Posts in Pharmacy School
When Antidiuretic Hormone Malfunctions: The ABCs of SIADH

Oh noooo, it’s time to tackle the most dreaded of electrolyte abnormalities (at least from a learning perspective): hyponatremia! While we can’t claim to address all aspects of this giant salty topic in one post, we will happily impart everything we can to you about one particular type: SIADH. Let tl;dr demystify a chapter in the hyponatremia story with this guide to all things SIADH.

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Pharmacology 101: An Overview of Beta Blockers

Have you ever stopped to consider just how many beta blocker medications are available? It’s one of the most prolific classes of medications when you really stop to think about it! Why are there SO many, and how are they different from each other? How exactly do they work again? Take a trip down pharmacology memory lane with tl;dr to learn the ins and outs of this cornerstone medication class.

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A Clinician’s Guide to Inpatient Electrolyte Replacement

Your patient is low on electrolytes, so order for them to drink a Gatorade, of course! Tsk, tsk. If only it was that simple… For a topic that seems like basic chemistry, electrolyte replacement is surprisingly daunting. But have no fear, tl;dr is here to give you the rundown on four common electrolyte deficiencies, including recognition and treatment.

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The Ins & Outs of ESBLs

Bacteria are tricky, sneaky buggers. They keep upping the resistance ante, which means we pharmacists have to constantly be on our toes when it comes to choosing appropriate therapies. Come learn about one of the more common resistance mechanisms, the ESBLs, so that you’re prepared to do battle when it reaches your doorstep!

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Diabetic Ketoacidosis: The ABCs of DKA

It’s been a while since we’ve visited a long favorite topic here on tl;dr: diabetes. So in light of the recent addition of a critical care expert to our team, we’re taking advantage of his brain and tasking him with explaining diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Come learn how this chronic disease state can lead to an acute, life-threatening situation as well as how you, the pharmacist, can help to manage it.

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How to Do a Damn Topic Discussion

Are you looking for ways to start clinical rotations off on the right foot? Feeling a little lost after syllabus day as far as what to expect? Let tl;dr give you a leg up on one more piece of rotation: the daunting one-on-one topic discussion. Come learn what preceptors wish you knew before hitting your first session.

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What Every Pharmacist Should Know about Drug-Induced (Acquired) Methemoglobinemia

Sure, we at tl;dr obviously like to review the big ticket disease states (heart, kidney, liver, etc). But that doesn’t mean we don’t like delving into the less common issues too! Which is why this week we’re taking you on a journey into methemoglobinemia, a not-so-prevalent-but-oh-so-important-to-pharmacists issue. Come learn one more way to be a pharmacist hero!

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A Pharmacist’s Guide for Adult Gender-Affirming Care

Ever wondered what kinds of non-surgical therapies are available for transgender individuals? How are these patients initiated on therapy and monitored, and is there crossover with medications used for other indications? Don’t worry, you’re not alone if you didn’t learn much (if anything) about this topic in pharmacy school. Tl;dr is here to fill in the gaps so you can better care for all of your patients.

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When Good Drugs Go Bad: Acetaminophen Toxicity

An over-the-counter medication as ubiquitous and readily available as acetaminophen MUST be totally safe, right? Well, not entirely… Come learn how this household name walks a fine line between friend and foe - and also what to do in the event of an overdose.

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An Introduction to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT)

We recently covered the basics of hematologic malignancies. But did you know that for some of these patients there is actually an option to try for cure rather than just management? Check out how stem cell transplantation provides patients with an additional treatment strategy. Plus, learn about innovative therapies edging into the stem cell transplant space.

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How to Prevent Common Retail Pharmacy Computer System Mistakes

Picture this: the patient adamantly states they have refills remaining. The pharmacy system reports no refills remaining. The provider doesn’t want to renew the script because they see the last Rx should still be active. Sound like a familiar cluster, or perhaps a sticky situation you would rather avoid? Yeah, us too! So let tl;dr share some system tips for smoothing out your retail pharmacy practice experiences.

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What Every Pharmacist Should Know about Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Show of hands… who here has ever been confused as to how a condition characterized by thrombocytopenia could also lead to hypercoagulability and possibly death? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let tl;dr break down this not-as-rare-as-we-would-like-it-to-be medication adverse event so that you, too, will be armed and ready to monitor for complications!

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