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Pharmacology

Beta blockers for cardiovascular conditions: one size does not fit all

Metoprolol succinate still accounts for more than half of all beta blockers dispensed in New Zealand, although use has reduced... View Article

June 2024

Anticholinergic burden in older people

Older people, particularly those who are frail and with multiple morbidities, are most susceptible to the cumulative effects... View Article

March 2024

The safe and effective use of dabigatran and warfarin in primary care

Patients taking oral anticoagulants require appropriate management in order to receive the maximum benefit from treatment with... View Article

August 2017

Beta-blockers for cardiovascular conditions: one size does not fit all patients

Metoprolol succinate accounts for almost three-quarters of the beta-blockers dispensed in New Zealand. There is, however, little... View Article

July 2017

Upfront: Are blood eosinophil counts helpful in predicting patient responses to inhaled corticosteroids in COPD?

The risks and benefits of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are different for individual patients with COPD. There... View Article

March 2016

Newly-subsidised medicines for the treatment of patients with COPD

Subsidy changes for medicines used to treat patients with COPD came into effect on March 1, 2016. In this article we discuss how... View Article

March 2016

The use of dabigatran in general practice

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is now available in New Zealand, fully funded, without Special Authority, as an alternative oral anticoagulant... View Article

September 2011

Upfront: Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics for General Practitioners: Time for clinical application View Article

December 2010

What is Bioavailability and Bioequivalence

Bioequivalence is established by undertaking a single or in certain circumstances a number of bioequivalence studies. Most bioequivalence... View Article

July 2009

The regulation and oversight of generic medicines in NZ

In New Zealand, Medsafe is responsible for the regulation of generic medicines. This involves evaluating the manufacturing processes,... View Article

July 2009

Appendix: How is Bioequivalence Established

Bioequivalence is established by undertaking a single or in certain circumstances a number of bioequivalence studies. Most bioequivalence... View Article

July 2009

The role of antiplatelet agents

Antiplatelet drugs including aspirin, clopidogrel and dipyrimadole, reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events by about 20-25%... View Article

February 2009

Eltroxin (levothyroxine) formulation change

From July 2007, Glaxo Smith Kline has distributed a new formulation of Eltroxin 50 microgram and 100 microgram. Since then, there... View Article

August 2008

Snippets: Drug information of topical interest


• Calcium Supplementation and the risk of myocardial infarction
• Use of eGFR for drug dose adjustment
• Compulsive gambling...
View Article

December 2007

What is bioequivalence

Explains bioequivalence, how it’s regulated in New Zealand and the main validity issues. View Article

March 2007

The CYP450 System

An overview of the CYP450 system with particular reference to the metabolism of antidepressant drugs. View Article

March 2007

Dear Dave

Can smoking cessation affect the dose of antipsychotics?Do statins cause nightmares?How important is it to give simvastatin at... View Article

February 2007

Lithium in General Practice

In this article we provide an overview and guidance on the management of patients taking lithium. View Article

February 2007

Pharmacogenetics

Pharmacogenetics: relevance in the treatment of depression View Article

October 2006