The monthly frequently asked questions are compiled by DIG faculty, residents, and students.  These summaries provide a concise overview of a current drug therapy topic.

Select year: Heading link

December

  • What is the recommended duration of naltrexone treatment for alcohol use disorder?
  • What literature is available on how pharmacy can play a role in reducing health care’s climate footprint?
  • What heparin dosing regimens should be used for indications related to peripheral artery disease?

November

  • What information is available to guide the practice of therapeutic drug monitoring for itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, and isavuconazonium sulfate?
  • What are the latest updates and guideline recommendations in MASLD/MASH?
  • What are the current treatment recommendations for Mpox infections?

October

  • Update: Does the literature support the use of doxycycline for post-exposure prophylaxis against sexually transmitted infections?
  • Update: What is the role for commercially available fecal microbiota transplantation products in managing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection?
  • Are there data to support dose intensification of golimumab for moderate to severe inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., 100 mg every 2 weeks)?

September

  • What evidence supports the efficacy and safety of donanemab for Alzheimer disease?
  • Is methylene blue a recommended non-catecholamine vasopressor to treat vasodilatory shock?
  • What is the comparative safety of IV bisphosphonates for the treatment of hypercalcemia in patients with renal dysfunction?

August

  • What is the recommended dosage of anakinra (Kineret) for secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)?
  • Are the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors effective for reducing contrast-associated acute kidney injury?
  • What literature is available on oral beta-lactam therapy for gram-negative bacteremia?

July

  • What efficacy supports the use of liposomal bupivacaine for post-cesarean pain control?
  • What are the current recommendations for administration of live vaccines in patients receiving dupilumab?
  • What information is available on the newly approved Moderna RSV vaccine (mRESVIA®) and how does it compare with other currently available RSV vaccines?

June

  • What are the features of calculators used to estimated cardiovascular disease risk?
  • What is tianeptine, and are there recommendations for managing tianeptine misuse/withdrawal in the medical setting?
  • What are current recommendations on travel vaccine administration?

May

  • What literature is available on GLP-1 receptor agonists in the setting of bariatric surgery?
  • What are the differences in efficacy and safety of intranasal naloxone versus nalmefene?
  • What new evidence is available regarding intravenous iron replacement in patients with heart failure?

April

  • How do brexanolone and zuranolone compare in patients with postpartum depression?
  • Is intravenous hydroxocobalamin an effective treatment for vasoplegia-associated shock?
  • What information is available on vaccines for the prevention of RSV?

March

  • What are the Available and Emerging Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors for COPD Treatment?
  • What are key pharmacologic recommendations in the management type 2 diabetes based on updated 2023 American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) type 2 diabetes algorithm and 2024 American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines?
  • What information is available on gene therapies for treatment of beta-thalassemia?

February

  • Are there any guidelines supporting the use of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) versus nebulizers regarding infection transmission?
  • What information is available on novel gene therapies for treatment of sickle cell disease?
  • What is the role of colchicine in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in adults?

January

  • What information is available on the off-label use of gabapentin and topiramate for alcohol use disorder?
  • What evidence supports the use of azithromycin for ruptured membranes in preterm prelabor?
  • Does the available evidence support the use of anakinra in the management of constrictive pericarditis?

December

  • Is the use of piperacillin/tazobactam associated with risk of acute kidney injury?
  • What are institutional perioperative practices for patients with alpha-gal allergy?
  • What is the role of ketamine in the management of status epilepticus?

November

  • What are the latest updates and recommendations on vaccination against COVID-19?
  • Can thiazide diuretics cause increases in serum glucose?
  • What efficacy data are available on the use of tirzepatide for obesity?

October

  • Do data support the use of commercially available fecal microbiota transplantation products in managing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection?
  • Is there a risk of intraoperative aspiration with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists?
  • What data exists on the use of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease?

September

  • Does Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor Increase the Risk of Bleomycin Induced Lung Injury?
  • A Summary of the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in the Elderly
  • What are current best practices on holding metformin prior to and post contrast administration?

August

  • What literature supports the use of low-dose rifaximin in patients with hepatic encephalopathy?
  • What data exists on the use of buprenorphine and buprenorphine-naloxone for the treatment of kratom withdrawal?
  • Is there a preference between topical natamycin and topical voriconazole for first-line treatment of fungal keratitis?

July

  • What evidence supports the use of ketamine in pain management of vaso-occlusive episodes in patients with sickle cell disease?
  • What is the evidence for using greater than the FDA recommended dose of clobazam?
  • Does the literature support the use of doxycycline for post-exposure prophylaxis against sexually transmitted infections?

