk, Lee F. Cantrell, Jon B. Cole, William Banner, Andrew I. Stolbach, Robert G. Hendrickson, Scott N. Lucyk, Marco L. A. Sivilotti, Mark K. Su, Lewis S. Nelson, Barry H. Rumack
Summary: There is currently a lack of formal nationwide guidelines for the management of acetaminophen poisoning in the US and Canada, resulting in variability in practice. The objective of this study was to develop consensus guidelines for the management of acetaminophen poisoning. The findings include guidelines for emergency department management, high-risk ingestion, coingestion with other drugs, specific patient populations, and specific treatment considerations.
Article
Economics
Sarah J. C. Craig, Ana M. Kenney, Junli Lin, Ian M. Paul, Leann L. Birch, Jennifer S. Savage, Michele E. Marini, Francesca Chiaromonte, Matthew L. Reimherr, Kateryna D. Makova
Summary: Obesity is a highly heritable condition affecting increasing numbers of adults and children, with only a small fraction attributed to specific genetic variants. This study used novel FDA techniques to analyze longitudinal growth information in children and construct polygenic risk scores for childhood obesity. The scores were higher in children with rapid infant weight gain, and the genetic variants identified in young children were also informative in older children and adults, indicating the predictive value of early childhood obesity.
ECONOMETRICS AND STATISTICS
(2023)