Medication
August 24, 2011

Medication Storage

Extreme temperatures have the potential to alter the effectiveness of medications. Drugs should not be stored in areas where the temperature may exceed 86 degrees or drop below 58 degrees. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are at risk for loss of potency and changes in chemical structure if not stored properly. Besides temperature extremes, other conditions can alter medications such as moisture, light, and time.

July 12, 2011
A Review of Codeine Safety and Regulations for the Breastfeeding Mother
The importance of managing maternal postpartum pain is widely recognized. Yet how to provide treatment that is protective of the neonate while simultaneously providing adequate maternal therapy has not been determined. Just under half of the infants born in North America are delivered by cesarean section or vaginally after episiotomy and frequently a regimen containing some form of codeine is prescribed for analgesia.
July 05, 2011
Breastfeeding Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe, systemic allergic reaction that can be potentially life threatening. A massive release of histamine from the tissues causes a drop in blood pressure, narrowing of the airways, and urticaria. Insect stings, nut products, and latex can all cause anaphylaxis in susceptible people. There have also been several cases published describing a similar reaction to some element of breastfeeding.
June 16, 2011
Safe Use of Birth Control While Breastfeeding
Most women who breastfeed exclusively stop having menstrual periods.This is known as lactational amenorrhea and during lactational amenorrhea, the potential for ovulation is reduced. Subsequently, the chances of conception during this period decrease to approximately 0.5-2%, moreover, there is still a risk of pregnancy. Many women fear that because they are breastfeeding they cannot use any form of contraception. However, the use of contraception should not prevent a mother from breastfeeding.
June 13, 2011
Safely Managing Pain During Lactation
Pain is the most common reason that patients seek medical attention. Pain is a symptom with an extremely broad differential diagnosis. Effective treatments are based on proper diagnosis. The source, severity, and the cause of the pain need also be considered. There are several analgesics that can be used for a variety of pain syndromes. These include Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), opiates, and non-opiate drugs.
June 08, 2011
Breastfeeding in Mothers with E. Coli Infections
In the USA and many other countries, the predominant enterohemorrhagic E. coli subtype associated with disease is E. coli O157:H7. Recently, a large number of cases of antibiotic-resistant E. coli O104 have been reported in Germany, some in breastfeeding mothers. This particular species is known to secrete Shiga toxins and to produce potentially severe renal disease in humans. The question has arisen as to whether breastfeeding mothers should continue to breastfeed while undergoing therapy for this severe infection.
April 13, 2011
Benzocaine Topical Teething Products

Topical teething products containing benzocaine have been formulated to soothe the pain of teething in infants and children. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently reported that the use of benzocaine may increase the risk of a serious medical condition called methemoglobinemia. The symptoms of this condition include blue skin, lips, and nail beds, headache, lightheadedness, tiredness, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear after one application. Symptoms also may appear within a few minutes to a few hours after application.

March 17, 2011
Potassium Iodide for Radiation Exposure
Potassium iodide was approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) in 1982 for thyroid protection from radioactive iodine accidents.  Of the many radioactive elements released by nuclear accidents, radioactive Iodine-131 is a major component and a huge risk factor for humans.
January 24, 2011
Influenza Season Recommendations for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers

Vaccines

Pregnant Patients

The American College of Gynecology (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all pregnant women be vaccinated against the seasonal flu.  Pregnant women may receive the injectable vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy.  However, the live attenuated vaccine known as FluMist is not recommended in any stage of pregnancy. Thimersol is contained in small amounts in the multi-dose vials, but the single dose vials do not contain thimersol.

July 09, 2010
Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There has recently been a lot of discussion in the news about the potential hazards of taking antidepressants while pregnant. Some researchers are concerned that they increase the risk of birth defects. Proponents of antidepressants point out, correctly, that depression during pregnancy is also risky and can lead to premature delivery and other complications.
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