Labetalol is a beta blocker with potent antihypertensive effects, and it may be administered orally or intravenously. The latter feature makes it especially useful for the acute management of elevated blood pressure but prolonged infusions can result in hemodynamic collapse. In this entry, two cases are discussed and recommendations are made for the appropriate management of continuous labetalol infusions.
Digoxin defended: why make a SHIFT to ivabradine?
Following publication of the 2016 update to the American College of Cardiology Foundation / American Heart Association guidelines for the management of patients with heart failure, there’s been growing interest in the use of ivabradine, particularly to reduce the risk of rehospitalization for heart failure. But haven’t we had access to an agent that prevents heart failure rehospitalizations for a long time now? In this entry, we’ll explore how digoxin can fill an important niche in the management of patients with heart failure who remain at high risk for readmission despite optimal guideline-directed medical therapy.
The Trouble with Diltiazem Infusions
Intravenous diltiazem infusions (i.e., “dilt drips”) are commonly used for the management of atrial tachyarrhythmias but they tend to cause as many problems as they resolve.
Excellence in Marketing: Is Once-Daily Rivaroxaban Really the Ideal Choice for Nonadherent Patients?
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) is often touted as the go-to oral anticoagulant for non-adherent patients because of its once daily administration. In this entry, we explore whether this is true based on the drug’s pharmacokinetics.