Is there a role for inhaled epoprostenol, inhaled nitric oxide or sildenafil to treat secondary pulmonary hypertension and hypoxaemia in ICU patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome?

An analysis of pooled randomised controlled trials of the use of inhaled nitric oxide in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) found no mortality…

Dexamethasone and COVID-19

Key facts Dexamethasone has been shown to reduce mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 that require mechanical ventilation, supplementary oxygen (see NHS England Clinical Guidance),…

Safety in Lactation: Corticosteroids

Fludrocortisone is used mainly for mineralocorticoid replacement in adrenocortical insufficiency. The other drugs in this group are used mainly for their anti-inflammatory, glucocorticoid activity, although…

Oral vitamin B12 – what are the prescribing considerations and what formulations are available?

This Medicines Q&A outlines what oral vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) preparations are available and associated prescribing considerations. Hydroxocobalamin 1mg administered intramuscularly (IM) is the preferred method…

Shortage of isoniazid tablets 50mg

There is a shortage of this strength of isoniazid tablets until late July 2020. Stock of 100mg isoniazid tablets are available to bridge the gap.…

Discontinuation of glibenclamide 2.5 and 5.0 mg tablets

Wockhardt have discontinued glibenclamide tablets. They do not have any stock remaining. There are no other manufacturers in the market. This memo advises on alternative…

Switching from doxazosin XL tablets to doxazosin standard release tablets

Both doxazosin standard release tablets and doxazosin XL tablets provide effective blood pressure control and both are effective in reducing the clinical symptoms of benign…