n the use of medications—particularly antibiotics—in pediatric patients, it is imperative to remember that pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes may be different in children compared with adults. These physiological changes can result in unfavorable outcomes for the pediatric patient. This article aims to outline those changes, focusing on the use of two antibiotic classes historically contraindicated in children: fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines.More »

The antibiotic most commonly prescribed to treat bloodstream infections in dialysis patients may not always be the best choice, according to a study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN).More »

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have discovered a key enzyme structure in bacteria, a finding that lays the foundation for a new generation of antibiotics that are safer and less prone to drug resistance.

More than 70 years after the first sulfa drugs helped to revolutionize medical care and save millions of lives, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have determined at an atomic level the mechanism these medications use to kill bacteria. The discovery provides the basis for a new generation of antibiotics that would likely be harder for bacteria to resist and cause fewer side effects.More »

Traveler’s diarrhea (TD) is the most common ailment affecting persons from industrialized countries who visit developing areas. Depending upon the region being visited, approximately 30% to 70% of international travelers develop TD, with the highest rates occurring in Latin America, Southern Asia, and Africa.1 TD is rarely life threatening, but it can be severely debilitating in children and the elderly, since severe dehydration can occur rapidly. Millions of travelers are affected by TD annually, so it is vital that pharmacists proactively educate individuals who will be traveling about preventive measures and treatment.More »