June

  • What evidence supports the use of neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonists for gastroparesis-related nausea and vomiting?
  • What is the optimal duration of antibiotics for complicated UTI in a male patient?
  • What is the update on long-term safety evidence with proton pump inhibitor use?

May

  • Is weight loss sustained after discontinuation of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists for obesity?
  • What information is available regarding the safety of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
  • What evidence is available supporting the use of vitamin D in the treatment of asthma?

April

  • What clinical evidence supports the use of lecanemab for Alzheimer disease?
  • What considerations should pharmacists make in relation to teplizumab use in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus?
  • What data are available for sublingual dexmedetomidine in the treatment of acute agitation related to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder?

March

  • Should allopurinol be given simultaneously with rasburicase for tumor lysis syndrome?
  • Update: Can the intravenous formulation of vitamin K be administered orally?
  • What literature is available on the use of enteral immunoglobulin for the treatment of norovirus enteritis?

February

  • What data supports the use of alteplase 1 mg versus 2 mg for catheter occlusions?
  • Does the available data support the use of liposomal bupivacaine for analgesia during vasectomy and vasectomy reversal procedures?
  • Update: What evidence supports rectal indomethacin for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis?

January

  • What recent updates are available to guide decisions on use of immunosuppressant antirheumatic drugs perioperatively for orthopedic procedures?
  • What data are available for systemic tenecteplase in submassive pulmonary embolism?
  • What are current guideline recommendations for use of terlipressin in hepatorenal syndrome?

December

  • What literature exists on the practice of prescribing prophylactic antibiotics after pacemaker insertion or revision procedures?
  • What evidence supports the recommendation for high-dose amoxicillin in children with acute otitis media?
  • What is the role of tranexamic acid in patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding?

November

  • What is the evidence supporting the use of intravenous copper for copper deficiency?
  • What evidence is available on use of IV magnesium sulfate for use in COPD exacerbation?
  • What are the reasons to administer nebulized epinephrine?

October

  • What data support initiation of antihypertensive therapy for mild chronic hypertension in pregnancy?
  • What evidence supports current recommendations for monkeypox vaccination?
  • What evidence is available for oral ketamine in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder?

September

  • What evidence is there for the 5-day maximum with the use of ketorolac?
  • What considerations should pharmacists prescribing nirmatrelvir-ritonavir for the treatment of COVID-19 in the outpatient population be aware of?
  • What data are available to support switching between thrombopoietin receptor agonists in patients with immune thrombocytopenia?

August

  • What are current recommendations for preventing surgical site infections in patients with trauma?
  • What is the evidence for use, monitoring parameters, and treatment goals of agents for weight loss approved in the last 10 years?
  • Is there any literature to support the use of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) plus a histamine-2-receptor antagonist (H2RA) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

July

  • What is the role of oral ketamine in pain management?
  • What is the evidence supporting combination therapy with amphotericin B and either azole antifungals or echinocandins for the treatment of mucormycosis?
  • What evidence supports the initiation of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors during acute decompensated heart failure?

June

  • Are direct oral anticoagulants safe and effective for the treatment of adults with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT)?
  • What evidence supports the use of fibrinogen concentrate to minimize the need for blood transfusions?
  • Update: what evidence supports intravenous tenecteplase for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke?

May

  • What is the strength of evidence available on the risk of GI bleeding with direct oral anticoagulants?
  • Do data support the use of oral vancomycin prophylaxis for primary prevention of Clostridium difficile infection CDI in high-risk patients?
  • What new evidence is available to support the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in pediatric patients for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment and prevention?

April

  • What is the place in therapy for empagliflozin for heart failure?
  • What drug therapy is recommended for management of immune-related adverse events in patients treated with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy?
  • What is the optimal sequencing for first-line treatment of BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma?

March

  • What is the recommended duration of anticoagulant therapy for pediatric patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE)?
  • Update: What are the 2021 pharmacotherapy updates to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock?
  • Update: Should tranexamic acid be added to the standard of care in treating postpartum hemorrhage?

February

  • What are the updated recommendations for naming monoclonal antibodies?
  • Update: Is oral vancomycin prophylaxis (OVP) beneficial for secondary prevention of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI)?
  • What is the optimal dosing of intracavernous phenylephrine for acute ischemic priapism?

January

  • What are the updated treatment recommendations for chlamydia and gonococcal infections?
  • What are the new recommendations regarding estimation of glomerular filtration rate without the variable for race, and what effects might this have on drug dosing?
  • What evidence supports intravenous tenecteplase for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke?

