Amphetamines in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Authors and Disclosures

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Sidebar: Pharmacology Literature Review

Because of its adverse effect profile, doxapram is typically reserved for those patients with apnea of prematurity who fail therapy with methylxanthines. In this prospective study of 40 infants receiving doxapram (0.5-1 mg/kg/hr IV), a statistically significant, but moderate, increase in the QT interval was found. Six patients had a clinically significant prolongation (greater than 440 ms) but no rhythm disturbances. The authors suggest that infants placed on doxapram should be monitored for this potentially serious adverse effect. Maillard C, Boutroy M, Fresson J, et al. QT interval lengthening in premature infants treated with doxapram. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2001;70:540-5.

Sidebar: Formulary Update

The following actions were taken by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee at their meeting on 2/22/02:

1. Intracavernosal alprostadil (Caverject^®) was added for the evaluation of erectile dysfunction.

2. Extended release methylphenidate (Concerta^®) was added to the Formulary. For more information on this product, refer to the February 2002 issue of Pediatric Pharmacotherapy. Ritalin SR^® was deleted.

3. Budesonide (Entocort EC^®) was added for the management of Crohn's disease.

4. Paricalcitol (Zemplar^®) was added for patients with renal failure requiring dialysis who are unable to tolerate or are resistant to calcitriol.