• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.313-320
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• 2022

Background: Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening disease if not appropriately treated. This study aimed to investigate the prescription status of contraindicated drug combinations that cause serotonin syndrome and identify the related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using nationwide claims data. Adult patients taking serotonergic drugs with Parkinson's disease or mental disorders were selected. Based on international medical databases (MDBs) and the Korean Drug Utilization Review (DUR), the status of prescribing contraindicated drug combinations that induce serotonin syndrome, the related factors, and the difference between international MDBs and the Korean DUR were analyzed. Results: Of the 49,773 study subjects, 163 (0.3%) were prescribed contraindicated serotonergic drug combinations based on international MDBs, and among them, only 105 (64.4%) were contraindicated by the Korean DUR. Positive influencing factors for prescribing contraindicated drug combinations include patient age between 65 and 74 and physician's specialties (neurologists, and orthopedists). Negative influencing factors were physician's specialty (internists) and medical institution (primary institutions). Conclusion: Despite the implementation of DUR, 3 out of 1,000 study subjects received contraindicated drug combinations that caused serotonin syndrome. Hence, it is necessary to comply with the DUR and improve it in accordance with international MDBs.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2019

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of implementing a systematic Drug Utilization Review (DUR) system on contraindicated drug use and pharmaceutical expenditures in Korea. Methods: A literature search was conducted using search engines such as PubMed, EMBASE, NDSL, and RISS for relevant systematic studies. The database search was performed and updated in April 2018. Two independent reviewers evaluated the abstracts to find potentially eligible articles. Results: In total, 1433 potentially eligible studies were selected, and 11 articles were eventually shortlisted for inclusion in the present review system. The outcome showed that contraindicated drug use decreased after implementation of the DUR system in Korea. The analysis also showed that the DUR system contributed to a reduction in pharmaceutical expenditures. Conclusions: Our study showed that implementing the DUR system reduced both contraindicated drug use and pharmaceutical expenditures in Korea.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.241-245
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• 2000

In this case report, I discussed the diagnosis and treatment of two pregnant women with temporomandibular disorders(TMD) who visited the Department of Oral Medicine, PNUH. Also, I reviewed some investigations of diagnosis and treatment of TMD in pregnant women. The obtained results were as follows; 1. No single X-ray diagnostic procedure for TMD results in radiation dose that threatens the well-being of the developing embryo and fetus. 2. Most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) have commonly used because these drugs are considered to be nonteratogenic, but these agents are not recommended for routine use after 3rd trimester. 3. Electro-acupuncture stimulation therapy(EAST) is contraindicated for 1st trimester, and ultrasonic deep heat therapy, microwave deep heat therapy, low level laser therapy, myo-monitor are not contraindicated for pregnant women but clinician must consider some risk of adverse fetal effects. 4. The occlusal stabilization splint may be used for pregnant women, if it is fabricated indirectly. 5. Surgical treatment is contraindicated for pregnant women.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.138-144
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• 2009

The purpose was to implement drug utilization review (DUR) for whom were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) population using health insurance claim data. This study constructed drug utilization database using Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database and selected contraindicated drugs with kidney based on previously developed drug utilization guide and reviewing other countries' examples. Main outcome measures were the proportion of prescription for 1 or more drugs of concern. The cohort included 115,948 subjects, who were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Inappropriate drugs with CKD patients was some used, and the most commonly prescribed classes were aluminum drugs. However it is difficult to find problems with inappropriate drug because claims data doesn't have laboratory data. Based on the result of retrospective drug utilization review study, more studies should be analysed drug utilization patterns and monitoring system should be developed.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.89-96
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• 2001

Ziprasidone is equally effective as haloperidol in treating schizophrenia with fewer side effects and drug interactions. Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic agent and works by blocking serotonin and dopamine receptors in the central nervous system, specifically 5-HT2A and D2 receptors. Low anticholinergic side-effects and low EPS would recommend the drug for use in the elderly. Ziprasidone inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at neurojunction sites in vitro, indicating a potential efficacy for depression and negative symptoms which often follow after exacerbation of schizophrenia. Patients with recent acute myocardial infarction and uncompensated heart failure are contraindicated to the drug due to a possibility of QT prolongation. Although ziprasidone is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4, there is no significant drug interaction with the drugs that induce or inhibit the isoenzyme. Ziprasidone is safe with coadministration of lithium and there has been no significant drug interaction reported with oral birth control pills.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.327-333
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• 2013

Background: Antihistamine and anti-allergy medications are widely used during pregnancy. Reading label information is one of the easiest ways to get safety information. But there are content gaps among countries. Objective: To compare the risk level and the recommendation level of antihistamine/anti-allergy drug's label information in pregnant women among Korea, the USA, the UK, and Japan. Method: Study drugs of antihistamine/anti-allergy medications were selected according to Korea drug classification codes. Based on the label information of selected product, risk level was classified into 5 categories as follows: 'Definite', 'Probable', 'Possible', and 'Unlikely', 'Unclassified' according to the level of evidence. Recommendation level was classified into 4 categories as follows: 'Contraindicated', 'Cautious', 'Compatible', and 'Unclassified'. Frequency and proportion were presented according to the each category. To estimate agreement of each category among 4 countries, percent agreement and kappa (k) coefficient were calculated. Results: Total 13 drug ingredients were selected for antihistamine/anti-allergy medications. In risk level, Korea (46%) and Japan (69%) were mostly classified in the category of 'Unclassified', but 'Unlikely' category was more frequent in the UK (62%) and the USA (46%). In recommendation level, the proportion of 'Contraindicated' was highest in Korea (46%) compared to other countries. In contrast, the category of 'Cautious' was 77%-85% in the USA, the UK, and Japan. The percent agreement for risk level was highest in the USA-UK (54%). The recommendation level of Korea-USA showed lowest agreement for percent agreement (46%) and kappa coefficient (k=0.02). Conclusion: We confirmed the differences among safety information provided by four different countries. 'Contraindicated' was more likely in Korea compared with other countries.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.530-536
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• 2014