December

  • What data supported the removal of the pregnancy contraindication from statin labeling?
  • What literature is available on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use for post-stroke recovery?
  • What evidence is available regarding the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine booster shots in adults?

November

  • What are the 2021 guideline updates on the management of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in adults?
  • Are there data available to support use of fixed-dose cisatracurium for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
  • What are the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection prophylaxis with palivizumab?

October

  • What data support a thrice-weekly regimen of ertapenem therapy in patients with end-stage renal disease on intermittent hemodialysis?
  • What literature is available describing the occurrence of bradycardia with remdesivir?
  • What is the clinical evidence supporting, and controversy surrounding, the use of aducanumab (Aduhelm TM) for Alzheimer disease?

September

  • What evidence is available for use of the newest mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, finerenone, in diabetic kidney disease?
  • Are there any data to support administration of a second course of intravenous immunoglobulin in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome unresponsive to a first course?
  • 2021 Update: What are considerations for determining whether a drug may be administered via a midline catheter?

August

  • What are current recommendations for filtering parenteral nutrition (PN) admixtures?
  • What evidence is available regarding thrombosis and thrombocytopenia associated with adenoviral vector-based COVID-19 vaccines?
  • What information is available on the management of potential drug interactions with the COVID-19 vaccine?

July

  • What recommendations are available regarding the timing of administration of the COVID-19 vaccine with regard to immunosuppressant medications?
  • Update: What is the evidence for use of high-dose vitamin C in critically ill patients with sepsis?
  • What evidence supports the addition of metronidazole to the standard regimen of ceftriaxone and doxycycline for the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease?

June

  • What data are available to support extended-release bupivacaine/meloxicam for post surgical analgesia?
  • Why has bacitracin for injection been withdrawn, and are alternative irrigation solutions recommended to prevent pocket infection during implantation of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices?
  • In patients with severe COVID-19, are there data to support the use of dexamethasone or methylprednisolone doses greater than dexamethasone 6 mg daily or equivalent?

May

  • What drugs are likely to interfere with urine drug screens?
  • What evidence supports new disease-modifying drug therapies in sickle cell disease?
  • Update: What is the optimal dosing of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate in patients with warfarin-associated bleeding?

April

  • What is the evidence on the use of high-dose nitroglycerin for SCAPE?
  • What evidence is available regarding the off-label use of spinal mepivacaine versus bupivacaine for total hip and total knee arthroplasty?
  • What evidence is available for intranasal esketamine as a treatment for acute depression/suicidal ideation in the emergency department?

March

  • What technology is used in vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019?
  • What should I, as a pharmacist, know about long-COVID?
  • What is the place in therapy for monoclonal antibodies in outpatients with COVID-19?

February

  • What are current recommendations for treatment of drug extravasation?
  • What evidence supports the use of Clorpactin (sodium oxychlorosene) for the treatment of urinary tract infections?
  • Update: What is the evidence for the use of albumin for treatment of intradialytic hypotension?
  • Update: What do pharmacists need to know about convalescent plasma for COVID-19?

January

  • Should appetite stimulants be used in pediatric patients with cancer?
  • What vaccines should be administered to adult patients who have asplenia or hyposplenia?
  • What is the risk of QT prolongation with droperidol?

December

  • What outcomes data are available for cefiderocol in the treatment of serious, resistant infections?
  • What evidence supports the use of oliceridine for severe pain?
  • Is there information on intrawound/topical vancomycin powder in craniotomy?

November

  • Is oral vancomycin prophylaxis (OVP) beneficial for secondary prevention of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI)?
  • What are the pharmacologic options for managing pica in pregnant women?
  • Update: What evidence is available on the off-label use of dexmedetomidine for alcohol withdrawal syndrome?

October

  • Update: What evidence supports the use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants in patients with cancer-related VTE?
  • How should unfractionated heparin be monitored in patients transitioning from oral factor Xa inhibitors?
  • What is the role of dapagliflozin for treatment of heart failure?

September

  • What data supports imipenem-cilastatin/relebactam’s new indication for bacterial pneumonia?
  • What information is available regarding screening and treating asymptomatic bacteriuria prior to select nonurologic surgeries?
  • Update: What data support the use of andexanet alfa (ANDEXXA) for the reversal of factor Xa inhibitors?
  • What do pharmacists need to know about the Emergency Use Authorization for convalescent plasma for COVID-19?

August

  • What efficacy supports the use of liposomal bupivacaine for post-Cesarean pain control?
  • Are there data to support the use of IV meloxicam for perioperative pain control in orthopedic surgery patients?
  • What evidence supports transitioning from dexmedetomidine to clonidine for sedation management?

