Pearls – The PharmERToxGuy

EM Pharm Pearls: Now Hosted on ALiEM.com!

We are excited to announce that future pearls will be posted on the Academic Life in Emergency Medicine site. Pearls previously posted here will stay active and we will continue to post other original content!

Updated Gonorrhea Treatment Recommendations from CDC

Today’s pearl summarizes the recent updates from the CDC’s Treatment Guidelines for Gonococcal Infection.

Which antibiotics and what doses should be used? How do we reach effective concentrations in all patients?

Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Drug Interactions Important for EM Clinicians

Today’s pearl highlights two interactions that are important for Emergency Medicine clinicians to know.

What are the risks? How common are they?

Antibiotic Effects on Oral Contraceptives

Today’s pearl addresses a misconception regarding a drug interaction between oral contraceptives and antibiotics.

Are back-up methods of contraception required? Does this apply to all antibiotics?

Neuropsychiatric Side Effects of Steroids

Today’s pearl reviews the adverse neuropsychiatric effects associated with the use of steroids.

Can steroids alter mentation? What is the incidence? Are there any risk factors?

Beta-Agonist Alternatives to Nebulized Albuterol for Treatment of Hyperkalemia

Today’s pearl provides some alternative methods to treat patients with hyperkalemia if nebulized albuterol is not an option.

What route? Which medication? How much?

Magnesium for Atrial Fibrillation Rate Control in the ED

Today’s pearl is a continuation of Pearl 42: Medication Pearls for Atrial Fibrillation Management in the ED and reviews the role of magnesium for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Does magnesium reduce HR? How much and how fast to administer?

Medication Pearls for Atrial Fibrillation Management in the ED

Today’s pearl highlights 5 main points related to the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Should you give a beta blocker or a calcium channel blocker? What dose should you use?

Ketamine vs. Etomidate and Peri-Intubation Hypotension

Today’s pearl provides updated evidence regarding selection of sedatives for intubation in hypotensive patients.

Is ketamine the answer? Will etomidate come out ahead?

Use of IV Iodinated Contrast Media in Patients with Preexisting Renal Disease

Today’s pearl reviews some of the literature and recommendations regarding the use of iodinated contrast in patients with kidney disease

Will it cause an acute-on-chronic injury? Is it safe?