Canadian family physician Médecin de famille canadien
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To consider topical anesthetic options available to primary care physicians, indications for their use, and efficacy and safety of these agents as supported by the literature. ⋯ Children's simple facial and scalp lacerations can be safely repaired using topical LET gel. Physicians must adhere to recommendations to avoid mucous membrane contact and ensure appropriate dosing with these agents. Bupivacaine-epinephrine topical preparation is a promising analgesic agent that warrants further study.
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To inform family physicians of current issues in the management of acute vertebral fractures and to examine the evidence specifically supporting a role for calcitonin in ameliorating pain. ⋯ Calcitonin in a dose of 50 to 100 IU daily, given subcutaneously or intranasally, should be offered to all patients with serious pain related to acute vertebral fractures for symptom relief and to facilitate mobilization.
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More and more of my female patients are switching to the new selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Are they safe during pregnancy? ⋯ Our data suggest these drugs do not increase the malformation rate, but there are no data on neurodevelopment. Because such data do exist on fluoxetine and tricyclic antidepressants, those drugs should be considered first.