July

  • What recommendations are available for laboratory monitoring of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC)?
  • What drugs should be avoided in myasthenia gravis?
  • What is the controversy surrounding testosterone replacement therapy?

June

  • What information is available regarding use of anticoagulation in the management of COVID-19?
  • What information is available regarding the risks of ACE inhibitor or ARB use during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • What data are there to support use of tocilizumab in critically ill patients with COVID-19?

May

  • What evidence supports the use of colchicine for secondary prevention after an acute myocardial infarction?
  • What information is available regarding the use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine for treatment of COVID-19?
  • Are there data to support the use of oral albuterol for acute respiratory symptoms when inhalation treatment is unavailable or inappropriate?

April

  • What evidence supports the use of tranexamic acid in patients with traumatic brain injury?
  • What is the evidence available for treatment of COVID-19 with lopinavir/ritonavir or remdesivir?
  • What should I, as a pharmacist, know about COVID-19?

March

  • What literature is available for the use of inhaled tranexamic acid in hemoptysis?
  • Is there literature describing the efficacy or safety of inhaled vancomycin to treat MRSA ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis?
  • What is the new recommendation for 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine in elderly adults?

February

  • Is melatonin an effective treatment option for the prevention of hospital-induced delirium?
  • What evidence supports the use of oral tranexamic acid for major orthopedic surgery?
  • What evidence is available comparing pegfilgrastim administration on day of versus day after chemotherapy?

January

  • What data are available to support the use of bisphosphonates in calciphylaxis?
  • What information is available on use of water-soluble contrast agents for uncomplicated adhesive small bowel obstruction?
  • What is the recommended frequency and duration of electrocardiogram monitoring in patients receiving intravenous haloperidol?

December

  • What recent changes may influence pharmacotherapy of community-acquired pneumonia?
  • What are the most recent updates from the Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices regarding HPV vaccination?
  • What guidance is available for tapering long-term opioid analgesics?

November

  • Update: What information has been yielded from the cardiovascular safety studies on new anti-hyperglycemic agents?
  • What criteria exist to suggest use of denosumab for the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy over other calcium reducing options?
  • What is the pharmaceutical contaminant N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and what risk does it pose to humans?

October

  • What is the clinical relevance of the clopidogrel/proton pump inhibitor (PPI) interaction?
  • What is the comparative diagnostic value of the novel somatostatin analog radiotracers for SSRT PET?
  • What data are available regarding short versus long duration of antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated Enterobacteriaceae bacteremia?

September

  • What evidence supports the use of oral factor Xa inhibitors for VTE prevention in patients with cancer?
  • Do psychostimulants cause tics?

August

  • Is there evidence to support the use of echinocandins for urinary tract infection?
  • What are alternatives to erythromycin ophthalmic ointment for prophylaxis of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum?
  • Update: Does extended infusion piperacillin-tazobactam (Zosyn) improve clinical outcomes?

July

  • Is there literature to support the combined use of lactulose and rifaximin for the treatment of acute overt hepatic encephalopathy?
  • What is the evidence for rectal indomethacin for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis?
  • What is the optimal duration of antimicrobial surgical site infection prophylaxis in cardiac surgery?

June

  • What evidence is available for the use of capsaicin in cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?
  • What is the evidence for using haloperidol for migraines in the emergency department?
  • Update: What is the safety information available on the use of DOACs in patients with renal impairment?

May

  • Is intravenous ketamine effective for treatment of headache disorders in the emergency department?
  • Does elevated INR in hospitalized patients with chronic liver disease suggest that anticoagulation is not necessary?
  • Is ticagrelor the optimal antiplatelet for patients with peripheral artery disease?

April

  • Is there a role for newer cation exchange resins (ie, patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) in the emergency management of hyperkalemia?
  • Update: What data are available to direct dosing of intravenous immunoglobulin G based on total versus ideal or adjusted body weight?
  • What evidence exists to support the use of nebulized sodium bicarbonate as a mucolytic in hospitalized patients?

March

  • What is the available literature regarding use of KCentra® (Four Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate) (4F-PCC) for the treatment of coagulopathies and acute hemorrhage in patients with liver disease who are not receiving concomitant anticoagulation therapy?
  • What data exist for the use of tolvaptan beyond 30 days in the setting of hyponatremia?
  • What are anesthesia safety considerations related to patients taking cannabis?

February

  • Can alteplase be used to clear occluded chest tubes?
  • What is the latest evidence on alternatives to magnesium sulfate in patients with preeclampsia and eclampsia?
  • What are the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommendations for the diagnosis and management of seasonal influenza?

