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Biomedical subjects

K H Lucas

Publications and source records attributed to K H Lucas.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Alternate-day dosing of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors for cholesterol reduction.

OBJECTIVE: Assess efficacy, safety, and cost of alternate-day dosing with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (HRIs). DATA: International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and MEDLINE (English-language clinical trials, 1966-April 2000) were searched. DATA SYNTHESIS: Established efficacy of HRIs is based on daily administration. Many patients who could benefit from these agents are unable to afford them; therefore, alternate-day dosing may be a solution for reducing expense without decreasing therapy benefits. Studies addressing alternate-day HRI therapy are evaluated to determine the usefulness of this option for cholesterol reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Although limited studies imply a trend toward benefit with alternate-day HRI therapy, large, controlled, randomized trials are needed before making this a standard recommendation.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Orlistat--a novel weight loss therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical safety and efficacy, drug interactions, and therapeutic issues related to the use of orlistat for treatment of obesity. DATA SOURCES: English-language articles were identified from MEDLINE (1966-July 2000), Roche Laboratories, organizational guidelines, National Institutes of Health and Food and Drug Administration Web sites, and Doctor's Guide online. Key words included obesity, orlistat, and lipase inhibitors. References were also identified from reference sections of published articles. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, human trials were selected for review and discussion. DATA SYNTHESIS: Orlistat is the first agent in the lipase inhibitor class of antiobesity drugs. Orlistat is minimally absorbed and has been shown to reduce body weight by inhibiting absorption (by approximately 30%) of ingested dietary fat. Safety and efficacy have been established in one- and two-year double-blind, placebo-controlled trials; adverse effects were primarily, and almost exclusively, gastrointestinal. Due to its ability to block fat absorption, orlistat also has the capability to inhibit absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Therefore, a daily multiple vitamin is recommended while taking orlistat. CONCLUSIONS: By inhibiting fat absorption, orlistat offers a new treatment modality for weight loss and maintenance. Preliminary data from clinical trials suggest that orlistat may be beneficial in patients with comorbid conditions related to obesity, such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia. However, further studies during postmarketing surveillance are needed to fully establish orlistats long-term benefits and safety. Orlistat should be considered a useful adjunctive therapy for weight loss and maintenance in obese patients (i.e., body mass index > or = 30 kg/m2 or > or = 27 kg/m2 if other risk factors are present) committed to lifestyle changes including diet, exercise, and behavioral modification.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Shaking, chills, and rigors with once-daily gentamicin.

A patient receiving once-daily gentamicin experienced shaking, chills, and rigors. This adverse reaction has occurred in patients around the country at many different institutions. Although the etiology is thought to be mediated by higher than normal endotoxin levels in one product, other possibilities must be explored.

Adult↗