IV Dantrolene Used for More Than Malignant Hyperthermia
Dantrolene, which binds to the ryanodine-receptor 1 and inhibits calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, is only indicated intravenously for the management of malignant hyperthermia (MH). MH is a pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle presenting as hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, metabolic acid–base disturbances, hyperkalemia, muscle rigidity, and rhabdomyolysis that occurs in response to exposure to volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine. Read more.

Levodopa/Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Infusion Use in Parkinson’s Disease
After 4 to 6 years of oral levodopa, up to three-quarters of patients may experience motor fluctuations, dyskinesias, and nonmotor symptoms. Couple this with the drug’s short half-life and erratic absorption, and this leads to fluctuating levodopa concentrations. Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel was designed to provide continuous delivery of levodopa to the upper intestine and may help with nighttime and early morning symptoms. Read more.

How Early Norepinephrine Administration Affects 24-Hour Mortality
Differences exist in the recommended use of norepinephrine in blunt trauma and hemorrhagic shock between the United States and Europe. In the U.S., norepinephrine use is generally avoided over concern of increased mortality based on findings from multiple retrospective studies. However, European guidelines recommend the use of the pressor to manage bleeding. Learn more about what these studies revealed.