Matching articles for "erythromycin"
Drugs for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 5, 2024; (Issue 1695)
Acne is common among adolescents and adults.
Guidelines for treatment of acne were last published
by the American Academy of Dermatology in...
Acne is common among adolescents and adults.
Guidelines for treatment of acne were last published
by the American Academy of Dermatology in 2016.
Drugs for Rosacea
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 5, 2024; (Issue 1695)
Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory facial
eruption of unknown cause. It is more prevalent
in women than in men, and disease onset typically
occurs after age 30. Rosacea is characterized
by erythema,...
Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory facial
eruption of unknown cause. It is more prevalent
in women than in men, and disease onset typically
occurs after age 30. Rosacea is characterized
by erythema, telangiectasia, and flushing, and
sometimes by recurrent, progressive crops of
acneiform papules and pustules, usually on the
central part of the face. Some patients develop
granulomas and tissue hypertrophy, which may lead
to rhinophyma (a bulbous nose), particularly in men.
Blepharitis and conjunctivitis are common. Keratitis
and corneal scarring occur rarely.
Drugs for Sexually Transmitted Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 27, 2022; (Issue 1653)
This article includes recommendations for management
of most sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
other than HIV and viral hepatitis. Some of the
indications and dosages recommended here have
not been...
This article includes recommendations for management
of most sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
other than HIV and viral hepatitis. Some of the
indications and dosages recommended here have
not been approved by the FDA (see Table 1).
Clascoterone Cream (Winlevi) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 27, 2021; (Issue 1640)
The FDA has approved Winlevi (Sun), a 1% cream
formulation of the androgen receptor inhibitor
clascoterone, for treatment of acne vulgaris in
patients ≥12 years old. It is the first topical...
The FDA has approved Winlevi (Sun), a 1% cream
formulation of the androgen receptor inhibitor
clascoterone, for treatment of acne vulgaris in
patients ≥12 years old. It is the first topical androgen
receptor inhibitor to be approved by the FDA.
Metoclopramide Nasal Spray (Gimoti) for Diabetic Gastroparesis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 11, 2021; (Issue 1615)
The FDA has approved Gimoti (Evoke), a nasal
spray formulation of the dopamine-2 (D2) receptor
antagonist metoclopramide, for relief of symptoms in
adults with acute and recurrent diabetic...
The FDA has approved Gimoti (Evoke), a nasal
spray formulation of the dopamine-2 (D2) receptor
antagonist metoclopramide, for relief of symptoms in
adults with acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis.
Metoclopramide (Reglan, and generics) has been
available for years in conventional and orally-disintegrating
tablets and in an injectable formulation.
It is the only drug that is FDA-approved for treatment
of diabetic gastroparesis.
Drugs for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 30, 2020; (Issue 1612)
Acne is common among adolescents and young adults,
but its prevalence appears to have increased in people
of all ages due to prolonged wearing of masks during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines for treatment...
Acne is common among adolescents and young adults,
but its prevalence appears to have increased in people
of all ages due to prolonged wearing of masks during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines for treatment of
acne were last published in 2016.
Minocycline Foam (Amzeeq) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 4, 2020; (Issue 1597)
The FDA has approved a 4% aerosol foam formulation
of minocycline (Amzeeq – Foamix) for topical
treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular
moderate to severe acne in patients ≥9 years old. It...
The FDA has approved a 4% aerosol foam formulation
of minocycline (Amzeeq – Foamix) for topical
treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular
moderate to severe acne in patients ≥9 years old. It is
the first topical tetracycline formulation to be approved
for use in patients with acne. Oral minocycline
(Minocin, Solodyn, and generics) is
Drugs for Common Eye Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 2, 2019; (Issue 1586)
This issue includes reviews of drugs for glaucoma,
age-related macular degeneration (AMD), bacterial
conjunctivitis, and dry eye disease. Allergic conjunctivitis
is reviewed in a separate...
This issue includes reviews of drugs for glaucoma,
age-related macular degeneration (AMD), bacterial
conjunctivitis, and dry eye disease. Allergic conjunctivitis
is reviewed in a separate issue.
Sarecycline (Seysara) - Another Oral Tetracycline for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 25, 2019; (Issue 1568)
Sarecycline (Seysara — Allergan), a new oral
tetracycline antibiotic, has been approved by the FDA
for once-daily treatment of inflammatory lesions of
non-nodular moderate to severe acne in patients...
