Journal of Pharmacy Technology最新文献

{"title":"Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Rescue Analgesic Needs in Non-intubated Intensive Care Patients.","authors":"Sophie E Andrei, Wenxin Zhuo, Kellie N Shiekh, Justin P Reinert","doi":"10.1177/87551225241288137","DOIUrl":"10.1177/87551225241288137","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dexmedetomidine is a centrally acting alpha-2-adrenoceptor agonist that is usually used in the intensive care unit (ICU) for its sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. Studies have shown that dexmedetomidine can be an effective adjunct analgesic, but they are limited and usually use a population of intubated patients. To better evaluate the role of dexmedetomidine use in the adult ICU, more information needs to be gathered on its analgesic effect and its utility in non-intubated patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was a retrospective cohort analysis between adult non-intubated ICU patients on dexmedetomidine and non-intubated ICU patients not on dexmedetomidine who were admitted to a 302-bed tertiary academic medical center between October 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023. Inclusion criteria necessitated an as-needed opioid order with a corresponding pain score and at least 1 other pain assessment and no history of symptomatic bradycardia, nor could it be present on admission. The primary study objective was to assess the amount of morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) received during ICU admission with concomitant dexmedetomidine infusion. Secondary outcomes included the time to first dose of rescue opioid analgesia and ICU length of stay.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 38 patients were included. Baseline demographics did not differ significantly between groups. There was a significant statistical difference in the total amount of MMEs received, with the dexmedetomidine group having significantly less than the control group (<i>P</i> < 0.001). The dexmedetomidine group also had a significantly longer time to first rescue analgesia dose (<i>P</i> = 0.025) and a significantly increased incidence of delirium (<i>P</i> < 0.001). There was no difference in other adverse events between groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Dexmedetomidine significantly decreased MME requirements and increased time to first rescue analgesia dose in non-intubated ICU patients without increasing adverse effects but was associated with an increased incidence of delirium.</p>","PeriodicalId":16796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy Technology","volume":" ","pages":"87551225241288137"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11559726/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142622598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combination Dornase and Alteplase for Intra-abdominal Drain, Abscess, and Hematoma Clearance: A Retrospective Case Series.","authors":"Michelle Schultz, Jasmine Patel, Megumi Olsen, Sarah Nordbeck","doi":"10.1177/87551225241288133","DOIUrl":"10.1177/87551225241288133","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Since the advent of the MIST2 trial, the combined instillation of dornase and alteplase has become an effective nonsurgical treatment option for empyema and pleural fluid collection. Percutaneous drainage of abdominal abscesses and fluid collections, rather than open surgical treatment, also has become commonplace. The are several case reports and studies on the use of fibrinolytics to drain abdominal fluid collections but no literature reporting use of both alteplase and dornase for abdominal administration.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We present a case series from an academic medical center where dornase therapy was added to fibrinolytic therapy to treat intra-abdominal fluid collections, hematoma, and abdominal drainage catheters with low output.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is an institutional review board-approved retrospective case series of 13 patients who underwent combination use of alteplase and dornase via intra-abdominal route. The primary objective was to assess for increased drain output, reduction in size of the fluid collection, and adverse events.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Many patients had improved drain output after dornase-alteplase therapy. One patient had significant bleeding complications.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>All patients were discharged alive from the hospital. Clinical success was difficult to define due to variable goals of therapy. Further data are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of this practice, especially compared with intra-abdominal alteplase alone. Patients in our series generally received larger doses of alteplase than in prior studies due to use of dosing modeled on the MIST2 trial. Based on the limited experience of our study, we recommend holding therapeutic anticoagulation during the administration of intra-abdominal dornase-alteplase.</p>","PeriodicalId":16796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy Technology","volume":" ","pages":"87551225241288133"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11559809/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142622594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Independent Community Pharmacy Impact in Promoting Prevention Through Immunization.","authors":"Angelina Vascimini, Maryam Deravi, Gabrielle Perez, Kathryn Sanford, Madden Stockstill, Tina Finnegan, Richie Nabinger, Theresa Tolle, Stacey Curtis","doi":"10.1177/87551225241285324","DOIUrl":"10.1177/87551225241285324","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) typically results in mild cold-like symptoms; however, it can lead to severe complications and hospitalization in patients who are 60 years of age and older with long-term health conditions.