České předsednictví je velkou příležitostí, nepropásněme ji

Irena Storová

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 63  

Inhalation technique and correct use of inhaler devices in the treatment of asthma bronchiale and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease II - dry­‑powder inhalers

Veronika Bárková, Dana Mazánková

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 68-74 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.014  

The following article deals with aspects of providing pharmaceutical care in patients with asthma bronchiale and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, for which the pharmacist's knowledge of the correct manipulation technique of inhaler devices is significant. Furthermore it summarizes all inhalers available on the Czech market containing dry-powder dosage form (solid dosage form inhalers) and for each inhaler presents information relating to proper instructions for patient about correct use, correct inhaler technique and maintenance of the inhaler.

Serotonin syndrome - a common problem, or rare complication?

Jakub Vaněk

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 75-78 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.015  

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal complication caused by drugs or substances that affect the serotonin system of the human body. It can arise as a result of usage of serotonin-acting medication, interactions with other substances (especially addictive substances) and as a result of intentional or unintentional overdose. A recent cohort study of a sample of 15 million patients taking serotinin-acting agents reported an incidence in the range of 0.07-0.19 over a follow-up period of 4 years. The symptoms of serotonin syndrome are divided into 3 basic groups - alterations of the mental state, autonomic dysregulation and neuromuscular hyperactivity....

Myths and facts about hormonal contraception

Daniel Bobek, Martin Šíma, Ondřej Slanař

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 79-81 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.016  

Since the 1960s, hormonal contraception has played an important role in the lives of many young women. Despite the fact that properly indicated contraception contributes to both the physical and mental health of women and for many of them is an excellent protection against unplanned pregnancy, it is rejected by some because of concerns that are not always supported by today's evidence-based medicine. Even hormonal contraceptives have side effects a rational discussion with doctor is necessary to allow each woman to make an informed decision about her choice of protection from unplanned pregnancy.

Antithrombotic therapy in antiphospholipid syndrome, the role of direct oral anticoagulants

Jana Hirmerová

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): E3-E10  

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune, acquired hypercoagulable disorder. It is characterized by a presence of anti­phospholipid antibodies (APA) and heterogeneous clinical manifestations, dominated by thrombosis (venous, arterial or small vessel thrombosis) and/or pregnancy complications. Because of high risk of thrombosis recurrence, secondary antithrombotic prophylaxis is of critical importance. Anticoagulation represents the cornerstone of therapy, including the cases of arterial thrombosis. Warfarin remains the first-choice therapy, usually with target INR (international normalized ratio) 2-3. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are...

The pharmacist's role in treating functional gastrointestinal disorders with a focus on the use of herbal remedies

Vilma Vranová, Jana Šopíková

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 110-115 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.023  

The treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders is difficult. The cause of functional GI disorders is usually multifactorial; therefore, the treatment must be comprehensive. Lifestyle measures, appropriate dietary modifications, adequate interventions in the locomotor system, and pharmacotherapy are the cornerstones of treatment. Consistent drug management and assistance in choosing medications for self-treatment are essential. In this context, herbal remedies can play a significant role.

Cissus quadrangularis - active compounds and therapeutic effects

Zdeňka Navrátilová

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): E18-E23 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.027  

Cissus quadrangularis is a succulent plant of Vitaceae family. It grows in tropical eastern and south Africa and south-eastern Asia. It have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for treatment of infections, hemorrhoids, dysmenorrhoea, scorbut, flatulence, diabetes, gastric ulcers, obstipation, cough, asthma, epilepsy, skin problems, fractures and also as an anthelmintic. Therapeutic effects have been confirmed in many animal studies, effects on obesity also in clinical trials.

Medical devices in wound healing I: Traditional and gauze dressings

Barbora Vraníková, Andrej Kováčik

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 116-121 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.024  

Medical devices represent an essential aid in the process of wound healing. A wide range of primary and secondary wound dressings may be found at the Czech market. These products differ in the used material, shape and utilization. Therefore, the presented article aims to classify one of the fundamental groups of wound dressings, namely devices made of gauze, non-woven gauze, and cotton. The basic specifics, including examples, are summarized for each subgroup of medical devices utilized in wound healing. The provided information should assist the pharmacist or pharmaceutical assistant in selecting the most suitable one to cover patient needs.

