Most of these requests were ordered from the hospital’s emergency department for suspected insufficient serum concentrations. Antiepileptic drug monotherapy is still the most frequently employed therapeutic strategy in adult patients with epilepsy in keeping

with the standard therapeutic guidelines. Sodium valproate is commonly used for different types of seizures reflecting its wide spectrum of anticonvulsant potential. Newer AED utilizations are becoming increasingly popular in our subjects particularly as add-on with other standard AEDs. “
“Objectives  To determine statin usage pattern and evaluate whether new generation statins are actually needed by the patients receiving them. Methods  selleck chemicals llc This retrospective cohort included patients receiving first-time statins at a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. Using electronic medical records from 2005, its indication was determined based on history of coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHD-risk equivalents. The lipid profiles tested within 30 days prior to the first date of statins prescription were analysed. Each patient was assessed as

selleck to whether statin was needed based on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction capacity and lipid goals. Results  A total of 2479 first-time statin users was included. Ninety percent of the users received simvastatin, while 8% and 2% received atorvastatin and pravastatin respectively. More than half (58.0%) used statins for primary prevention, although all usage of atorvastatin was considered not needed. Considering the use of statin for secondary prevention to achieve the LDL-C goal of <130 mg/dl (3.37 mmol/l), more than 80% of atorvastatin users could be switched to simvastatin. Only 8% of simvastatin Galactosylceramidase usage would not be able to achieve this target. When

the LDL-C goal was <70 mg/dl (1.81 mmol/l), 40.2% simvastatin users was considered appropriate, while 58.6% needed atorvastatin to be prescribed. Conclusion  A substantial proportion of patients did not need statins therapy, particularly for primary prevention. In addition, atorvastatin use is mostly not needed except in patients requiring statins for secondary prevention to achieve the LDL-C goal of <70 mg/dl (1.81 mmol/l). The findings should prompt hospital policy makers to develop measures to ensure the proper use of statins in their clinical settings. "
“Objective  Most epilepsies are managed with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), but medication non-adherence has been frequently reported. Satisfying patient information needs has demonstrated improved adherence. Multi-professional working has been encouraged to provide cost-effective health services by using the most appropriate healthcare professional. Research has demonstrated that pharmacist-led consultations are acceptable to patients with other medical conditions and therefore may be appropriate for patients with epilepsy.