HPS Pharmacies prides itself on providing innovative and informative support to assist in the diverse range of issues health professionals face on a day-to-day basis, and to facilitate the distribution of this information for a variety of sectors within the healthcare industry.
HPS’ clinical articles are written by HPS Pharmacies’ experienced and knowledgeable staff and are peer-reviewed by specialist leaders in their field to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. The resourceful and diverse range of articles play an integral role in keeping all health professionals up-to-date with the happenings throughout the industry on a regular basis.
There is some uncertainty about the precautions that need to be taken while preparing and administering low dose methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients either in the ward or at home. Like most drugs,…
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Medication schedules Different medication schedules are handled differently when brought into a hospital setting. Types of medication schedules seen in a hospital setting can include schedule 2, 4, 4D and 8. Schedule 2 medications…
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Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a syndrome that may occur in chronic and acute liver dysfunction. It involves a spectrum of neuropsychiatric symptoms and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Signs and symptoms can…
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Restrictions have recently increased for the provision of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The following changes were implemented on 1st May 2019: Standard dose PPIs changed from restricted benefit…
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Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of infectious diarrhoea in hospitalised patients. This anaerobic, spore-forming bacteria is prevalent in the environment and can be spread directly or indirectly via the faecal-oral route. C….
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Asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting one in nine Australians. The condition is characterised by hypersensitivity and inflammation of the airways which results in symptoms such as cough, wheeze, chest tightness, and breathlessness….
Read moreLow Dose Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis (Jun. 21 2019)
Introduction to the storage of medications in a private hospital setting (Jun. 07 2019)
Lactulose for Hepatic Encephalopathy (May. 24 2019)
Proton Pump Inhibitor Restrictions (May. 10 2019)
Prevention of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection (Apr. 25 2019)
Updates to the Australian Asthma Handbook (Apr. 12 2019)
Heparins (Mar. 29 2019)
Safety and Quality Standards for Mental Health (Mar. 15 2019)
Potentially Harmful Medication Use in the Elderly (Mar. 01 2019)
Animal-Assisted Therapy for Dementia (Feb. 15 2019)
Augmented Renal Clearance (Feb. 01 2019)
Biofilms (Jan. 18 2019)
Medications and Sun Exposure (Jan. 04 2019)
Abatacept Therapy (Dec. 21 2018)
Trifluridine / Tipiracil (Lonsurf®) (Dec. 07 2018)
Deprescribing (Nov. 23 2018)
Herpes Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia Management (Nov. 08 2018)
Electronic Health Records (Oct. 26 2018)
Management of Immunotherapy-induced Cytokine Release Syndrome (Oct. 12 2018)
Chemistry and Medication (Sep. 28 2018)
Antifungal Prophylaxis in Haematology: A Review of the Guidelines (Sep. 14 2018)
The Importance of Medicines Reconciliation and the Medication Management Plan (Aug. 31 2018)
Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse (Aug. 17 2018)
Oral Mesalazine Formulations (Aug. 03 2018)
Tumour Lysis Syndrome: An Oncological Emergency (Jul. 20 2018)
StrataXRT® in Radiation-induced Skin Reactions (Jul. 06 2018)
Medication Use in Paediatric Populations (Jun. 22 2018)
Capsule Confusion: Pills That Should Not Be Swallowed (Jun. 08 2018)
Hereditary Angioedema (May. 25 2018)
A Comparison of Antiemetics Used in Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) (May. 16 2018)
Reducing HIV Transmission (Apr. 27 2018)
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (Apr. 13 2018)
Management of Breakthrough Seizures (Mar. 29 2018)
Update for the 2018 Influenza Season (Mar. 16 2018)
Osteomyelitis (Mar. 02 2018)
Antihypertensives in Review (Feb. 16 2018)
Contact Dermatitis (Feb. 02 2018)
Lonsurf® (Jan. 19 2018)
Improved Protection Against Human Papillomavirus (Jan. 05 2018)