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to assess patient knowledge about RSV and to provide patients with information about the virus and the vaccination.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multisite cross-sectional pilot study was conducted from September 12, 2023, to March 11, 2024, in the independent community pharmacy setting. Included were all patients aged 60 years and older who consented to filling out the 14-question survey. Excluded were patients who declined to take the survey. Patients completed the survey either on paper or electronically, and the survey included initial consent, demographic information, past medical history, knowledge of RSV, consent to vaccine administration, and reasons for refusal, if applicable. At the end of the survey, patients could consent to vaccine administration onsite and were provided with an educational handout.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The primary outcome revealed that 78% of participants had not received any education from their healthcare provider about RSV. Additionally, 70% correctly identified ways RSV might spread, 60% reported knowing how to protect themselves, and 58% correctly indicated that a previous RSV infection does not provide immunity. As for the secondary outcomes, 63% of participants consented to receive the vaccine on the day of the survey.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study underscores the critical role of community pharmacies in healthcare delivery and the need for enhanced educational efforts to support vaccination programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":16796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy Technology","volume":" ","pages":"87551225241285324"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11559760/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142622608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Judicious Use of Benzathine Penicillin G in Response to a Medication Alert During a Critical Drug Shortage.","authors":"William Campillo Terrazas, Rachel M Kenney, Amy Argyris, Anita B Shallal, Michael P Veve","doi":"10.1177/87551225241285317","DOIUrl":"10.1177/87551225241285317","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To evaluate judicious antibiotic prescribing of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) after implementation of an electronic health record-based medication shortage alert during a critical drug shortage.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥3 months who received BPG between May 9, 2023, and February 28, 2024. The study included inpatient and outpatient visits after implementing a BPG medication shortage alert; patients with severe penicillin allergy, neurosyphilis, or congenital syphilis were excluded. Judicious BPG use was defined as use in patients diagnosed with primary, secondary, or latent syphilis or if they were prescribed a BPG alternative in response to the medication shortage alert; nonjudicious use included BPG for alternative diagnoses. Social determinants of health were assessed as exposure variables of interest. A separate cohort of syphilis patients receiving BPG or alternative therapy (i.e., doxycycline) was described.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 453 patients were included. Most patients were non-Hispanic Black (n = 273, 60%) men (n = 272, 60%) with a median (interquartile range) age of 32 (22-44) years. Of these, 318 (70%) received judicious BPG, whereas 135 (30%) received nonjudicious BPG. The most nonjudicious diagnosis was streptococcal pharyngitis (n = 128, 95%). Variables associated with judicious use included age >32 years (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR], 2.273; 95% CI, 1.488-3.472), male sex (adjOR, 1.835; 95% CI, 1.206-2.792), and black race (adjOR, 1.847; 95% CI, 1.212-2.815). Among a cohort of 128 syphilis patients who received BPG (n = 64, 50%) or doxycycline (n = 64, 50%), those who received doxycycline were more likely be uninsured (35 [54.7%] vs 43 [67.2%]; <i>P</i> = .15) and receive outpatient treatment (3 [4.7%] vs 12 [18.7%]; <i>P</i> = .13).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Despite implementing an electronic health record drug shortage alert, 30% of BPG use was nonjudicious and mostly for pharyngitis.</p>","PeriodicalId":16796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy Technology","volume":" ","pages":"87551225241285317"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11559713/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142622601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zuranolone for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression.","authors":"Erin St Onge, Priti Patel, Chardae Whitner","doi":"10.1177/87551225241287383","DOIUrl":"10.1177/87551225241287383","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To review the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of zuranolone for the treatment of postpartum depression.</p><p><strong>Data sources: </strong>A literature search was conducted through PubMed using the following terms: zuranolone, postpartum depression, perinatal depression, SAGE-217, and allopregnanolone analogue.</p><p><strong>Study selection and data extraction: </strong>Articles describing the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and/or tolerability of zuranolone were included in this review.</p><p><strong>Data synthesis: </strong>Zuranolone is an allopregnanolone analogue that works through modulation of the GABA_A receptor. Clinical trials have demonstrated that compared with placebo, zuranolone is effective in treating patients with postpartum depression. Common adverse events associated with zuranolone include fatigue, somnolence, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, sedation, upper respiratory tract infection, and nausea.