January

  • What clinical data are available comparing nicardipine to clevidipine in acute ischemic stroke?
  • What evidence is available to support the use of N-acetylcysteine for impulse control disorders?
  • What evidence supports the use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants in patients with cancer-related VTE?

December

  • Does administration of sodium bicarbonate to patients with severe metabolic acidosis yield a mortality benefit?
  • What data support use of topical tranexamic acid for epistaxis in adults?
  • What is the evidence for online vancomycin dose calculators?

November

  • What are important considerations for using cannabidiol for the treatment of pediatric seizures?
  • What are the 2018 SCCM guideline recommendations for pain, agitation/sedation, delirium, immobility, and sleep disruption (PADIS)?
  • Is intravenous lidocaine effective for renal colic in patients with urolithiasis?

October

  • What data are available to support administration of high-dose (>200 mg) iron sucrose in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease?
  • What is the appropriate management of acute pain in a patient with opioid use disorder?
  • Probiotics and Clostridium difficile infections: What do we know now?

September

  • What is the emerging pathogen Candida auris and what should pharmacists know about it?
  • What role does intravenous magnesium play in the management of migraines?
  • What clinical data are available comparing meropenem 500 mg every 6 hours to meropenem 1000 mg every 8 hours?

August

  • What data support the use of andexanet alfa (ANDEXXA) for the reversal of factor Xa inhibitors?
  • What new data are available linking an increased infection risk with chronic opioid therapy?
  • Can intraoperative methadone reduce postoperative opioid requirements?

July

  • What is the efficacy and safety of IV acetaminophen when compared to oral acetaminophen?
  • What is the clinical efficacy of fish-oil containing lipid emulsion products compared to soybean oil-based lipid emulsion products for parenteral nutrition?
  • What is the evidence on the use of valbenazine (Ingrezza) for tardive dyskinesia?

June

  • What is the current evidence on using aromatherapy for treating postoperative nausea and/or vomiting?
  • What data are available to support etelcalcetide in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism?
  • What guideline recommendations are available regarding perioperative multimodal analgesia (MMA)?

May

  • Update: What are aminophylline alternatives for the reversal of adenosine agonists used in pharmacologic stress testing?
  • In critically ill patients, do balanced solutions improve renal outcomes and decrease mortality when compared to normal saline?
  • What evidence is available for enoxaparin dosing for VTE prophylaxis in patients undergoing bariatric surgery?

April

  • Is there a potential for misuse and abuse with gabapentin (Neurontin®) and pregabalin (Lyrica®)?
  • What is the evidence behind the recent approval of the Shingrix vaccine?
  • What is the appropriate management of tetanus exposure?

March

  • Is one type of influenza vaccine more effective than another?
  • What is the role of Giapreza (angiotensin II) in shock?
  • What data are available for intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) in Clostridium difficile infection?

February

  • Are there data to support an increased risk of heart failure exacerbation/decompensation with pregabalin use?
  • What does the PRESERVE trial tell us about the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury?
  • What data supports the efficacy and safety of meropenem-vaborbactam?

January

  • What is alpha-gal allergy and how does it impact medication therapy?
  • What is the evidence for the use of high-dose intravenous vitamin C for the treatment of cancer?
  • What are considerations for determining whether a drug may be administered via a midline catheter?

December

  • What information has been yielded from the cardiovascular safety studies on new anti-hyperglycemic agents?
  • Should tranexamic acid be added to the standard of care in treating postpartum hemorrhage?
  • What evidence is available on adult dosing of vancomycin in obesity?

November

  • What is the evidence for decolonization with an alcohol-based nasal antiseptic?
  • What evidence supports combining insulin and other antidiabetic medications in adults with type 1 diabetes?
  • What is the appropriate management of rabies exposure?

October

  • What is the appropriate management of hemorrhagic cystitis?
  • How can sodium acetate be used as a substitute for sodium bicarbonate, and what other strategies are recommended for sodium bicarbonate shortage management?
  • What are cardioplegia solutions?

September

  • How is acute kidney injury defined in pediatric patients?
  • What data are available on use of N-acetylcysteine in the management of non-acetaminophen drug-induced liver injury?
  • What are the new data regarding risk of sudden death in heart failure?

August

  • What is the role of minocycline in the treatment of multidrug resistant organisms?
  • ​What evidence supports the use of coenzyme Q10 supplementation to prevent or treat statin-associated myopathy?
  • What evidence is available on the use of intravenous sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension?

July

  • Is pregabalin effective for the treatment of sciatica pain?
  • What evidence is available to support the use of anti-factor Xa levels instead of activated partial thromboplastin time for monitoring of intravenous unfractionated heparin therapy in adults?
  • Are there any new safety concerns with antibiotics in pregnancy?

