Category: Pearls
Don’t Fear Physostigmine
Today’s pearl is about the safety of physostigmine.
Physostigmine – a drug whose bark is worse than its bite.
Continue reading “Don’t Fear Physostigmine”Salicylate Toxicity as a Sepsis-Mimic
Today’s pearl is about how a salicylate overdose may present similarly to sepsis.
Since time of the essence in a salicylate overdose, early identification may be life-saving.
Continue reading “Salicylate Toxicity as a Sepsis-Mimic”Sodium Content of ED Antibiotics
Today’s pearl is about how much sodium is contained in each dose of the commonly used antibiotics in the emergency department.
Many of the antibiotics we use on a daily basis in the emergency department contain a surprisingly high sodium load that may be clinically significant for some patients.
Continue reading “Sodium Content of ED Antibiotics”IV Diltiazem Dosing in Atrial Fibrillation
Today’s pearl is about an alternative diltiazem dosing method.
Weight-based diltiazem doses may be too high for some patients and fixed doses may offer similar efficacy with decreased risk of hypotension.
Continue reading “IV Diltiazem Dosing in Atrial Fibrillation”Be Cautious with Tramadol
Today’s pearl is about the unpredictable and potentially dangerous risks with tramadol.
Tramadol has a reputation for being a safe, non-opioid alternative to opioids. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Continue reading “Be Cautious with Tramadol”Alternative to Sodium Bicarbonate for TCA Poisoning
Today’s pearl is about an alternative to sodium bicarbonate for tricyclic antidepressant poisoning.
Sodium bicarbonate has been on and off shortage for the past few years.
Continue reading “Alternative to Sodium Bicarbonate for TCA Poisoning”Glucagon is Out for Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose
Today’s pearl is about management of calcium channel blocker poisoning .
Glucagon was an option in the past, but is no longer recommended due to lack of supporting data and risk of adverse effects.
Continue reading “Glucagon is Out for Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose”Alteplase Dosing in Cardiac Arrests
Today’s pearls are about dosing alteplase in cardiac arrest cases.
This can be a tough question in the middle of a critical resuscitation.
Beware Hypoglycemia When Treating Hyperkalemia with Insulin
Today’s pearls are about preventing hypoglycemia when using insulin to treat hyperkalemia.
The “right” insulin dose is unknown.
Continue reading “Beware Hypoglycemia When Treating Hyperkalemia with Insulin”
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