Sarecycline (Seysara — Allergan), a new oral
tetracycline antibiotic, has been approved by the FDA
for once-daily treatment of inflammatory lesions of
non-nodular moderate to severe acne in patients ≥9
years old.
Drugs for Sexually Transmitted Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 3, 2017; (Issue 1524)
The text and tables that follow include recommendations
for management of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) other than HIV and viral hepatitis.
Some of the indications and dosages recommended
here have...
The text and tables that follow include recommendations
for management of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) other than HIV and viral hepatitis.
Some of the indications and dosages recommended
here have not been approved by the FDA.
Alternatives to Fluoroquinolones
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 6, 2016; (Issue 1496)
The FDA has announced that it is requiring changes in
the labeling of systemic fluoroquinolones to warn that
the risk of serious adverse effects, including tendinitis,
peripheral neuropathy and CNS effects,...
The FDA has announced that it is requiring changes in
the labeling of systemic fluoroquinolones to warn that
the risk of serious adverse effects, including tendinitis,
peripheral neuropathy and CNS effects, generally outweighs
their benefit for the treatment of acute sinusitis,
acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, and uncomplicated
urinary tract infections. For these infections, the
new labels will recommend reserving fluoroquinolones
for patients with no other treatment options.
Drugs for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2016; (Issue 1487)
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular
hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production,
androgens, and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive
microaerophilic bacteria...
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular
hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production,
androgens, and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive
microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium
acnes promotes development of acne lesions by
secreting chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes
to the follicle, causing inflammation.
Drugs for Rosacea
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2016; (Issue 1487)
This common, chronic inflammatory facial eruption
of unknown cause is more prevalent in women
than in men. Rosacea is characterized by erythema
and telangiectasia, and sometimes by recurrent,
progressive...
This common, chronic inflammatory facial eruption
of unknown cause is more prevalent in women
than in men. Rosacea is characterized by erythema
and telangiectasia, and sometimes by recurrent,
progressive crops of acneiform papules and pustules,
usually on the central part of the face. Some patients
develop granulomas and tissue hypertrophy, which
may lead to rhinophyma (a bulbous nose), particularly
in men. Blepharitis and conjunctivitis are common.
Keratitis and corneal scarring occur rarely.
Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 7, 2014; (Issue 1446)
The treatment of atrial fibrillation includes anticoagulation,
rate control, and rhythm control. New US
guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation
have recently been...
The treatment of atrial fibrillation includes anticoagulation,
rate control, and rhythm control. New US
guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation
have recently been published.
Drugs for Sexually Transmitted Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2013; (Issue 133)
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact.
The text and tables that follow include recommendations
for management of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis,...
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact.
The text and tables that follow include recommendations
for management of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis, and
enteric infections. Some of the indications and
dosages recommended here have not been approved
by the FDA.
Drugs for Bacterial Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2013; (Issue 131)
The text that follows reviews some common bacterial
infections and their empiric treatment pending the
results of culture and susceptibility testing. The recommendations
made here are based on the results...
The text that follows reviews some common bacterial
infections and their empiric treatment pending the
results of culture and susceptibility testing. The recommendations
made here are based on the results of
susceptibility studies, clinical trials, and the opinions
of Medical Letter reviewers. Tables 1 and 2 list the usual
dosages of antibacterial drugs.
Drugs for Acne, Rosacea and Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2013; (Issue 125)
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular
hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production,
androgens, and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive
microaerophilic bacteria...
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular
hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production,
androgens, and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive
microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium
acnes promote development of acne lesions by secreting
chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes to the
follicle, causing inflammation.
Drugs for Some Common Eye Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2012; (Issue 123)
Drugs for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration,
bacterial conjunctivitis, and dry eyes are
reviewed here. Drugs for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
will be reviewed in a future issue...
Drugs for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration,
bacterial conjunctivitis, and dry eyes are
reviewed here. Drugs for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
will be reviewed in a future issue of
Treatment Guidelines on Drugs for Allergic Disorders.
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Surgery
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2012; (Issue 122)
Antimicrobial prophylaxis can decrease the incidence
of postoperative infection, particularly surgical site
infection, after some procedures. Recommendations
for such prophylaxis are listed in the table that...
Antimicrobial prophylaxis can decrease the incidence
of postoperative infection, particularly surgical site
infection, after some procedures. Recommendations
for such prophylaxis are listed in the table that begins
on page 74. Antimicrobial prophylaxis for dental procedures
to prevent endocarditis was recently discussed
in The Medical Letter.