June

  • Can olanzapine be administered intravenously for the management of acute agitation?
  • What evidence supports the use of intravenous sub-dissociative-dose ketamine for pain in the emergency department?
  • What is the available evidence for the use of alteplase for occlusion of peritoneal dialysis catheters?

May

  • What is the role of bezlotoxumab in treating Clostridium difficile infections?
  • What is the evidence for use of high-dose vitamin C in critically ill patients?
  • How does brivaracetam compare to other antiepileptic agents in treating refractory partial onset seizures (POS)?

April

  • What evidence is available for the use of aprepitant (Emend) compared to other antiemetics for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting?
  • What handling precautions should be taken when preparing monoclonal antibody drugs?
  • What are the American Heart Association’s recommendations for managing NOACs in acute care and peri-procedurally?

March

  • What evidence evaluates the use of procalcitonin to guide antibiotic duration in patients with hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia?
  • What is the usual clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of norovirus infection?
  • Which is the best method for administration of pancreatic enzyme replacement products by enteral feeding tube?

February

  • Can direct oral ant​icoagulants be prescribed to patients taking carbamazepine?
  • Are there data to support the treatment of Pseudomonas infections with cefepime 1 gram every 6 hours vs. 2 grams every 8 hours?
  • What are the treatment options for post-operative shivering?

January

  • What are the updated recommendations for the role of PCSK9 inhibitors in the management of hypercholesterolemia?
  • What literature supports the use of liposomal bupivacaine in transversus abdominis plane nerve blocks?
  • What evidence is available for using direct oral anticoagulants in HIT?

December

  • What is the optimal dosing of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate in patients with warfarin-associated bleeding?
  • Is there updated information on the off-label use of dexmedetomidine (Precedex®) for alcohol withdrawal syndrome?
  • What is the available evidence for the use of sodium thiosulfate for non-uremic calciphylaxis?

November

  • What drugs can be used to manage floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery?
  • What is the latest information on gadolinium-based contrast agents and brain deposits?
  • Is there literature to support the adjunct use of simethicone prior to colonoscopy to improve visualization?

October

  • What are the data on efficacy and safety of using injectable tobramycin for inhalation via nebulization?
  • What are the comparative clinical data for albuterol versus levalbuterol?
  • What evidence supports the efficacy of ranolazine (Ranexa®) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation?

September

  • Dexrazoxane and the risk secondary cancer in pediatric patients: Can this controversy be laid to rest?
  • What are alternatives to sublingually administered ophthalmic atropine for treatment of noisy breathing in terminally ill patients?
  • How should medications be appropriately managed following bariatric surgery?

August

  • What evidence supports the use of antibiotic-loaded bone cement to prevent infection in primary hip and knee arthroplasty?
  • What does the American Psychiatric Association recommend regarding the use of antipsychotics in patients with dementia?
  • Can a simplified 2-bag acetylcysteine approach improve tolerability in acetaminophen overdoses?

July

  • What evidence is available for the use of fluorescein for gastrointestinal and genitourinary procedures?
  • What is the evidence to support the new 2016 heart failure update and place in therapy of the new heart failure agents?
  • What is the comparative evidence on use of IV acetaminophen versus oral acetaminophen?

June

  • What evidence is available for efficacy and stability of high dose mitomycin C concentrations?
  • What evidence supports or refutes the use of medical grade honey for wound healing?
  • What are the new 2016 ACC/AHA guideline recommendations for dual antiplatelet therapy?

May

  • What are the key changes to drug therapy recommendations in the 2016 AACE type 2 diabetes algorithm?
  • What are the clinical implications of the 2016 American Epilepsy Society (AES) guidelines for status epilepticus?
  • What is the clinical evidence for the use of sugammadex (Bridion®)?

April

  • What are the 2016 guideline recommendations for the management of postoperative pain?
  • What is the most recent evidence for using probiotics in patients with Clostridium difficile?
  • Does adjunctive corticosteroid therapy improve outcomes in patients with community-acquired pneumonia?

March

  • What data support selexipag and initial ambrisentan/tadalafil therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension?
  • What information is available on Zika virus infection?
  • What are the major drug-related changes to the 2016 update of the CHEST Guideline for Antithrombotic Therapy for VTE Disease?

February

  • Do the insulin glargine products Basaglar and Lantus have similar safety and efficacy profiles?
  • Should blood pressure goals be lowered based on recent evidence?
  • Are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) associated with negative outcomes in patients with cirrhosis?

