Drug Topics- August 11, 2008

50 DRUG TOPICS AUGUST 11, 2008 www.drugtopics.com CONTINUING EDUCATION An ongoing CE program of The University of Florida College of Pharmacy and DRUG TOPICS Update on respiratory tract infections CE The University of Florida College of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education ACPE # 012-99908-106-H04-P ACPE # 012-99908-106-H04-T This lesson is no longer valid for CE credit after 8/31/10. To obtain immediate CE credit, take the test online at www.drugtopics.com. Just click on the “Continuing Education” box on the Drug Topics home page, which will take you to the CE site. Log in, find and click on this lesson, and follow the steps listed. Test results will be displayed immediately and you can print the certificate showing your earned CE credits. The author(s) disclose that they have no financial relationship with any manufacturer in this area of medicine. Lisa D. Inge, Pharm.D., BCPS, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Florida College of Pharmacy Kelly Scolaro, Pharm.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina, Eshelman School of Pharmacy noviruses and coronaviruses. The rhinovirus group, which is responsible for at least 50% of infections in adults, includes at least 100 types and one subtype. The genetic variation limits the ability for vaccine development as well as the body’s ability to achieve immunity against the “common cold.” It is estimated that the economic impact of colds is $40 billion annually in the United States. These cold epidemics occur annually, often in the winter months in the United States. The rhinovirus infection rates also have their seasonal variations in outbreaks. The rhinovirus attack rates are greater in early fall and mid to late spring. The coronaviruses are more prominent in the winter. These trends are likely influenced pper respiratory tract infections (URTI by the school year and indoor crowding, which or URI) are the most common acute facilitates the transmission of viral respiratory illnesses in the general population. Symp- secretions among individuals. Viral transmission toms often involve one or more sites of the occurs by hand and mucous membrane exposure respiratory system, including the sinuses, nasal and in some cases contaminated surfaces. Frepassages, pharynx, and larynx. This results in quent hand washing and avoiding hand contact a substantial number of visits to primary care with either the nose or eyes assists in reducing providers, the emergency room, and ultimately transmission, but aerosol exposure may still occur the local pharmacy for either prescription medi- with some viruses. cations or nonprescription symptomatic relief. The average adult averages two to four epiPharmacists should be familiar with the etiology sodes of “colds” yearly and children average six and potential treatments for these infections. to eight episodes. However, adults with children In doing so they may educate their patients on also experience a greater rate due to secondary realistic expectations of antibiotic use, general exposure. Individuals who smoke do not experiprevention methods, and assist with referrals to a ence a greater number of infectious episodes, but primary care provider when appropriate. those that occur are more severe. Most infected individuals experience the symptoms of sore The common cold throat first, then nasal discharge and congestion, The symptoms associated with the “common sneezing, and cough, with slight elevations of cold” are actually caused by at least five major temperature (<100°F) occurring more often in groups of respiratory viruses, including the rhi- younger children. Most symptoms resolve within U For questions concerning PRINT CEs, call (352) 273-6275. For questions concerning ONLINE CEs, call (866) 261-3558. Photography: Purestock / Getty Images http://www.drugtopics.com http://www.drugtopics.com

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Drug Topics- August 11, 2008 Contents Latebreakers Letters DEA Proposes Rule To Allow Electronic Prescriptions for Controlled Substances Merger, Medicare Reform Could Mean Broader E-Prescribing Adoption New Combination Pill Approved for Type 2 Diabetes New Eczema Guildlines Promote Use of Emollients, Then Topical Corticosteroids Agencies Flush Original Strategies in Favor of Promoting Drug Take-Back Programs JP at Large: You Laughing at Me? Pharmacists Find Themselves at Mercy of Prior Authorization State Law Requiring PBM Transparency See Some Gains, Some Losses Global Counterfeiting Still Growing, Says U.S. Commerce Official FDA Saftey Page: Prophylthiouracil Still Confused with Purinethol (mercaptopurine) New Products Bring Lice Treatment to a Head NACDS Marketplace Showcases New Product that Fill Unmet Needs Update on Respiratory Tract Infections Execs Share War Stories About Adopting Technology in their Stores New Products Advertisters Index Classified Viewpoint: Medicare Part D Revisions sorely needed

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