In Brief: Safety of Azithromycin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 11, 2012; (Issue 1392)
Recently published results of a large, carefully conducted retrospective study indicated that use of the antibiotic azithromycin (Zithromax, and others) may increase the risk of cardiovascular death, especially...
Recently published results of a large, carefully conducted retrospective study indicated that use of the antibiotic azithromycin (Zithromax, and others) may increase the risk of cardiovascular death, especially in patients with a high baseline risk of cardiovascular disease.1 One possible mechanism is prolongation of the QT interval, which is known to occur rarely with azithromycin and more frequently with the other macrolide antibiotics erythromycin (Erythrocin, and others) and clarithromycin (Biaxin, and others).
Among the patients who received 347,795 prescriptions for azithromycin, there were 29 cardiovascular deaths, a significantly higher rate than the 42 that occurred among the patients who received 1,348,672 prescriptions for amoxicillin (which does not prolong the QT interval) or the 41 that occurred among the 1,391,180 patients who took no antibiotics. Among patients with the highest baseline risk of cardiovascular disease, treatment with azithromycin, compared to amoxicillin, would have resulted in 245 additional cardiovascular deaths per million courses of the antibiotic.
As with any retrospective study, there could have been some undetected differences between the patients who received one drug or the other, but use of an appropriate non-macrolide alternative2 instead of azithromycin might be reasonable in patients with cardiovascular disease or in those who are taking other drugs that can prolong the QT interval (www.azcert.org).
1. WA Ray et al. Azithromycin and the risk of cardiovascular death. N Engl J Med 2012; 366:1881.
2. Drugs for bacterial infections. Treat Guidel Med Lett 2010; 8:43.
Download complete U.S. English article
Among the patients who received 347,795 prescriptions for azithromycin, there were 29 cardiovascular deaths, a significantly higher rate than the 42 that occurred among the patients who received 1,348,672 prescriptions for amoxicillin (which does not prolong the QT interval) or the 41 that occurred among the 1,391,180 patients who took no antibiotics. Among patients with the highest baseline risk of cardiovascular disease, treatment with azithromycin, compared to amoxicillin, would have resulted in 245 additional cardiovascular deaths per million courses of the antibiotic.
As with any retrospective study, there could have been some undetected differences between the patients who received one drug or the other, but use of an appropriate non-macrolide alternative2 instead of azithromycin might be reasonable in patients with cardiovascular disease or in those who are taking other drugs that can prolong the QT interval (www.azcert.org).
1. WA Ray et al. Azithromycin and the risk of cardiovascular death. N Engl J Med 2012; 366:1881.
2. Drugs for bacterial infections. Treat Guidel Med Lett 2010; 8:43.
Download complete U.S. English article
Quetiapine (Seroquel) and QT-Interval Prolongation
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 3, 2011; (Issue 1374)
The FDA has required the manufacturer of the secondgeneration
antipsychotic quetiapine (Seroquel) to add a
warning to the labeling saying that use of the drug should
be avoided in combination with other...
The FDA has required the manufacturer of the secondgeneration
antipsychotic quetiapine (Seroquel) to add a
warning to the labeling saying that use of the drug should
be avoided in combination with other drugs that prolong
the electrocardiographic QTc interval (Table 1). The
warning is based only on postmarketing reports of QT-interval
prolongation in patients who overdosed on the
drug, had concomitant illness, or were taking other drugs
known to cause electrolyte imbalances or increase the
QT interval. QT prolongation can lead to torsades de
pointes, a potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia.
New Simvastatin Dosing Recommendations
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 8, 2011; (Issue 1370)
The FDA has announced changes in the labeling of simvastatin to reduce the risk of myopathy. These changes include limiting the use of the 80-mg maximum dose to patients who have been taking it for 12 months or...
The FDA has announced changes in the labeling of simvastatin to reduce the risk of myopathy. These changes include limiting the use of the 80-mg maximum dose to patients who have been taking it for 12 months or more without evidence of myopathy and new recommendations for use of simvastatin with other drugs. Simvastatin is available alone (Zocor, and others) and in combination with ezetimibe (Vytorin) and with niacin (Simcor).
Drugs for Sexually Transmitted Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2010; (Issue 95)
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables that follow are limited to management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis and enteric...
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables that follow are limited to management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) other than HIV, viral hepatitis and enteric infections. The drugs of choice, their dosages and alternatives are listed in a table that begins on page 54. A table listing the adverse effects of some of these antimicrobials begins on page 58.
Drugs for Bacterial Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2010; (Issue 94)
The text below reviews some common bacterial infections and their treatment. The recommendations made
here are based on the results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials and the opinions of Medical Letter...
