Diabetes monitoring for pharmacistsCurrent pharmacotherapy

Robert Bém

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(3):151-157  

Glucose determination is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. In addition to laboratory blood glucose testing, there is currently a variety of options available for monitoring glucose levels, especially in the patient's home environment. These options include the use of glucometers and intermittent or continuous monitoring using sensors. Patients thus have the opportunity to perform highly effective self-monitoring and actively participate in diabetes management. According to Czech and international recommendations, glucose sensors are currently indicated for all individuals with type 1 diabetes. Insulin pumps are further indicated...

Daridorexant - new dual orexin receptors antagonist for the treatment of insomniaMedicamenta nova

Petra Matalová

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(3):148-150  

daridorexant is a dual orexin type 1 and types 2 (OX1 and OX2) receptor antagonist that was recently approved by the US FDA for the treatment of adults suffering from insomnia. It was shown to be effective in reducing insomnia symptoms, increasing daytime functioning, and improving the overall quality of sleep. Daridorexant offers patients relief from insomnia while avoiding the severe side effects and dependency issues of traditional treatments like benzodiazepines and sedatives. Increased caution and dose reduction is appropriate in patients taking moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Daridorexant is contraindicated in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Rychle působící antidepresiva -otázky a odpovědiInterview#E-version

prof. MUDr. Bc. Libor Ustohal, Ph.D., MUDr. Eliška Bartečková, Ph.D.

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):14-16  

Eptinezumab - the new anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody for prophylactic treatment of migraineMedicamenta nova#E-version

Rudolf Kotas

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):8-13  

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine. Eptinezumab is the first intravenous monoclonal antibody targeting the molecule of CGRP which is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. In this paper the pharmacology of eptinezumab and five successful Phase III clinical studies are reviewed. The study PROMISE-1 evaluates the efficacy, safety and tolerability of eptinezumab in the preventive treatment of episodic migraine, the study PROMISE-2 is the same in chronic migraine. The study PREVAIL evaluates the long-term safety, immunogenicity and patient-reported efficacy with help of standard questionnaires...

Chronic pain in patients with osteoarthritisCurrent pharmacotherapy#E-version

Jitka Fricová

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):4-7  

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and its prevalence is increasing in line with the global ageing of the population. To date, there are no pharmacological interventions to slow the progression of OA, and pain-relieving therapies are also largely unsuccessful. Local inflammation in the joint may contribute to mechanical sensitization and structural neuroplasticity of joint nociceptors via proinflammatory factors such as nerve growth factor, cytokines, and chemokines. Early and safe pain management according to national recommendations is an essential part of osteoarthritis care.

Slovo úvodemEditorial

PharmDr. Antonín Svoboda

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):75  

Kombinované fytofarmakum (Centaurii herba, Levistici radix, Rosmarini folium) v léčbě infekcí močových cestCompany information

MUDr. Andrea Skálová, MUDr. Zdenka Hanzlíková

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):135-136  

Classification and basic usage principles of sunscreen preparationsKosmetické přípravky

Andrej Kováčik, Barbora Vraníková

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):128-134  

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation among with infrared (IR) radiation and the visible region of the spectrum (VIS) are part of the electromagnetic radiation reaching the Earth's surface. In addition to positive effects (e.g., synthesis of vitamin D), UV radiation also has an adverse impact on the human body, such as cancerous proliferation. During evolution, human skin has developed various protecting mechanisms against UV (e.g., melanin pigment), but their capacity is limited (especially during intensive exposure to the sun). Therefore, this article aims to present, characterize, and classify (cosmetic) products that actively prevent the effects of UV radiation...

Technological possibilities to ensure drug abuse protectionPharmaceutical technology

Jan Gajdziok, Sabina Vonešová

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):124-127  

The non-therapeutic use of medicines and its increase is a global and societal problem. It affects not only the health sector, but it also has significant human, social and economic consequences. The development of dosage forms (DFs) to reduce or prevent the abuse of medicines is one step in a comprehensive solution to this problem. The last decade has brought the development of more robust DFs capable of reducing drug abuse. Technologies and strategies to prevent drug abuse typically target common or expected application routes. Technology can limit the extractability of the active ingredient and the bioavailability after DF manipulation, prevent...

Klinické souvislosti nedostatku vitaminu B - výzva pro lékaře i lékárníkyHeard at a congress

Přednášel: doc. MUDr. Bohumil Seifert, Ph.D.

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):119-122  

Bergenia - substances and usesPhytotherapy

Almíra Marková, Lenka Tůmová

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):115-118  

Originally an Asian genus Bergenia from the family Saxifragaceae includes 32 species described so far and many hybrids that were created by crossing them. The leaves and rhizomes of bergenia used widely in folk medicine of China, India, Mongolia, and Russia are rich in a wide range of chemical constituents. The most important secondary metabolites of this plant are tannins, arbutin, bergenin, but also flavonoids. The drug from leaves and rhizomes is valued for its litholytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, or antitussive properties.