January

  • What data are available comparing liposomal bupivacaine to other agents?
  • Can estimated patient weight be safely used for dosing of alteplase for acute ischemic stroke?
  • What are the key features of the new rheumatoid arthritis guidelines?

December

  • What is known about idarucizumab for dabigatran reversal?
  • What is the optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention?
  • What is the role of topical tranexamic acid to prevent postsurgical bleeding from major cardiovascular and orthopedic procedures?

November

  • What are the key features of the most recent guidelines for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation?
  • What recent evidence describes the comparative safety and efficacy of bivalirudin and heparins in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention?
  • Can the intravenous formulation of vitamin K be administered orally?

October

  • Can angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) be administered to patients who develop angioedema on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) therapy?
  • What are the data to support the use of ethanol lock therapy to decrease catheter-related infections in pediatric patients?
  • What is the cross-reactivity of penicillins and carbapenems in a patient with a penicillin allergy?

September

  • Can intermittent proton pump inhibitor dosing be used in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
  • What data support the safety and efficacy of the intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor cangrelor?
  • Is the recently updated cholesterol guideline cost-effective and better at identifying at-risk patients than the previous ATP III guideline?

August

  • How will fusion technology for factor concentrates change prophylaxis strategies in the management of hemophilia A and B?
  • How should allergic reactions to local anesthetics be managed?
  • What is the efficacy and safety evidence for Zarxio (filgrastim-sndz), the first biosimilar approved in the United States?

July

  • What are the new recommendations for 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in older adults?
  • What is the safety information available on the use of NOACs in patients with renal impairment?
  • How should patients receiving new oral anticoagulants be managed prior to planned surgical procedures?

June

  • What is the evidence to support twice-daily dosing of insulin glargine?
  • What is the rationale and significance of the FDA’s new guidance for abuse-deterrent opioids?
  • What should healthcare providers know about PCSK9 inhibitors, the new class of cholesterol-lowering medications?

May

  • What evidence supports the efficacy of the new antibiotic, ceftazidime/avibactam (Avycaz)?
  • What should healthcare providers know about the recent measles outbreak in the United States?
  • What are the current recommendations for managing patients initiating non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) after receiving thrombolytic therapies for pulmonary embolism?

April

  • What drugs should be avoided in myasthenia gravis?
  • Is normal saline or heparin preferred as a catheter flush solution?
  • Should warfarin be resumed after gastrointestinal bleeding, and if so – when?

March

  • What are the new guidelines for the pharmacological management of obesity?
  • What information is available on the use of peramivir for treatment of influenza?
  • What data supports the use of new oral anticoagulants in special populations (hepatic impairment, obesity, pregnancy, lactation, and pediatrics)?

Feburary

  • What are the new recommendations for direct-acting antivirals for treatment of hepatitis C virus?
  • What is the Evidence for Use of Inhaled Epoprostenol?
  • What vaccines should be administered to adult, splenectomized, patients?

January

  • What is the Evidence for Use of Bronchodilators in Bronchiolitis?
  • What are Current Recommendations for Treatment of Drug Extravasation?
  • Is Vancomycin Therapy with Targeted Troughs Between 15 and 20 mg/L Associated with an Increased Risk of Nephrotoxicity?

December

  • What evidence supports the efficacy of dalbavancin for the treatment of ABSSSIs?
  • What treatment options are available for the reversal of novel oral anticoagulants?
  • What is the evidence for the safety and efficacy of tedizolid for the treatment of ABSSSIs?

November

  • What is the status of biosimilars in the United States?
  • Preexposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention: What are the new guidelines?
  • How should acute pain be managed in patients taking Suboxone?

October

  • What is the new evidence behind the effectiveness of β-blocker therapy for outcomes post-myocardial infarction?
  • What are the findings of the HEAT-PPCI trial?
  • What is the role of thrombolysis in submassive pulmonary embolism?

September

  • What evidence supports the use of extended or continuous infusions for carbapenem administration?
  • What evidence describes the effect of inhaled morphine for dyspnea or pain?
  • What is the new guidance regarding palivizumab (Synagis®) administration for respiratory syncytial virus?

August

  • What are the proposals of the new USP chapter, ‘ Hazardous Drugs – Handling in Healthcare Settings ? ‘
  • How should beyond-use-dates for compounded preparations be determined?
  • Is intravenous ketamine useful for the treatment of major depressive disorder?

July

  • Can patients with recurrent C difficile infection be treated with a prepared fecal microbiota transplant product?
  • What data are available comparing liposomal bupivacaine to other agents?
  • What is the Target: Stroke initiative and its effect on stroke outcomes?

