Christchurch Medicines Information Service

Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin and amikacin) are bactericidal antibiotics used to treat infections caused by Gram-negative organisms. Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended to ensure adequate dosing and prevent adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Aminoglycosides d...

Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir is a combination medicine used to treat COVID-19 infections. Ritonavir increases (boosts) the concentration of nirmatrelvir by inhibiting its clearance by CYP3A enzymes. This also increases the concentration of other drugs metabolised by CYP3A. This is w­hy drug interactio...

Complementary and alternative products (CAPs) include: herbals (dried plant materials, plant extracts), dietary supplements, probiotics and homeopathic products. For most CAPs sold in New Zealand, adherence to the Code of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is voluntary and regulatory approval is n...

Gluten and lactose may be present in medicines as excipients. Excipients are intended to be pharmacologically inactive ingredients, and include binders, absorbents, protectants and colouring agents. Some patients need to, or choose to, avoid gluten or lactose. This bulletin summarises what to con...

NZ is funding two medicines in new classes for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.1 These will be second line options after metformin, and favoured for patients at high risk of cardiovascular or renal complications. They are subject to special authority criteria.1-3 Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose ...

Definition Prodrugs are inactive precursors designed to be converted to an active form after administration. This is to overcome poor physio-chemical or pharmacokinetic properties of the active drug. Prodrugs – methods of activation Prodrugs are activated by a variety of mechanisms including...

Metronidazole in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding There is inconsistent advice regarding the use of metronidazole in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Historically, its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has been controversial due to data from animal studies showing that metronidazole is potential...

Since 2018, there have been significant changes to legislation around cannabis-based products in New Zealand with the most recent change in April 2020. This bulletin aims to provide an update on what products are available and the important differences between them. The cannabis plant (Cannabi...