Pharmacist advice on breastfeeding supportSelf-treatment

Nikola Karasová

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):107-114  

Breastfeeding is the natural way of feeding the youngest babies. The World Health Organization and the Czech Paediatric Society recommend exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age and, together with the gradual introduction of complementary feeding, to continue breastfeeding until at least 2 years of age. In addition to its nutritional importance, breastfeeding brings many other benefits for both the baby and the mother. Although it should be an obvious process, many women have problems with breastfeeding, which sometimes leads to a complete switch to formula milk. Given their wide range of activities, pharmacists should be able to provide expert...

D-mannose in preventing recurrent urinary tract infectionsReview articles

Eva Burešová

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):104-106  

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are frequent diseases, particularly in women. Acute simple cystitis poses no serious medical problem. However, a recurrent UTI, defined as the occurrence of two UTIs in six months, or three UTIs per year, decreases the quality of life of patients and leads to repeated antibiotic use. Daily routine measures and long-term prophylaxis with low-dose antibiotics or their targeted use in at-risk situations, e. g., prior to sexual intercourse or during hormonal changes, are recommended as methods of preventing recurrent UTIs. With long-term antibiotic use, patients may experience unpleasant adverse effects of this treatment...

Current treatment options for diarrhoea in the paediatric populationCurrent pharmacotherapy

Petra Rozsívalová, Martina Novosadová, Markéta Štanclová, Jan Melek, Sylva Skálová, Josef Malý

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):91-102  

Acute diarrhoea is defined as a change in stool consistency from soft to liquid and/or an increase in the number of defecations to more than three per day. Other symptoms of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) include fever, nausea and vomiting. Viruses are the most common cause of AGE, with rotavirus being the most frequent causative agent, affecting mostly infants and toddlers aged 6-24 months during the autumn/winter period. The most important part of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach is the assessment of the degree of dehydration, which decides on the severity of AGE and serves as one of the factors determining hospitalization. The standard first-line...

Performance­‑enhancing drugs: an overview for pharmacy practiceCurrent pharmacotherapy

Miroslav Turjap, Michal Turjap, Jan Juřica

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):86-90  

By doping, we usually mean the use of prohibited substances by an athlete for performance enhancement. Officially, it is a violation of the anti-doping rules specified in the World Anti-Doping Code. The article presents a brief overview of human medicines available in the Czech Republic that contain substances from the List of Prohibited Substances and Methods of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Examples of doping affairs of professional athletes are presented.

Treatment of spasticityCurrent pharmacotherapy

Ivana Štětkářová

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(2):80-85  

Spasticity is one of the serious clinical manifestations of damage to the central motoneuron, which occurs during ischemia, hemorrhage, trauma, inflammation, tumor or as part of neurodegenerative disorders. There are two types of spasticity - cerebral and spinal. In cerebral lesions, there is a loss of the influence of the cerebral cortex on trunk inhibitory structures, while in spinal lesions, spastic dystonia of a severe degree is present and flexor involvement predominates. A careful clinical examination of each patient is important to assess the type and degree of spasticity. A number of scales and questionnaire methods are used for this. Ashworth...

Some of the less frequent side effects of antipsychoticsCurrent pharmacotherapy#E-version

Michaela Mayerová, Libor Ustohal

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):e13-e18  

The article summarizes some of the side effects of antipsychotics that are not common in everyday clinical practice, although the patients were treated by commonly used antipsychotics. The information from literature is supplemented by cases of the patients treated by us. We focused on thromboses and anticholinergic deliria, but some other side effects are mentioned as well. The causes, circumstances of initiation and clinical management of these side effects are disscused.

Drug-induced tremorsCurrent pharmacotherapy#E-version

Pavel Filip, Marek Baláž

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):e9-e12  

Tremor is the most common movement disorder with several potential causes. There is a multitude of drugs utilised in the clinical practice, which may exacerbate or even cause tremor, the most common ones being amiodarone, valproate, dopamine receptor antagonists, lithium, selective serotonin (and norepinephrine) reuptake inhibitors (SSRI/SNRI) and amitriptyline. Drug-induced tremors usually correspond to enhanced physiological tremor, but, depending on the causal drug, the tremor may be a part of drug-induced parkinsonism. The recognition of tremorgenic drugs may help quick diagnosis, avoid unnecessary tests and lead to adequate actions - usually dose...

Possibilities of pain treatment in children with selected analgesicsCurrent pharmacotherapy#E-version

Petra Matalová, Benedikt Krížek

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):e4-e8  

Pain is distressing sensory, emotional and mental experience accompanied by psychological or autonomic symptoms and change of behavior. It is therefore necessary to effectively treat pain using nonpharmacological and pharmacological methods. Pediatric pharmacotherapy has many peculiarities, in the following article we summarize pharmacological treatment options in children, currently used nonopioid and opioid analgesics, their characteristics and the dosage of selected orally used analgesics.

Když chybí lékyEditorial

PharmDr. Přemysl Císař, Ph.D.