Root barks of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (PS) was reported as contraindicated drugs of pregnancy by many Korean medical classics. Recently, a major ingredient component of PS, paeonol was reported that has contraceptive effect on early pregnancy in rats. However, the accurate molecular mechanism is not clear. In this study, we showed that PS decreased the expression of receptor for leukemia inhibitory factor (LIFR) in human endometrial Ishikawa cells at non-toxic dose, although the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) was increased by PS. In addition, PS inhibited the adhesion of human trophoblastic JAR cells onto Ishikawa cells. Given importance of LIF-LIFR signaling pathway in the process of embryo implantation, the decreased LIFR expression by PS will be a good explanation on the PS- or its ingredient compounds-induced contraception.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.220-227
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• 2012

Kidney and liver are the major organs of metabolism and excretion of drugs. Renal and Hepatic impairment may affect the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and the safety of drugs. Adjusting the dosage based on organ function is the essential role of pharmacists. However, differences have been noted on the recommended dosage among the literatures. We compared and analyzed the recommendations of 4 literature sources which are commonly used for dosage adjustment. From April, 2011 to August, 2011, we selected data on recommendations for dosage adjustment for impaired renal and hepatic function of 100 drugs through a protocol. We analyzed the definition terms of renal and hepatic impairment, recommendations for dosage adjustment, evidenced references in four literature sources: Korean National Formulary (KNF), American Hospital Formulary System Drug Information (AHFS), Micromedex (MM) and Drug Prescribing of Renal Failure (DPRF). We further examined the data homogeneity by comparing how drugs that required no adjustment according to one source were categorized by the other. Sources use different definition terms among themselves except DRPF. Presence or absence of evidenced references about renal/hepatic functional states are KNF (0%/0%), AHFS (78%/62.6%), MM (87.5%/65.6%) and DPRF (93.2%/no recommendation) respectively. Recommendations of specific dosage and dosing interval are KNF (24%/13%), AHFS (39.6%/12.1%), MM (50%/17.7%), and DPRF (55.4%/no recommendation) respectively. Regarding the data homogeneity, the differences were remarkable. Drugs with no adjustment according to AHFS were categorized to be adjusted/ contraindicated by KNF, MM, DPRF and the values were (44%/5.6%), (22%/0%), and (36%/0%) in renal function, (39%/6.5%), (19%/3.2%), and (no recommendation/no recommendation) in hepatic function respectively. Our study shows remarkable definite variation in definitions and recommendations about definition terms, information of dosage and interval, presence or absence of evidenced references. Especially for KNF, quantitative recommendations on dosages and dosing intervals should be made in the near future. To maximize the drug effect and safety and to minimize the heterogeneity of the literature sources, reviewing at least two sources are suggested when recommending the proper dosage adjustment based on organ function.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.204-214
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and types of the adverse events (AEs) associated with oral fluconazole and itraconazole and factors associated with specific types of AEs. Methods: We analyzed AEs reported by community pharmacies nationwide over 10 years using the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System database. Various AE terms were categorized into 18 types, and concomitant medications were classified by drug-drug interaction (DDI) severity. The relationship between the specific type of AE and age, sex, and number of concomitant medications was investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 879 AE reports of fluconazole and 401 reports of itraconazole were analyzed; of these reports, 321 and 83 reports of fluconazole and itraconazole, respectively, described concomitant drug administration categorized as DDI severity of contraindicated or major. Women had a higher risk of psychiatric AEs associated with fluconazole use (OR, 1.587; p=0.042). Polypharmacy increased the risk for psychiatric AEs (OR, 3.598; p<0.001 for fluconazole and OR, 2.308; p=0.046 for itraconazole). In dermatologic AEs, the mean age of patients who received itraconazole was lower than that of patients who received fluconazole (46.3±16.8 vs. 54.9±15.4; p<0.001). Co-administration of fluconazole with 1-3 drugs increased the risk of neurological AEs (OR, 1.764; p=0.028). Conclusion: When using fluconazole and itraconazole, psychiatric AEs should be noted, particularly in women and in case of polypharmacy; moreover, when fluconazole is co-administered with other drugs, attention should be paid to the occurrence of neurological AEs.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.249-255
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• 2011

Objective: To examine the drug use (prescribing) pattern of serious drug-drug interactions (DDIs, contraindicated drug interactions) using real world data. Prescription patterns were examined in terms of dispensing types. Method: Retrospective drug utilization review (DUR) study was performed. One hundred and six datasets of serious DDIs (DDI pairs) were determined among DDI datasets that Ministry of Health & Welfare announced for the DUR system from 2004 to 2005. Electronically transacted ambulatory patients' prescription database to Health Insurance Assessment and Review Services (HIRA) from July, 2005 to June, 2006 was collected with personal information deidentified and analyzed in terms of types of dispensing as a contributing factor. Results: After prescription data analysis per each patient, total number of DDI cases using 95 DDI pairs was 5,511, which accounted for 2.6 cases per patients. DDI cases between two drugs from each of community pharmacy dispensing- type prescription were considerable (63% vs. 24% in those from each of in-institutional dispensing-type prescription and vs. 13% in those from a community pharmacy dispensing-type prescription and an in-institutional dispensingtype prescription). Conclusions: DDI cases from different prescribers were found to be significant. Thus, the concurrent DUR process between prescriptions from different physicians and institutions should be implemented for the safe drug use.