Table 1 – Types of vertigo (non-exhaustive list)[/caption]
Vomiting
In older people, dizziness significantly increases the risk of falls.7 Implementing appropriate interventions to address modifiable risk factors such as dizziness is of paramount importance. In cases of drug-induced dizziness, deprescribing can be considered if the medicine can be safely reduced, discontinued or substituted to prevent inappropriate prescribing cascades of potentially inappropriate medicines (PIM), especially in the context of older people.29
A national education program for pharmacists funded by the Australian Government under the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology program.[/caption]
The hypothalamus houses neurons that produce neuropeptides called orexin A and B, which were discovered in 1998, and represent one of the most exciting discoveries in sleep medicine.5,13–15 Orexin-producing neurons help us stay awake and alert, especially when we really need to focus, which is critical for survival.5,14 These neurons reach out to many brain areas that use other wakefulness messengers such as acetylcholine, dopamine, histamine, serotonin and noradrenaline. These areas ‘talk back’ to the hypothalamus, to further boost wakefulness signals.5 Similarly, the thalamus is an important region that also serves to relay wakefulness signals from the RAS.5
Another dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA), vornorexant*, is under development and currently undergoing clinical trials.28 
Other medicines such as dimdazenil* (partial positive allosteric modulator at GABAA specific to alpha-1 and alpha-5 GABAA receptor subtypes)41 and zuranolone* (positive allosteric modulator for GABAA) have also been tested, with positive outcomes in trials. Zuranolone* is marketed overseas specifically for postnatal depression, but clinical trials for its use in insomnia are ongoing.40
Kristy Carter (she/her)
Louise Edwards (she/her) Pharmacists’ guide to vaping supply arrangements
When the Commonwealth’s legislated vaping reforms come into effect tomorrow, pharmacists need to adhere to a new set of regulations for Schedule 3 supply...
Pneumococcal vaccine now in Queensland immuniser pharmacist toolkit
Pharmacist immunisers in Queensland will be the first in Australia to provide the pneumococcal vaccination, and will also be able to administer a COVID-19 vaccine when the first becomes available, the state’s health minister said on Saturday.
Should ibuprofen be used for COVID-19 symptoms?
There is currently no peer-reviewed, published scientific evidence to support a direct link between use of ibuprofen and more severe infection with COVID-19.
Paediatric risperidone errors prompt TGA safety update
The TGA has tightened dosing advice for the antipsychotic risperidone after an alarming number of overdoses occurred in patients under 18.
Pharmacists receive 2022 Australia Day Honours
PSA Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Valerie Constable FPS, John Coppock FPS and Bill Horsfall FPS, together with Chemist Outlet Founder Niels Bowen MPS, were among 545 people to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2022 Australia Day honours.
How do you do S3?
Pharmacy’s ‘go to’ reference – the APF – describes expected practice, not just best practice. Common ailments are no exception.