June

  • What are the recommendations regarding blood pressure management in patients with an acute ischemic stroke?
  • What evidence supports the efficacy of the new oral factor Xa inhibitor, edoxaban?
  • Does testosterone increase the risk of a cardiovascular event?

May

  • What is the effective dose and duration of oral ribavirin for immunocompromised adult patients with RSV infection?
  • Is there any information regarding reducing the adverse effects from acetylcysteine in acetaminophen overdose?
  • What are the current guidelines on treatment of hyponatremia with vasopressin antagonists?

April

  • Is there a benefit to using colloid solutions versus crystalloid solutions as fluid resuscitation for patients with hypovolemic shock?
  • What drug products may be used in patients with anemia or hemorrhage who are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
  • What data are available to direct the dosing weight used for daptomycin in obesity?

March

  • Are there benefits to using genotype-guided warfarin dosing for INR control?
  • Does perioperative use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors increase the risk of adverse outcomes?
  • What is the evidence for the use of albumin for treatment of intradialytic hypotension?

February

  • What are the key features of the new hypertension treatment guidelines?
  • How do the novel oral anticoagulants compare to low-molecular-weight heparin for prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacements?
  • Is there evidence to support the use of lidocaine to reduce pain associated with potassium infusions?

January

  • What is the latest evidence associating statin use with myopathy?
  • What are current best practices for prevention of central-line associated bloodstream infections?
  • What are the key features of the new cholesterol treatment guidelines?

December

  • What is the comparative efficacy of brand Plavix and generic clopidogrel bisulfate?
  • Are there data to support the use of medroxyprogesterone for postpartum hemorrhage?
  • Can dexmedetomidine be used off-label in the management of alcohol withdrawal syndromes?

November

  • What are the most recent recommendations for occupational postexposure prophylaxis(PEP)?
  • What are the safety concerns with electronic cigarettes (“e-cigarettes”),and do they have a role in smoking cessation?
  • What data are available to direct dosing of intravenous immunoglobulin G based on total versus ideal or adjusted body weight?

October

  • Should perioperative beta blockers be used to prevent cardiac complications in non-cardiac surgeries?
  • What comparative data are available for biologics in the setting of rheumatoidarthritis?
  • Is it necessary to bridge with heparin in high-risk patients before pacemaker or defibrillator surgery?

September

  • What is the recommended treatment for shivering related to therapeutic hypothermia?
  • What data support the addition of metronidazole to empiric antibiotic regimens in the treatment of aspiration pneumonia?
  • Are most classically described side effects of beta-blocker therapy in heart failure actually due to the medication?

August

  • Does the development of direct acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus mark the end of an era for treatment with interferon?
  • What evidence led to the boxed warning on hydroxyethyl starch solutions?
  • What literature is available supporting short-term use of systemic antibiotics for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia?

July

  • Does azithromycin increase the risk of cardiovascular death?
  • What safety risks prompted the labeling change that recommend against epidural administration of triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog)?
  • What is the efficacy of prothrombin complex concentrates in the management of vitamin K antagonist-related major bleeding?

June

  • What are the differences and similarities between the Medical Letter antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines and the guidelines from ASHP/IDSA/SIS/SHEA?
  • Should zolpidem use be minimized due to increased risk of falls in hospitalized patients?
  • What are the updated guideline recommendations for management of opportunistic infections in patients with HIV?

May

  • What available alternatives are there to papaverine for the prevention and management of vasospasm during cardiac procedures?
  • What are the alternatives to alteplase for catheter clearance?
  • How do methylene blue and isosulfan blue compare for use in sentinel lymph node biopsy?

April

  • What are the differences between the recent ASCO guideline on antibiotic use for neutropenia and those from the Infectious Diseases Society of America?
  • What data are available to guide appropriate off-label use of the peripheral mu-opioid receptor antagonists, methylnaltrexone and alvimopan?
  • What are the risk factors associated with supratherapeutic dosing of acetaminophen in hospitalized patients?

March

  • What are aminophylline alternatives for the reversal of adenosine agonists used in pharmacologic stress testing?
  • What are the new recommendations for frequency of platelet monitoring in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia?
  • What are the new guidelines for the use of an insulin infusion for the management of hyperglycemia in critically ill patients?

Feburary

  • What are the updated guideline recommendations for management of pain, agitation, and delirium in critically ill adult patients?
  • Drug-induced QT prolongation (Part 2): a focus on select medications
  • What are the new clinical guidelines for the management of gastroparesis?

January

  • Does parenteral iron administration increase the risk of infection?
  • Drug-induced QT prolongation (Part 1): presentation, risks, and management
  • Should tamoxifen therapy be extended up to 10 years in women with early breast cancer?