There is an invisible war being fought at the microscopic level between bacteria and fungi. We should be glad of this because these microorganisms produce chemicals that inhibit each other, and we can use these chemicals to produce antimicrobials. Bacteria will produce antifungal and antibacterial […]

Symptoms of an influenza viral infection were described by Hippocrates 2400 years ago. In recent recorded history there have been pandemics such as the 1918-1920 Spanish Flu and the more recent 2009 Swine Flu. In modern medical times, there were only two medications indicated to […]

In the early 1900’s on the south side of Chicago at a local tavern called the Lone Star Saloon, a well-to-do customer walked in and ordered a drink. The bartender prepared the drink as usual, but covertly included an additional substance to it. He then […]

The use of chewing coca leaves (Erythroxylon coca) dates back centuries for the indigenous peoples of South America, particularly the Peruvians and Incas. When the Spanish explored the region in the 1500’s they were initially skeptical of the properties of the plant, but soon learned […]

The history of the development of the class of chemicals we call “steroids” goes back several decades. There are a couple of interesting stories regarding this history I would like to relate to the reader in this week’s column. The first story is about the […]

Sometimes it’s the small singular events that eventually lead to major changes. This is what happened when ether (diethyl ether) was used as a general anesthetic during surgery. The first use of ether is somewhat clouded in controversy. Dr. Crawford Long of rural Jefferson, Georgia […]

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium found in soils. When it encounters an environment that lacks oxygen (anaerobic), such as the human gut, it grows and releases botulinum toxin. The botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) produces its effects by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine at the nerve endings […]

Much has been written lately about antimicrobial medications. While it is true we need these medications for certain species of microbes, not all bacteria are harmful and can even convey health benefits. These products are referred to as functional foods and specifically probiotics, a term […]

The question may be asked: What other places can one find pharmacists? As we have discussed in previous columns there are many places where pharmacists make positive impacts on health care outcomes other than the traditional community pharmacy. Opioid Treatment Programs, also known as methadone […]

My previous column featured the work of pharmacists in acute care (hospital) settings, emphasizing their work behind the scenes in hospitals compared to the visibility of pharmacists in the community pharmacy. In addition to being in community pharmacies and hospitals, one can also find a […]