Principles of effective communication in the pharmacy

Dana Mazánková, Filip Kňažek, Jana Mečiaková

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): E11-E17 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.026  

Pharmacists and pharmacy assistants have extensive expertise in the field after graduation, and they continue to expand this through lifelong education. However, sometimes, during dispensing of drugs in the pharmacy, they may not be able to translate this expert knowledge into a language the patient can understand. In order to improve patients´ compliance to treatment, it is necessary to use so-called effective communication techniques during the dispensing of drugs. It mainly involves passing on essential information without unnecessary ballast in a comprehensible form together with using active listening.

Photoprotection of sunburnt skin in children

Karel Ettler

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 87-91 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.018  

Ultraviolet radiation contained in the solar spectrum can damage children's skin by acute burns, but it can also trigger changes leading to adulthood skin cancer. The amount of sun exposure depends on the intensity and duration of the exposure, the time of day and season, the geographical location and altitude, the mode of activity, as well as the age and phototype of the child. UV protection consists of staying in the shade, wearing photoprotective clothes and applying sunscreens to unprotected skin. Sun-damaged skin should be treated as a burn with prevention further sun exposure.

Self-treatment of diarrheal diseases in children - what to recommend in the pharmacy

Martin Gregora

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 92-95 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.019  

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is one of the most common causes of infectious diseases. The treatment of all gastroenteritis is based on early care for rehydration and properly set dietary measures. Rehydration is especially important in children, but not always easy, because intestinal infections, especially viral ones, often initially accompany vomiting. Oral rehydration solution administered in frequent appropriate doses, followed by refeeding, is the optimal treatment. Supportive treatments are adsorbents, gelatin tannate and probiotics. Targeted ATB treatment is given only in indicated cases.

Selected options for self­‑treatment vulvovaginal infections

Veronika Krejčí

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 96-99 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.020  

Women in many cases rather prefer to purchase OTC (over-the-counter) drug in a pharmacy before visiting the gynecologist. This fact requires higher demands on the pharmacist's knowledge, who does not have the opportunity to assess an objective clinical finding and must be based on the patient's subjective symptoms. The aim of this article is to provide a basic overview in the field of self-treatment of vaginal infections, especially through OTC medicines and dietary supplements and, if possible, to facilitate the right choice according to the patient's current symptoms. Due to the scope of the issue, the article does not deal in detail with medical devices.

Modern trends in prophylaxis of lower urinary tract infections

Hana Musilová, Roman Staněk

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 100-104  

Urinary tract infections are very frequent diagnose among bacterial infections. Illness mostly affect women than men (20:1). Prophylaxis lower urinary tract infections is provided by antimicrobial or non-antimicrobial ways. Regarding to increased antibiotics resistance of bacterial strains, modern medicine tend to looking for new non-antimictobial ways of prophylaxis of lower urinary tract infections and decrease frequency of using antibiotic therapy.

Hello, one ibuprofen or treatment osteoarthritis from the perspective of a pharmacist. Ship we in line with the recommendations?

Gabriela Kroupová

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 105-109 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.022  

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease caused by degeneration of cartilage with subsequent reaction and transformation of surrounding tissues. In the primary form, osteoarthritis is caused by aging and increases with age. In the secondary form, degeneration is accelerated mainly by the influence of congenital changes, injuries and general systemic disease controlled by a number of inflammatory mediators of the affected joint. The first symptom is severe pain, so-called starting pain, gradually swelling and limited joint mobility. Progression is usually long-term with varying degrees of difficulty. Most often affects the hip and knee joints,...

Less common drug interaction and its solution demonstrated on the example of HIV patient from the perspective of clinical practice

Lukáš Bauer, Jana Gregorová

Prakt. lékáren. 2022; 18(2): 82-86 | DOI: 10.36290/lek.2022.017  

Evaluation of drug interactions and offering the most suitable solution may be complicated in some cases. Pharmaceutical, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions should be considered in the interpretation. It is important to properly assess the potential of drug to interact not only at the metabolic level but also at the level of absorption, distribution and especially elimination. The article discusses the basic interactions of integrase inhibitors used in HIV patients. The solution of such an interaction is shown on the example from clinical practice.