The text below reviews some common bacterial infections and their treatment. The recommendations made
here are based on the results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials and the opinions of Medical Letter consultants.
Everolimus and Pazopanib: Two New Drugs for Renal Cell Cancer
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 3, 2010; (Issue 1337)
Everolimus (Afinitor – Novartis) and pazopanib (Votrient – GlaxoSmithKline), two oral multikinase inhibitors, have been approved by the FDA for treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. Sunitinib (Sutent)...
Everolimus (Afinitor – Novartis) and pazopanib (Votrient – GlaxoSmithKline), two oral multikinase inhibitors, have been approved by the FDA for treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma. Sunitinib (Sutent) and sorafenib (Nexavar), two other oral multikinase inhibitors, and temsirolimus (Torisel), an IV multikinase inhibitor, were approved earlier for the same indication.
Drugs for Some Common Eye Disorders
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2010; (Issue 89)
Drugs for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, bacterial conjunctivitis, and dry eyes are reviewed here. Ophthalmic drugs can have local and systemic adverse effects. In addition, for some elderly...
Drugs for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, bacterial conjunctivitis, and dry eyes are reviewed here. Ophthalmic drugs can have local and systemic adverse effects. In addition, for some elderly patients, the complexity of self-administering numerous ophthalmic drugs may be the limiting factor in their ability to care for themselves. Drugs for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis will be reviewed in a future issue of Treatment Guidelines on Drugs for Allergic Disorders.
Ophthalmic Besifloxacin (Besivance)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 14, 2009; (Issue 1327)
The FDA has approved the fluoroquinolone besifloxacin 0.6% ophthalmic suspension (Besivance - Bausch & Lomb) for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria. According to the...
The FDA has approved the fluoroquinolone besifloxacin 0.6% ophthalmic suspension (Besivance - Bausch & Lomb) for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible bacteria. According to the manufacturer, this product was developed specifically for ophthalmic use in a specialized vehicle designed to prolong contact time on the ocular surface. Besifloxacin is not available for systemic use.
Dronedarone (Multaq) for Atrial Fibrillation
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 5, 2009; (Issue 1322)
Dronedarone (Multaq - Sanofi-Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter. Amiodarone (Cordarone, and others) is the most effective drug for this indication, but...
Dronedarone (Multaq - Sanofi-Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter. Amiodarone (Cordarone, and others) is the most effective drug for this indication, but has considerable toxicity.
Adapalene-Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 20, 2009; (Issue 1310)
Epiduo gel (Galderma), a fixed-dose combination of adapalene 0.1% (Differin), a synthetic retinoid analog, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5%, an oxidizing agent, has been approved by the FDA for topical treatment...
Epiduo gel (Galderma), a fixed-dose combination of adapalene 0.1% (Differin), a synthetic retinoid analog, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5%, an oxidizing agent, has been approved by the FDA for topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ≥12 years old.
Drugs for Acne, Rosacea and Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2008; (Issue 75)
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium...
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium acnes promote development of acne lesions by secreting chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes to the follicle, causing inflammation.
Drug Interactions with Simvastatin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 20, 2008; (Issue 1297)
A recent letter to the editor of the Annals of Internal Medicine documented a single case of myopathy apparently due to an interaction between simvastatin (Zocor, and others) and green tea. Since it became...
A recent letter to the editor of the Annals of Internal Medicine documented a single case of myopathy apparently due to an interaction between simvastatin (Zocor, and others) and green tea. Since it became available generically, simvastatin has surpassed atorvastatin (Lipitor) as the best selling statin. As such, it is probably the most common cause of statin-induced myopathy, which is often a result of drug interactions.
Ophthalmic Azithromycin (AzaSite)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 11, 2008; (Issue 1279)
The FDA has approved azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution (AzaSite - Inspire) for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in patients > 1 year old. It is formulated, according to the manufacturer, in a...
The FDA has approved azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution (AzaSite - Inspire) for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in patients > 1 year old. It is formulated, according to the manufacturer, in a controlled-release delivery system that keeps the drug in the eye for several hours.
Choice of Antibacterial Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2007; (Issue 57)
Information about empirical treatment of bacterial infections, emerging trends in antimicrobial resistance, new drugs and new data about older drugs continue to become available. Usual pathogens and empiric...
