Enhanced adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal in the presence of magnesium citrate, N.F.

In a series of experiments to determine the effect of magnesium citrate solution, NF, on the adsorption of sodium salicylate onto charcoal, salicylate adsorption was shown to be enhanced in the presence of citrate ion and, to a lesser extent, magnesium ion. Additional in vitro and in vivo studies with sodium salicylate, as well as other drugs, will be necessary to fully assess the potential clinical implications of these findings.

The effect of temperature of concurrently administered fluid on the onset of ipecac-induced emesis.

The time of onset of ipecac-induced emesis is not significantly influenced by the temperature of concurrently administered fluid. The average time of emesis with syrup of ipecac administered with cold (10 degrees C) versus warm (40 degrees C) water was found to be 30:59 and 30:18 min, respectively. The difference in induction time is not statistically or clinically significant.

Comprehensive pharmaceutical services in the emergency room.

A decentralized pharmaceutical service functioning in a hospital emergency room from 4 p.m. to midnight daily is described. Start-up costs were determined to be less than $2,200 for the system which includes a mobile medication cart stocked with a limited inventory of prepackaged medications. Approximately 94% of the prescriptions originating from the emergency room from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. can be filled from the cart. Results of a nine-month survey indicated that an average of 20.6 prescriptions were filled on the 4 p.m. to midnight shift each day, producing an average daily profit over drug expense of $60.51, which was more than the salary expense of the pharmacists providing the service. The time required to provide traditional prescription services has not interfered with the provision of clinical services or opportunities for educating undergraduate pharmacy students who rotate through the area. Implementation of clinical pharmaceutical services with a traditional component is suggested as a cost-effective method of providing such services.