Question Of The Day

There are various hypotheses as to how the Pitohui, I. kowaldi, and dendrobatid frogs acquired their toxicity. What is one unifying theory? According to the cited reference, “It is proposed that melrid beetles may be a source of batrachotoxins as they are observed to be…

Historical QOD 2/11/2009:  What is “Crystal Dex”? “Crystal Dex” is the crystalline product resulting from the single phase acid base extraction technique used by some to obtain a purified form of dextromethorphan. Hendrickson RG, Cloutier RL. “Crystal dex:” free-base dextromethorphan. J Emerg Med. 2007 May;32(4):393-6….

Both the hooded pithoui bird and neotropical frogs from the genus Phyllobates concentrate batrachotoxins. While contact with these frogs can cause severe symptoms, exposures from birds are milder. What is the most likely reason for the observed difference? According to the cited reference the most…

According to an article by Koivusalo, et al, in toxic paracetamol ingestions what benefit is there in the use of MARS therapy in addition to NAC? Improvement in liver function which can allow hepatic recovery or allow time for bridging to transplantation. Koivusalo AM, Yildirim…

Which is true about MARS therapy in liver failure?    A. MARS only works for chronic liver failure with acute toxin ingestions  B. Drugs that have low protein binding are removed easily C. MARS is potentially beneficial for acute and acute on chronic liver failure with…

Besides high-flux hemodialysis and activated charcoal use, what is another proposed treatment for phenytoin toxicity? Molecular Adsorbents Recirculating System (MARS) has been suggested as a potential treatment for phenytoin toxicity Sen S, Ratnaraj N, Davies NA, Mookerjee RP, Cooper CE, Patsalos PN, Williams R, Jalan…

Historical QOD 2/10/2009: The following terms are synonyms for what drug often used for its recreational and stimulant properties: Qat, Gat, Muhulo, Musitate, Tschat and Miraa? These are synonyms for Khat (Catha edulis). Cathinone is the main stimulant found in Khat leaves. Bentur Y, Bloom-Krasik…

Which characteristic of a drug makes it a good candidate for removal via Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) therapy?  A. High protein binding B. Small molecular size C. Large volume of distribution D. High lipid solubility High protein binding Beyls C, Malaquin S, Huette P,…

In a review of 25 case reports of phenibut (β-phenyl-γ-aminobutyric acid) withdrawal, what were most commonly used medications to treat withdrawal symptoms? Benzodiazepines (not otherwise specified) were most common in 17 of 25., followed by baclofen (β-(4-chlorophenyl)-γ-aminobutyric acid) in 14 of 25), and antipsychotics (NOS)…

Package inserts of thiazide diuretics often cite a risk of developing hyponatremia as less than 1%. In a large prospective trial conducted in Denmark comparing various treatments for hypertension (calcium channel blockers vs thiazides vs thiazides + renin-angiotensin inhibitors), what was the cumulative incidence of…