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):3  

Pět klíčových oblastí v samoléčbě hemoroidální nemoci pohledem farmaceutaCompany information

Ondřej Šimandl

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):64-69  

Pharmacotherapy of infectious diarrhoeaAt a glance

Vilma Vranová, Karel Vašut

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):51-62 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2023.008  

Diarrhoeal disease is one of the most commonly occurring infectious diseases in the Czech Republic. The primary the­rapeutic goal in diarrhoea is to eliminate the causative agents, such as toxins, prevent dehydration, and protect intestinal mucosa from injury. Only when an infectious origin of diarrhoea has been confirmed, specific treatment - chemotherapeutic drugs and antibiotics - is initiated. The following overview of medicinal products and medical devices used is presented in the order that should correspond to the course of treatment in the case of acute diarrhoea of unknown origin.

Treatment options for subthreshold anxiety: lavender oilPhytotherapy

Vilma Vranová, Lenka Trdlová

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):47-50 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2023.007  

Subthreshold anxiety is among the most common mental disorders, with a two-fold higher prevalence than clinically manifested anxiety disorders. Psychological symptoms include obsessive thoughts, insomnia, restlessness, tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, and somatic symptoms also tend to be present. Subsyndromal anxiety should not be underestimated since it can lead to suicide; as a result, these patients require attention and timely initiation of treatment.

Periodontitis - self-care optionsSelf-treatment

Olga Nedopílková, Pavlína Podešvová

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):44-46 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2023.006  

Periodontitis is an inflammatory and destructive disease of the periodontium - the supporting apparatus of the tooth that holds the tooth in place. Typical symptoms of periodontitis are recession of gingiva, bleeding and bad breath. In the advanced stage, the teeth wobble as a result of the broken ligament, which in the final stage can lead to the loss of teeth. The treatment is long-term and is aimed at slowing down the destruction of the periodontium and mitigating the consequences of the disease. Correct dental hygiene plays the most important role in the prevention and treatment of already established periodontitis.

Medical devices in wound healing III: Special types of wound plastersMedical devices

Barbora Vraníková, Andrej Kováčik

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):38-43 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2023.005  

Skin integrity damage caused by mechanical, thermal, or biological factors leads to increased pain associated with a reduction in the patient's quality of life. Medical devices such as different types of special plasters have an irreplaceable place in the therapy of these minor skin problems. The aim of this publication is to acquaint the reader with the basic characteristics and examples of commercially available plasters used in the treatment of blisters, calluses, corns, warts, cold sores, burns and scars. The submitted publication brings also practical advice regarding the correct handling of these medical aids, which lead to maximizing their effect...

Pharmacotherapy for chronic painCurrent pharmacotherapy

Dana Vondráčková

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):31-37 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2023.004  

Chronic pain is a chronic disease that significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. Pharmacotherapy is based on international recommendations (IASP, EFNS) adapted by the Society for the Study of Pain Management (SSLB) for our conditions. The correct pain treatment must be complex. It should combine application of pharmaceuticals, intervention techniques, psychotherapy, rehabilitation, and cooperation with other specialists as well. The article deals with pharmacotherapy. Treatment by drugs includes WHO analgesics (1st grade non-opioid analgesics, NSAIDs, 2nd grade weak opioids, 3rd grade strong opioids), co-analgesics, antidepressants, antiepileptics,...

Age-related macular degeneration - new treatment optionsCurrent pharmacotherapy

Alexandr Stěpanov

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):25-30 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2023.003  

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in people over the age of 65 in developed countries. In most patients, a dry form of AMD is noted, which gradually progresses. Choroidal neovascular membrane is the main sign of wet form of AMD which is present in 10 % of patients approximately. AMD develops because of an interaction between genetic and lifestyle factors of patients. The treatment of the choice of the wet form of AMD is intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, in the case of the dry form of AMD we can choose dietary supplements with lutein and haemorheopheresis. Treatment of the dry...

Acute upper respiratory tract infections - diagnosis and treatmentCurrent pharmacotherapy

Karolina Edelmannová

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):19-24  

Acute upper respiratory tract infections are the most common infectious diseases in children and adults. It includes the common cold, rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, tonsillopharyngitis, laryngitis, and epiglottitis. Middle ear infections are also directly related to upper respiratory tract infections. Most of these infections are uncomplicated and will disappear on their own within a week, the cough after the virosis can persist for several weeks. Due to the fact that most acute upper respiratory tract infections are of viral origin, their treatment with antibiotics is neither appropriate nor necessary.

Latest advances in psychopharmacotherapy: what a pharmacist should knowCurrent pharmacotherapy

Eva Češková

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):15-18 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2023.002  

The introduction section deals with the general principles of pharmacotherapy and possible ways of treatment optimization. Furthermore, the paper summarizes the latest developments in treating schizophrenic and depressive disorders, the major examples of serious psychiatric disorders, and presents new approaches that are already available (novel second-generation antipsychotics, augmentation). In the final section, agents with a mechanism of action other than the commonly used antipsychotic drugs and antidepressants are mentioned.

Anastrozole - off­‑label use in menCurrent pharmacotherapy

Miroslav Turjap, Roman Král, Jan Juřica

Farmacie pro praxi. 2023;19(1):11-14 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2023.001  

Anastrozole is a highly selective nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. It is approved for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Nonetheless, aromatase inhibitors have also been used off-label for many years in men. This article outlines empirical non-oncological anastrozole uses in men and briefly presents some current clinical trials involving the male population.