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Biomedical subjects

Donald S Nuzum

Publications and source records attributed to Donald S Nuzum.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Nebivolol: a third-generation beta-adrenergic blocker.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of a new beta-adrenergic blocker, nebivolol, and review the literature evaluating its efficacy in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. DATA SOURCES: Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1996-May 2006) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-May 2006), using the key word nebivolol. Additional references were selected from the bibliographies of the articles cited. Searches were not limited by language, time, or human subject. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Preclinical studies evaluating the pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of nebivolol in humans were selected for review. Randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trials assessing the efficacy of nebivolol for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure were also included. DATA SYNTHESIS: Preclinical data have established nebivolol as a third-generation beta-adrenergic blocker, as it possesses vasodilatory properties that contribute to its hemodynamic effects beyond those achieved at beta-adrenergic receptors. Short-term, randomized, controlled clinical trials have shown nebivolol to be as effective as other antihypertensive therapies at lowering blood pressure. One long-term trial showed a significant reduction in death and hospital admissions for cardiovascular causes when nebivolol was compared with placebo in patients with heart failure (31.1% vs 65.3%; HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.74 to 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Nebivolol is a novel beta-adrenergic blocker that possesses unique pharmacologic properties, compared with other agents in its class. Nebivolol appears to be as effective as other antihypertensive agents at lowering blood pressure and possesses benefits for patients with heart failure. Additional studies are needed to address the long-term benefits of nebivolol for hypertension, to compare nebivolol with other beta-adrenergic blockers for heart failure, and to investigate the clinical relevance of nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Evaluating sample medications in primary care: a practice-based research network study.

BACKGROUND: No reports have objectively evaluated safety of samples in primary care practices. A study was conducted to determine adherence to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) recommendations for safe distribution of medication samples to minimize medication errors. METHODS: In 2004, 17 urban and rural primary care practices participated in a two-phase observational study: (1) a site visit to collect inventory data and perform assessment of medication sample dispensing procedures and (2) a survey questionnaire for providers and patients upon sample medication provision. RESULTS: No practices were compliant with all seven ISMP recommendations. Twelve of 17 practices had policies for sample medication dispensing, and 7 had policies for labeling. Sample medication use was evaluated for 585 office visits and 27 patient surveys. Fifty-eight sample medications were dispensed during 55 of 585 patient visits. Common reasons for using sample medications included availability and need for a short-term trial for a chronic medication. Verbal communication only was provided most of the time for patient education regarding appropriate sample medication use and side effects. DISCUSSION: Primary care practices in this research network did not follow safe and appropriate sample medication dispensing procedures as outlined by ISMP. Both labeling and patient instructions were inadequate and may increase the risk for medication errors.

Colorado↗