pharmacology

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is a second-generation ("atypical") antipsychotic that can be administered as an oral disintegrating tablet (ODT) or intramuscular (IM) injection. Like most antipsychotics, olanzapine works by blocking postsynaptic dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5HT2)...

Loop diuretics like furosemide (Lasix) and bumetanide (Bumex) block the reabsorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. This interferes with concentrating the renal medulla, and...

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) come in a wide variety of flavors ranging from atelectasis and pulmonary congestion to respiratory failure and pneumonia. Not only do certain surgeries (upper abdominal and thoracic), age, case duration,...

Ever since finishing my fellowships, I wanted to create a free reference sheet (front and back) containing "high yield" information in the areas of critical care and perioperative medicine. I feel I'm well suited...

Pharmacokinetic models describe the rate of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of a particular drug. This can vary significantly based on properties of the drug itself, varying levels of metabolism in the context of...

In the perioperative world, "premedication" refers to pharmacologic therapy administered to relieve anxiety, provide light sedation, and even create some degree of antegrade amnesia prior to an operation. While there are many styles, I'm...

Every day as an anesthesiologist, I reconstitute, draw up, and administer antibiotics, hypnotics, narcotics, paralytics, inotropes/pressors, blood products, fluids, vasodilators, and a myriad of other medications. Each year, the FDA receives over 100,000 reports...

True anaphylaxis is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction where histamine, serotonin, leukotrienes, and other mediators are released from basophils and mast cells via an IgE-mediated mechanism. Although patients classically present with cutaneous findings (urticaria,...