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pharmacotherapeutic options to treat postpartum depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, with the medication brexanolone (the first allopregnanolone analogue) reserved for severe postpartum depression. Zuranolone, the newest medication in its class, is without the same limitations as brexanolone, thus affording providers an additional easy-to-use option for treating postpartum depression.</p>","PeriodicalId":16796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy Technology","volume":" ","pages":"87551225241287383"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11559899/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142622623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gene Therapies for Sickle Cell Disease.","authors":"Salome Bwayo Weaver, Divita Singh, Kierra M Wilson","doi":"10.1177/87551225241268742","DOIUrl":"10.1177/87551225241268742","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent autosomal recessive hemoglobinopathy affecting millions worldwide, particularly individuals of African ancestry. Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition associated with a negative impact on quality of life and mortality, causing complications such as painful vaso-occlusive episodes, acute chest syndrome, stroke, long-term anemia, and end-organ damage. Currently, there are 4 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs, including hydroxyurea, l-glutamine, voxelotor, and crizanlizumab, which work to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with SCD, albeit without addressing the underlying cause of SCD. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has shown promise as a curative approach to SCD but is limited by donor availability and associated complications. This paper aims to review the efficacy and safety of exagamglogene autotemcel and lovotibeglogene autotemcel for managing patients with SCD, including their place in therapy, cost, and accessibility in clinical care. <b>Data Sources:</b> The authors searched PubMed and Medline from 2017 to 2024, for primary literature on both exagamglogene autotemcel and lovotibeglogene autotemcel. <b>Results:</b> The authors identified relevant studies and summarized the data on the two gene therapies. <b>Conclusion:</b> Exagamglogene autotemcel and lovotibeglogene autotemcel are two management strategies that address the underlying cause of SCD and provide curative potential for patients with SCD.</p>","PeriodicalId":16796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy Technology","volume":"40 5","pages":"236-247"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11463071/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142400557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gepirone: A New Extended-Release Oral Selective Serotonin Receptor Agonist for Major Depressive Disorder.","authors":"Bradley Phillips, Colin O'Connor, Erin St Onge","doi":"10.1177/87551225241269179","DOIUrl":"10.1177/87551225241269179","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of gepirone (Exxua) in the treatment of adult patients with major depressive disorder. <b>Data Sources:</b> A literature search was performed through PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO using the following terms: Exxua, gepirone, depression, major depressive disorder, anxiety, and anxiety disorders. <b>Study Selection and Data Extraction:</b> Articles that were selected included English-language dominant studies, or studies that could be translated into English by the authors, with terms associated with the safety, efficacy, and/or tolerability of gepirone. <b>Data Synthesis:</b> Gepirone exhibits its antidepressant activity through agonism of 5HT_1A serotonin receptors. Phase 3 clinical trials showed that gepirone at a dose of 20 to 80 mg was proven to be effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder in adult patients. Common adverse effects reported in clinical trials included dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, and insomnia. <b>Conclusion:</b> This review evaluates the pharmacokinetic, pharmacologic, efficacy, and safety profile of gepirone and includes a discussion on its place in therapy for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Most clinical guidelines recommend second-generation antidepressants consisting of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors as first-line therapy options. Gepirone is expected to receive greater clinical relevance and recommendations when compared to other azapirone medications (buspirone) within practice guidelines. Gepirone could be considered as either an alternative option for patients failing first-line therapies or for initial use to avoid unwanted side effects of other therapy options in the treatment of adult patients with major depressive disorder.</p>","PeriodicalId":16796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy Technology","volume":"40 5","pages":"230-235"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11528721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142566923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retrospective Evaluation of Inpatient Warfarin Management Practices in Patients Immediately Following Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.","authors":"Joel Feih, Kaytie Weierstahl, Janelle Juul, Ruta Brazauskas, Bethanne Held-Godgluck, Joseph Rinka","doi":"10.1177/87551225241268759","DOIUrl":"10.1177/87551225241268759","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation recommends patients receive warfarin and aspirin following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement. Optimal warfarin management in this population has not been well established. <b>Objectives:</b> The objectives of this study were to evaluate warfarin practices in patients immediately post-LVAD implantation. <b>Methods:</b> This single-center, retrospective cohort study included patients 18 years and older following LVAD placement from August 1, 2012 to April 1, 2020. The primary outcome was to assess patient-specific risk factors affecting time to therapeutic range. Secondary