Log on now to PSS website at http://www.pss.org.sg/, log into Pharmacist’s
Letter and find out more about medical expulsive therapy for kidney stones,
new treatment options for plaque psoriasis, use of opioids in pregnancy and
metformin in kidney disease patients, summary on the new anticoagulant i.e.
edoxaban, management of binge eating disorder and the use of corticosteroids
in management of community acquired pneumonia.
Other than going through the PSS link, you may also download Pharmacist's
Letter mobile version for your use on the move! Our hospital chapter members
have also taken time to compile a summary from a topic in March issue of
Pharmacist's Letter to allow you to get more out of the resource.
Medical Expulsive Therapy for Kidney stones:
- When mention about kidney stones or urolithiasis removal, the first thing
that comes to mind will be medical procedures need to be performed (to
remove them).
- It may not always be the case as we see from this article. It discusses
about medical expulsive therapy (MET) – using medication as an alternative
to or in combination with procedural interventions to remove kidney stones.
- MET works well in stones that are 5 to 10mm in diameter. Patient can
continue with MET until the stones are passed out or for up to 6 weeks.
- The most commonly used agent for MET is Tamsulosin. Alpha-blockers exhibit
class effects; hence other alpha blockers such as Alfuzosin and Terazosin
are as effective.
- Drugs such as Nifedipine, PDE-5 inhibitors and corticosteroids are other
possible options.
- Patients still need to be reminded to take preventive measures such as
drinking plenty of water, reduce intake of protein and take dietary calcium
in moderation to prevent the recurrence of kidney stones.
