New York Pharmacy Continuing Education

This course serves to review both acute and chronic heart failure, including the risk factors for developing heart failure, signs and symptoms, and tests used in diagnosis of heart failure. In addition, common medications used to treat both acute and chronic heart failure are reviewed, as well as current guidelines for the treatment of chronic heart failure.

This course covers women’s health management and medications used in this patient population. It reviews the physiology of female hormones, and details the various hormonal and nonhormonal contraceptive methods available. Management of pregnant and lactating patients and medication use in these populations is included. The course also discusses menopausal treatment and the current recommendations regarding hormonal use in this population. Additionally, the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and diagnosis of osteoporosis will be discussed. This course gives detailed information on the medications used to treat these conditions. 

The introduction of antibiotics into the practice of medicine has transformed the lives of millions of people. Infections that were once lethal are now easily treatable, and medical advances have been able to move forward through the use of antibiotics. Unfortunately, between 20 and 50 percent of all antibiotics administered in hospitals in the United States have been deemed either unnecessary or inappropriate. The misuse of antibiotics has contributed to increases in the rates of Clostridium difficile infections and adverse reactions to antibiotics, as well as the development of resistant strains of bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 23,000 deaths annually are caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms. 

Toxicology has been described in literature for thousands of years. In the year 1230, the word “poison” first appeared in the literature, and was defined as a potion or draught that was prepared with deadly ingredients. Since then, poisons and toxicology have remained an important part of history. From intentional poisoning-related deaths to the significant increase in deaths related to drug abuse and overdose, toxicology remains a relevant topic in medicine today. This course will review general principles of toxicology as well as toxidromes and agents of toxicity. It includes specific discussion regarding antidotes and treating toxicologic emergencies with a focus on pharmacologic therapy. 

Infection is a significant concern for people admitted to an inpatient setting. Infections acquired in the hospital setting oftentimes are resistant to antimicrobial therapy and more virulent in nature. Types of infections include pneumonia, central line- and catheter-associated infections, and infections after surgery. Pharmacists working in inpatient settings should be familiar with these infections, common pathogens, and preferred treatment. This continuing education module will review these infections, pathogens, treatment regimens, and prevention.