Nurses' Drug Alert

In April 1987, "Nurses' Drug Alert" presented several findings including cases of drug mix-ups leading to severe hypoglycemia, psychiatric symptoms from lidocaine, skin reactions from chlorpromazine, and depression linked to propranolol use, especially in those with a history of depression or on high doses. A 12-month trial with 88 patients showed penicillamine was more effective than auranofin for rheumatoid arthritis but had more serious side effects. Pindolol was found to potentially exacerbate ventricular arrhythmias in certain patients. Amiodarone was associated with pulmonary toxicity in 9.7% of 154 patients, requiring careful management. Perphenazine was suggested to help with jitteriness from tricyclic antidepressants in panic disorder. Topical minoxidil (Rogaine) was being used off-label for alopecia with variable results and many questions about its effectiveness. Lastly, Bricanyl's labeling was updated to warn against its use in preterm labor and to caution patients with cardiovascular issues or those on certain medications.