2017 Revised Classification of Seizures (Dec. 22 2017)
Osteoporosis Management: New Emerging Side Effects (Dec. 07 2017)
Iron Deficiency Anaemia (Nov. 23 2017)
A Literature Review of the Safety and Efficacy of New Oral Anticoagulants (Nov. 09 2017)
Vortioxetine (Brintellix®) (Sep. 28 2017)
Suvorexant (Belsomra®) (Sep. 14 2017)
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Menopause (Aug. 31 2017)
How to Take a Best Possible Medication History (Aug. 17 2017)
Treatment of Insomnia (Aug. 03 2017)
International Harmonisation of Ingredient Names (Jul. 20 2017)
Causes of Global Medicines Shortage (Jul. 06 2017)
Biosimilar Infliximab (Jun. 22 2017)
Splitting Tablets – Is It Safe? (Jun. 08 2017)
Combination Eye Drop to Control Intraocular Pressure (May. 26 2017)
Bydureon® (exenatide) (May. 11 2017)
Management of Psoriasis (Apr. 27 2017)
Grains: Friends or Foes? (Apr. 12 2017)
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Antibiotic Awareness Week at The Mater Hospital (Mar. 30 2017)
Clostridium Difficile Infections (Mar. 16 2017)
Updates to Medicinal Cannabis Legislation (Mar. 02 2017)
Milnacipran Hydrochloride for Fibromyalgia (Feb. 16 2017)
Topical Corticosteroids (Feb. 02 2017)
Managing Asthma During Pregnancy and Lactation (Jan. 19 2017)
Symbicort Preparations: Are They the Same? (Jan. 05 2017)
Pharmacological treatment of clozapine-induced sialorrhoea (Dec. 22 2016)
Classifying Medications in Pregnancy (Dec. 08 2016)
Prevention of a Rare and Devastating Brain Infection (Sep. 29 2016)
Colchicine for Constipation (Sep. 15 2016)
The Confusion with ‘Sulfur allergy’ (Sep. 01 2016)
Inhaler Devices in the Treatment of COPD and Asthma (Aug. 18 2016)
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (Aug. 04 2016)
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (Jul. 21 2016)
Adverse Drug Reactions (Jul. 07 2016)
Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Clozapine (Jun. 23 2016)
Hepatitis C Medications (Jun. 10 2016)
To Quit or not to Quit (May. 26 2016)
Herbs and Liver Enzymes (May. 12 2016)
Infective Endocarditis (Apr. 28 2016)
Febuxostat in chronic gout (Apr. 14 2016)
Olanzapine Depot and Post-Injection Syndrome (Mar. 31 2016)
Influenza: Vaccination Information for 2016 (Mar. 18 2016)
Infectious Conjunctivitis (Mar. 03 2016)
Proton Pump Inhibitors and the Elderly – What are the Risks? (Feb. 18 2016)
Fidaxomicin (Dificid®): a new class of antibiotics (Feb. 05 2016)
Medicinal Cannabis and Legislative Changes (Jan. 21 2016)
Overview of Oral Anticoagulants (Jan. 07 2016)
Common Eye Diseases of the Elderly (Dec. 23 2015)
The Role of Magnesium in Our Daily Lives (Dec. 10 2015)
A Post-Antimicrobial Era (Nov. 26 2015)
Stepped Approach in Asthma Management (Nov. 12 2015)
Increased Access to HIV Medications in the Community (Sep. 17 2015)
The Evolution of Biologicals: From Cow Pus To Reverse Aging (Sep. 03 2015)
Orthostatic Hypotension In The Elderly (Aug. 25 2015)
Overcoming the Challenges of Opioid Allergies (Aug. 13 2015)
Anticholinergic Drug Burden (Aug. 06 2015)
Treatment and Prevention of Mucositis Secondary to Cancer Treatment (Jul. 23 2015)
Hypertension Targets for Diabetes Mellitus Patients (Jul. 09 2015)
Bell’s Palsy (Jun. 25 2015)
In A PINCH(S) (Jun. 11 2015)
Anticoagulants – A Nurse’s Perspective (May. 28 2015)
Poor Literacy is a Health Hazard (May. 14 2015)
The Long & Winding Road of Anti-inflammatories (Apr. 30 2015)
Using bioCSL Fluvax® Safely (Apr. 16 2015)
Serotonin Syndrome (Apr. 01 2015)
Managing Motor Complications in Late Stage Parkinson’s Disease (Mar. 24 2015)
Fish Oil or Snake Oil? (Mar. 19 2015)
Drug Safety: The Effect on Drug Metabolism (Mar. 17 2015)
Medication Safety and NSQHS Standards (Mar. 11 2015)
Amiodarone Pneumonitis (Mar. 05 2015)
The Stigma of Mental Illness (Mar. 01 2015)
Restless Legs Syndrome (Feb. 19 2015)
Tumour Profiling: Way of the Future? (Feb. 05 2015)
Medicines Use in Breastfeeding (Jan. 22 2015)
Digoxin Toxicity (Jan. 20 2015)
Cetuximab: Management and Prevention of Cutaneous Side Effects (Jan. 18 2015)
Thalidomide and Newer Analogues for Multiple Myeloma (Jan. 08 2015)
Pharmaceutical Sciences Beyond 2020 (Dec. 16 2014)
Febrile Neutropenia (Dec. 11 2014)
Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients (Dec. 09 2014)
Medicine Names – Sense or Sensibility? (Dec. 07 2014)
Tramadol Mixture (Nov. 27 2014)
Symptoms & Syndromes: Acquired Syphilis (Nov. 25 2014)
Pharmacists May Be Better Utilised (Oct. 30 2014)
Bowel Cancer Screening (Oct. 16 2014)
Ipilimumab for Melanoma Treatment (Oct. 13 2014)
