Real Time Pharmacology

Physical activity and cognitive benefits  by Kaleem Mohammed, Rph, PhD                          Blood and oxygen are essential for our brain and other organs to function well. Appropriate c erebral circulation, the flow of blood  through the arteries  and veins  supplying the brain, is essential for cognitive function .  Studies have demonstrated increased brain blood volume in the hippocampus (  region of brain associated with memory, emotions and the autonomic nervous system)   following a three-month aerobic exercise intervention, and this increase was associated with improved performance on recognition and spatial memory tasks. Encouraging physical activity during recess time will most likely improve kid's cognitive performance.  Cutting screen time and increasing physical activity will have long-term health benefits. References: ...

Cholecalciferol is converted to active form, calcitriol ( 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 )  in the kidneys.  The active form of vitamin D 3 , 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 , is the major regulator of bone and calcium metabolism in the body. What happens when kidney function has declined? Production of active form declines. Calcitriol is available as tablets, capsules and liquid formulations Calcitriol is 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. It is the active metabolite of vitamin D (cholecalciferol). Increases the levels of calcium in the blood by improving its absorption. Calcitriol is used in patients with kidney disease. Contraindicated  in patients with hypercalcemia, vitamin D toxicity; Concurrent use of magnesium-containing antacids or other vitamin D supplements; Side effects include weakness, headache, constipation, vomiting, arrthythmia, hypertension, hypotonia, polydipsia, polyuria, myalgia, metastatic calcification, etc. Allergic reactions, incl...

I think the authors are missing the point in this new england journal of medicine article, don't stop using your fish oil.... N Engl J Med.  2018 Apr 13. n-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease. Dry eye disease is a chronic condition that is characterized by inadequate lubrication of the eye surface by tears. Supplements of n−3 fatty acids (often called omega-3 fatty acids) are used to relieve symptoms. A multicenter, double-blind clinical trial, assigned patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye disease to receive a daily oral dose of 3000 mg of fish-derived n-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (active supplement group) or an olive oil placebo (placebo group). They did not observe better outcomes in  omega-3 fatty acids  group compared to placebo Wrong use of Olive oil as placebo Olive oil is composed mainly of the mixed triglyceride esters of  oleic acid  and  palmitic acid  and of other...

                                Kaleem Mohammed, Rph, PhD Osteoarthritis  (OA) is a progressive degenerative disease of weight-bearing joints and the leading cause of disability, pain and stiffness in elderly.  Current management of OA includes weight management, exercise, nonsteroidal  anti-inflammatory  drugs ( NSAIDs ), tramadol,  intra-articular corticosteroid injections, opiates and topical medications.    Gastrointestinal adverse effects with traditional  NSAIDs  and cardiovascular adverse effects associated with selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors call for more effort to find a better NSAID with no or minimal adverse effects.  Renal function should be monitored in the elderly on NSAIDs.  Tramadol can be used in chronic kidney disease patients (GFR <30 ml/min: dose q 12 h; maximum tramadol dose 100 mg/day in...