An aggressive strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) caused pneumonia in a majority of the children at Texas Children's Hospital, according to a new study. The antibiotic clindamycin was used effectively in most of the pneumonia cases. Read full article.

A monthly review of the
peer-reviewed literature by
Drug Topics' Editorial Advisor
Anna D. Garrett, PharmD, BCPS. Anna Garrett is manager, Outpatient Clinical Pharmacy Programs, Mission Hospital, Asheville, N.C.

The concentration of the influenza drug oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu, Genentech) for oral suspension has been reduced from 12 mg/mL to 6 mg/mL to reduce the possibility of prescribing and dosing confusion that can lead to medication errors, FDA announced. Read full article.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released revised recommendations for postpartum contraceptive use based on an assessment of new evidence, stated an article published in the July 8 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Read full article.

Potential Medicare budget cuts made through a new board are likely to significantly reduce healthcare access for beneficiaries, according to testimony presented to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce health subcommittee. Read full article.

Concerned about the increasing potential in gonorrhea patients for resistance to cephalosporin, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends dual therapy for gonorrhea, with ceftriaxone 250 mg plus either azithromycin or doxycycline. Read full article.

The American Heart Association has scheduled a session devoted specifically to pharmacists at this year's AHA Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Fla. Read full article.