A New Interaction for an Anti-Emetic Favourite (Oct. 02 2014)
Tranexamic Acid – The Results Keep Coming (Sep. 18 2014)
Mirabegron (Betmiga®) for Overactive Bladder (Sep. 04 2014)
The Effectiveness of Chloramphenicol as Prophylaxis for Wound Infection after Minor Skin Surgery (Aug. 21 2014)
Hylo®-Fresh and Hylo-Forte® Eye Drops (Aug. 07 2014)
Medicines in Breastfeeding (Aug. 05 2014)
Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Management (Jul. 30 2014)
Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel (Duodopa®) for the Treatment of Advanced Parkinson’s Disease (Jul. 25 2014)
Update on Treatments for Macular Degeneration (Jul. 22 2014)
Olanzapine and its Formulations (Jul. 10 2014)
Ferric Carboxymaltose (Ferinject®) (Jun. 26 2014)
Community-acquired Pneumonia: Antibiotic Stewardship (Jun. 19 2014)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments (Jun. 19 2014)
Medications used in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Jun. 12 2014)
Novel Drug for the Treatment of Hyponatraemia – Tolvaptan (May. 29 2014)
How Will The 2014 Budget Impact Healthcare? (May. 15 2014)
Antibiotic Profile: Ciprofloxacin (May. 01 2014)
Maximising Moxifloxacin (Apr. 17 2014)
Management of Warfarin Bleeds (Apr. 03 2014)
Safety Issues of Fentanyl Patches (Mar. 30 2014)
Valdoxan (agomelatine) (Mar. 20 2014)
International Pharmacy: A Traveller’s Perspective (Mar. 06 2014)
Medication Reconciliation and the NSQHS Standards (Mar. 06 2014)
HPS Leads the Industry with Tall Man Lettering (Mar. 06 2014)
Symptoms & Syndromes: Potassium, Plasma and Drugs (Mar. 04 2014)
Abiraterone (Zytiga®) for Prostate Cancer (Mar. 03 2014)
Drug Dosing in Obesity (Mar. 03 2014)
Thyroxine Drug Interactions (Jan. 23 2014)
Anaphylaxis (Jan. 12 2014)
Antimicrobial Stewardship – The Next Step (Dec. 29 2013)
Targin (Dec. 25 2013)
Using N-acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorders (Dec. 22 2013)
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (Dec. 22 2013)
Management of Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting (Dec. 22 2013)
N-acetylcysteine and the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (Dec. 22 2013)
Bevacizumab (Avastin) (Dec. 22 2013)
Ipilimumab: A Novel Treatment for Melanoma (Dec. 12 2013)
MedsCheck in Hospitals (Nov. 28 2013)
Antibiotic Awareness Week (Nov. 14 2013)
CKD, eGFR and Cockcroft-Gault (Oct. 31 2013)
Hospital Admission and Abrupt Smoking Cessation (Oct. 17 2013)
Sulfur Allergies (Oct. 03 2013)
New Government, New Promises (Sep. 19 2013)
Symptoms & Syndromes: Refresher of Thyroid Disorders (Sep. 19 2013)
Linagliptin – An Incretin-Based Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Sep. 18 2013)
Rifaximin in Hepatic Encephalopathy (Sep. 18 2013)
Dapagliflozin – A Novel Way to Control Blood Glucose (Sep. 18 2013)
Vaccination Trends in Australia (Sep. 18 2013)
Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (Sep. 18 2013)
Getting High: An Update In Altitude Medicine (Sep. 05 2013)
Pharmacy Caught in the Crossfire (Aug. 22 2013)
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) – an Overview (Aug. 08 2013)
An Aspect of Mental Illness (Jul. 25 2013)
Dry Eye Syndrome (Jul. 11 2013)
Symptoms & Syndromes: An Update on Crohn’s Disease (Jul. 02 2013)
A World Without Antibiotics (Jun. 30 2013)
From Compliance to Adherence to Concordance (Jun. 30 2013)
Drugs, Prolonged QT Interval and Torsades de Pointes (Jun. 30 2013)
Perioperative Anticoagulation (Jun. 30 2013)
Symptoms & Syndromes: Heart Failure (Jun. 28 2013)
The Triple Whammy (Jun. 13 2013)
Antidepressants General Overview (May. 30 2013)
Warfarin Education Review (May. 15 2013)
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: New focus on individualising Glycaemic targets (May. 01 2013)
ACE and ARB Combination (Mar. 20 2013)
Symptoms & Syndromes: Opioid Conversions (Feb. 22 2013)
Pharmacological Prophylaxis of Opioid Induced Constipation (Feb. 21 2013)
PBS Safety Net: How it Benefits Patients and Hospitals (Feb. 21 2013)
Regulation of Medicines in Australia (Feb. 21 2013)
Role of Complementary Medicines in Hospital Pharmacy (Feb. 21 2013)
Gentamicin Dosing and Monitoring (Feb. 21 2013)
Smoking and Antipsychotics: Drug Interactions (Feb. 21 2013)
Symptoms & Syndromes: New Treatments for Hepatitis C (Dec. 11 2012)
The Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs (Dec. 10 2012)
IV to Oral Switch Therapy (Dec. 10 2012)
Ixabepilone in Metastatic Breast Cancer (Dec. 09 2012)
Aseptic and Cytotoxic Training Program at Peter Mac (Dec. 09 2012)
Amoxycillin Challenge (Dec. 09 2012)