outcomes included bleeding events, thrombotic events, and warfarin dosing patterns. <b>Results:</b> Of 104 included patients, 91% reached the therapeutic range at a median of 8 days. A higher proportion of patients started on 3.5 mg or higher reached therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) and faster (96% vs 90%; 8 vs 5 days) compared to lower doses. Univariate analysis of associations with reaching therapeutic INR range included initial warfarin dose, cumulative warfarin, and warfarin dosing changes, whereas HAS-BLED and CHA₂DS₂VAC were associated with slower time to therapeutic INR. Overall, 44% of patients met Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) bleeding criteria. There were a total of 12 thrombotic events and no pump thrombotic events. Total weekly warfarin dosing was significantly lower post-LVAD (24.3 mg vs 35 mg, <i>P</i> = 0.0009). In addition, warfarin requirements were statistically higher after the first week of therapy (4.0 mg vs 2.89 mg, <i>P</i> < 0.0001). <b>Conclusion:</b> Based on the results, consider warfarin starting dose between 2.5 and 4 mg for patients on LVAD therapy, while balancing patient-specific risks for bleeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":16796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy Technology","volume":"40 5","pages":"215-222"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11462938/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142400558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of Apixaban Use in Patients With Advanced Kidney Disease.","authors":"Conner McClain, Amanda R Buckallew, Anastasia L Armbruster","doi":"10.1177/87551225241247691","DOIUrl":"10.1177/87551225241247691","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Current guidelines and literature suggest apixaban may be used in patients with severe kidney disease and atrial fibrillation (AF) for stroke and systemic embolism risk reduction (SSE) or patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). Limited data is available for long-term safety and efficacy outcomes in this patient population. <b>Objective:</b> Evaluate the use of apixaban for AF or VTE in patients with advanced kidney disease. <b>Methods:</b> This single-center, retrospective, Investigational Review Board approved study evaluated patients ≥18 years of age with severe kidney disease on apixaban therapy for VTE or AF from March 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020. The primary outcome was major bleeding from apixaban initiation/continuation until 12 months after discharge. The secondary outcomes included a composite bleed (major bleeding, clinically relevant non-major bleeding, and minor bleeding), the occurrence of VTE or SSE, and death during hospitalization from any cause other than bleeding. <b>Results:</b> Overall, 156 patients met inclusion criteria. Six patients experienced major bleeding (3.8%). Composite bleeding occurred in 16 patients (10.3%); no patients had SSE or VTE, and 4 patients died from causes other than bleeding (2.6%). Limitations included the small sample size and retrospective nature of the study. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study demonstrated that patients with advanced chronic kidney disease on apixaban for AF or VTE had low major bleeding and similar overall bleeding rates compared with previously published literature. When considering the use of apixaban in this population, risks and benefits should be weighed in addition to the consideration of FDA-label dosing guidance.</p>","PeriodicalId":16796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy Technology","volume":"40 4","pages":"171-177"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11325681/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142000214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phenobarbital Dosing for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: A Review of the Literature.","authors":"Lindsay Brooks, Justin P Reinert","doi":"10.1177/87551225241249407","DOIUrl":"10.1177/87551225241249407","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> To determine the most appropriate phenobarbital dosing regimen by evaluating the safety and efficacy of the drug when specifically used in alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). <b>Data sources:</b> A comprehensive literary search was conducted using PubMed and bibliographic mining in October 2023. <b>Study selection and data extraction:</b> An established monotherapy phenobarbital regimen needed to be established within the article to be included in analysis. Location of implementation was not a deterrent to evaluation, nor was the route of phenobarbital administration. <b>Data synthesis:</b> Six publications were evaluated in this review, and two main phenobarbital dosing regimens emerged. While fix-based dosing strategies and weight-based dosing strategies resulted, the dosing within the regimens resulted in the same or relatively similar doses employed, respectively. Each of the studies had a statistically significant decrease in their primary outcome being studied, and the use of phenobarbital as monotherapy was proven to improve AWS symptoms, significantly decrease intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, decrease the use of adjunctive medications, decrease the use of a ventilator, and prevent seizures. <b>Conclusions:</b> Despite benzodiazepines having been the clinical first-line therapy for AWS, research shows that the pharmacokinetic stability and clinical benefits of phenobarbital are in support creation of phenobarbital protocols, as monotherapy, in hospitals or institutions for patients with AWS.</p>","PeriodicalId":16796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy Technology","volume":"40 4","pages":"186-193"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11325683/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142000215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}