Question of the Day

Question - According to the article cited below, “Black hairy tongue is an acquired benign condition characterized by the appearance of abnormally hypertrophied filiform papillae on the dorsal surface of the tongue.” Individual with oncologic disease, smokers, those with poor oral hygiene and those who ingest what popular drink are at a higher risk of developing black hairy tongue?

Question - What organofluorine compound has been used primarily as a predacide against coyotes that prey ion farm animals?

Question - Ingestion of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola), which is found in many tropical and subtropical areas, may result in severe central nervous system toxicity. What is the neurotoxin responsible for the neurotoxicity seen associated with star fruit?

Question - The article cited below notes “Vilazodone is an indolealkylamine antidepressant which acts as both a selective serotonin  reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a partial agonist at the serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor. It is, thus, a serotonin partial agonist reuptake inhibitor (SPARI).” Why might vilazodone cause more severe toxicity in overdose when compared with pure SSRI drugs?

Question - The resource cited below notes “Tessalon (benzonatate) was approved by FDA in 1958 as a prescription treatment for the symptomatic relief of cough in patients over 10 years of age. Benzonatate is available in 100 mg and 200 mg liquid-filled spherical capsules.” What warning was recently issued by FDA regarding benzonatate?

Question - What are the likely effects of marijuana use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding?

Question - What industrial solvent has historically been implicated as a cause for aplastic anemia?

Question - How is the substance known as kratom actually used?

Question - What is the only drug currently approved by the FDA to treat benzodiazepine-refractory status epilepticus?

Question - BPS/IC (bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis) has been defined as “an unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than 6 weeks’ duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.” This condition can be mimicked in individuals who have used/abused what drug?