Over-the-counter Pediculus humanus capitis treatment: The nit comb is not appropriate for all hair types!

Biological diversity of hair affects what stress the hair can withstand. This proves to create a gap in care when evaluating over-the-counter (OTC) products available to treat Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) in the United States. The nit comb would not be conducive for use in an individual with African hair, yet all OTC product instructions list the requirement of the nit comb.

Dietary supplements, cytochrome metabolism, and pharmacogenetic considerations.

Background: Dietary supplement use has continued to rise. In addition to supplement-drug interactions, it is prudent to consider how dietary supplements may interact with a patient's specific pharmacogenetics. Variations in genes associated with CYP 450 enzymes have evidence of impacting drug metabolism and adverse effects.

Integrating a Pharmacy Student into a Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling Course: A Pilot.

The Problem: Interprofessional educational experiences are a requirement in pharmacy and counseling curricula. However, scheduling conflicts between professional programs and lack of administrative support create barriers for students who want to take a course in another healthcare program.

Innovation: This pilot enabled a pharmacy student to participate in a counseling course for 8 weeks.

Melatonin Use in Pediatrics: Evaluating the Discrepancy in Evidence Based on Country and Regulations Regarding Production.

Melatonin manufacturers in the United States have begun producing melatonin products specifically targeted for use in the pediatric population. This paper aims to critically evaluate the evidence available regarding the use of melatonin in children based on where the clinical trials are performed and the regulations regarding the production of melatonin in that country. Melatonin is regulated differently around the world with the least amount of regulation placed on OTC supplements in the United States.

Colorado community pharmacists' survey and their perspectives regarding marijuana.

Objectives: With one of the highest prevalence rates for marijuana use in the United States, Colorado provides a great opportunity for insight on common encounters with consumers in the community pharmacy setting. Currently, there is limited data on community pharmacists and their experiences with patients and marijuana. This study aims to identify the most common questions community pharmacists receive about marijuana, how comfortable they are in answering those questions, and to identify knowledge gaps regarding marijuana and pharmaceutical care.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Therapeutic Implications in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer from a magnitude of excess cardiovascular risk. A paradoxical lipid pattern has been observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients where low levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. This paper aims to break down the evidence explaining why patients with low to normal LDL, and total cholesterol have such excess cardiovascular risk.

Banned and discouraged-use ingredients found in weight loss supplements.

Objectives: To identify banned and discouraged-use ingredients, such as ephedra, 1,3-dimethylamylamine, and beta-methyl-phenylethylamine, in readily available weight loss dietary supplements within a 10-mile radius of Regis University.

Methods: A list of banned and discouraged-use ingredients was compiled with the use of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dietary supplement website which provides information on supplement ingredients that are no longer legal or are advised against owing to adverse event reporting. Investigators visited all retail outlet stores within a 10-mile radius of Regis University in Denver, Colorado.