The acronym ‘FODMAPs’ is used to describe types of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine of some individuals. Learning objectives After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: Describe the indications and principles of...

A small study has investigated community pharmacist attitudes to the over-the-counter (OTC) supply of sildenafil in New Zealand, finding it has enhanced their primary care role. In 2014, New Zealand made sildenafil available from specially trained pharmacists for the treatment...

A study has found a pharmacy-driven protocol using nasal swabs to assess methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in pneumonia cases holds promise for reducing unnecessary use of vancomycin, recommended when there is a high risk of MRSA infection. Researchers at a...

Cannabis is the most popular recreational drug used in the world. The use of cannabis or cannabinoids is referred to as medicinal cannabis. Learning objectives After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: Identify medicinal cannabis products available Describe...

Immortalised in Australian slang, the analgesic phenacetin (used in Bex powder) is wrapped up in the development of the modern pharmaceutical industry and has shaped our attitude to the use of over-the-counter analgesics. Acetophenitidine (sold as phenacetin) was developed by...

Alcohol is an important part of the Australian culture and way of life. Unfortunately, the nation’s love affair with alcohol has made it the most commonly treated drug according to the Alcohol and Other Drug treatment services (AODs). There is...

Meningococcal disease is an acute bacterial infection that can affect the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), or the blood (septicaemia); whilst some patients can have a combination of both. Learning objectives After reading this article, pharmacists should be able to: ...

Immediate patient access to antibiotics through pharmacies has been recognised as a factor in addressing antibiotic misuse in the community, as antimicrobial resistance increases. A study conducted across 90 rural and metropolitan Western Australian community pharmacies has examined the abilities...

From June, pharmacists across metro and regional Victoria will have access to free training sessions to help their patients quit smoking. ‘Pharmacists are highly respected in the community and could play an even bigger role in helping smokers to quit,’...

A once-daily, single inhaler triple therapy for  chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is set to be listed on the PBS from 1 July. The triple-therapy inhaler Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium and vilanterol) is indicated for long-term maintenance treatment...