A career within the pharmacy profession offers a dynamic range of settings and specialties in which to practice. In this article, an experienced pharmacist discusses reasons to become an antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist. Authored By: Timothy P. Gauthier, Pharm.D., BCPS-AQ ID [Last updated 8-1-2017] Choosing to become a pharmacist is an … [Read more...]
When Should You Avoid Methenamine?
Methenamine is urinary tract antiseptic used in the prevention of urinary tract infection. In this article, an infectious diseases pharmacist identifies several of the key times when it may be prudent to avoid methenamine use. Authored By: Timothy P. Gauthier, Pharm.D., BCPS-AQ ID [Last updated 7-26-2017] As a junior faculty member I had the good … [Read more...]
Cross-Reactivity Between Cephalosporins and Penicillins: How Beta-Lactam Side Chain Grids Are (Probably) Saving Lives
AI-generated summary This article explains that cephalosporin-penicillin cross-reactivity largely depends on similarities in side-chain structures rather than the shared β-lactam core, with older data overstating risk at 5–10%. Recent studies show significant cross-reactivity only occurs when cephalosporins and penicillins share nearly identical side chains—e.g., cephalexin … [Read more...]
When should you avoid nitrofurantoin?
It is retaining activity against the uropathogen E. coli while drugs like SMX-TMP and ciprofloxacin are getting worse, but when should you avoid nitrofurantoin? This article discusses the topic. Authored By: Timothy P. Gauthier, Pharm.D., BCPS-AQ ID Numerous studies investigating antimicrobial susceptibilities of E. coli from urinary isolates show … [Read more...]
Is Cefazolin Just As Good As Oxacillin Or Nafcillin For MSSA Bacteremia?
Debate exists whether nafcillin or oxacillin should be preferred over cefazolin for the treatment of bloodstream infection caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Here, the author of a recent comparative review provides insights on treating MSSA bacteremia. Interview With: Julius Li, Pharm.D. Interview By: Timothy Gauthier, Pharm.D., … [Read more...]
