Rx Update: January 2005
Joan Murhammer, R.Ph., Mary Ross, R.Ph., M.B.A., Kevin Bebout,
R.Ph.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Capsules Are Not Always For Oral Use
Tiotropium (Spiriva®) an anticholinergic bronchodilator used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and formoterol (Foradil®) a long-acting β-2 agonist used for asthma and COPD are both available as capsule dosage forms intended to be used in an inhalation device for oral inhalation. The capsules contain a dry powder that requires a special inhaler (Spiriva Handihaler® and Foradil Aerolizer®) to disperse the medication into the bronchi. They are not effective if administered orally. There have been numerous reports of patients and healthcare professionals assuming that the capsules should be swallowed and patients taking the capsules by this ineffective route. Don’t assume capsules are only intended for oral administration. It is imperative that patients and healthcare professionals are familiar with these medications so that they are administered by the appropriate route so patients receive clinical benefit.
Fenofibrate Tablets - New Tablet Size
Fenofibrate tablets (Tricor®) are now available in new tablet sizes. The 54 and 160 mg fenofibrate tablets have been discontinued by the manufacturer and replaced with 48 and 145 mg tablets. The new recommended dose of fenofibrate for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed hyperlipemia is 145 mg per day. The recommended dose of fenofibrate for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia is 48 to 145 mg per day. The maximum recommended dose is 145 mg per day. The initial starting dose should be 48 mg per day for patients with impaired renal function and the elderly. The new tablets can be taken without regard to meals.
Accessing the Online Formulary and Handbook
Access to the online Formulary and Handbook (F&H) on multi-user computers throughout UIHC is available through the IPR Browser. The IPR Browser provides clinicians a fast way to access the F&H, as well as several other helpful resources, without having to sign on to the IPR system or open a web page.
To access the online F&H from any computer in UIHC, simply open the Informm Patient Record (IPR) program from the main menu or programs file and then select the IPR Browser button to the right of the sign-in. The online F&H is listed on the IPR Browser under the heading UIHC Clinical Practice Reference as UIHC Rx Formulary and Handbook. It can also be accessed by going directly to the website (http://www.formularyproductions.com/uihc/) on any UIHC computer.