Information about empirical treatment of bacterial infections, emerging trends in antimicrobial resistance, new drugs and new data about older drugs continue to become available. Usual pathogens and empiric treatment for some common types of infections are summarized in the text and a table listing the drugs of choice and alternatives for each pathogen begins on page 40. The recommendations made here are based on the results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials and the opinions of Medical Letter consultants.
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Surgery
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2006; (Issue 52)
Antimicrobial prophylaxis can decrease the incidence of infection, particularly surgical site infection, after certain procedures. Recommendations for prevention of surgical site infection are listed in this...
Antimicrobial prophylaxis can decrease the incidence of infection, particularly surgical site infection, after certain procedures. Recommendations for prevention of surgical site infection are listed in this article.
Azithromycin Extended-Release (Zmax) for Sinusitis and Pneumonia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 28, 2005; (Issue 1218)
Zmax (Pfizer), an extended-release oral suspension of azithromycin, has been approved by the FDA for single dose treatment of mild to moderate community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial sinusitis...
Zmax (Pfizer), an extended-release oral suspension of azithromycin, has been approved by the FDA for single dose treatment of mild to moderate community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in adults. Immediate-release azithromycin will probably become available generically later this year when its patent expires.
Drugs for Acne, Rosacea and Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2005; (Issue 35)
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation have all been implicated. P. acnes, a gram-positive...
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation have all been implicated. P. acnes, a gram-positive microaerophilic bacterium, plays an important role in the development of acne lesions by secreting chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes to the follicle, causing inflammation.
Safety of Aggressive Statin Therapy
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 22, 2004; (Issue 1196)
New guidelines from The National Cholesterol Education Program recommend, as a therapeutic option, lowering treatment goals for LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) from...
New guidelines from The National Cholesterol Education Program recommend, as a therapeutic option, lowering treatment goals for LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) from <100 mg/dL to <70 mg/dL for patients at very high risk for coronary heart disease and from 130 mg/dL to <100 mg/dL for those at moderately high risk. A likely consequence of these recommendations is increased use of statins and use of higher doses with a concomitant increase in adverse effects.
Drugs for Migraine
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2004; (Issue 25)
Drugs for treatment of migraine attacks are listed in the table on page 64. All of the oral drugs are most effective if taken early in an attack when the pain is mild (H Christoph-Diener et al, Neurology 2004;...
Drugs for treatment of migraine attacks are listed in the table on page 64. All of the oral drugs are most effective if taken early in an attack when the pain is mild (H Christoph-Diener et al, Neurology 2004; 63:520). Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in the table on page 65. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve use of intravenous drugs, is not included here.
Choice of Antibacterial Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2004; (Issue 19)
New drugs for bacterial infections and new information about older drugs continue to become available. Empirical treatment of some common bacterial infections is discussed in this article. A table listing the...
New drugs for bacterial infections and new information about older drugs continue to become available. Empirical treatment of some common bacterial infections is discussed in this article. A table listing the drugs of choice and alternatives for each pathogen begins on page 18. These recommendations are based on results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials and the opinions of Medical Letter consultants. Local resistance patterns should be taken into account. Trade names are listed on page 24.
Drug Interactions with Grapefruit Juice
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 5, 2004; (Issue 1173)
The ability of grapefruit juice to increase serum concentrations of drugs was first discovered during a study of the effect of ethanol on felodipine (Plendil) pharmacokinetics. Double-strength grapefruit juice...
The ability of grapefruit juice to increase serum concentrations of drugs was first discovered during a study of the effect of ethanol on felodipine (Plendil) pharmacokinetics. Double-strength grapefruit juice used to disguise the taste of ethanol resulted in higher than expected serum concentrations of felodipine (DG Bailey et al, Clin Invest Med 1989; 12:357).
Tadalafil (Cialis) for Erectile Dysfunction
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 22, 2003; (Issue 1172)
Tadalafil (Cialis - Lilly Icos) is the third oral drug to be approved by the FDA for treatment of erectile dysfunction. It has a longer duration of action than sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra -...
Tadalafil (Cialis - Lilly Icos) is the third oral drug to be approved by the FDA for treatment of erectile dysfunction. It has a longer duration of action than sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra - Medical Letter 2003; 45:77).
Blue light (ClearLight) for Acne Vulgaris
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 23, 2003; (Issue 1159)
A high-intensity, narrow-band blue light (ClearLight -Lumenis) approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris has been featured in some stories in fashion magazines. This review...
A high-intensity, narrow-band blue light (ClearLight -Lumenis) approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris has been featured in some stories in fashion magazines. This review describes the etiology and treatment of acne, as well as the mechanism of action, clinical studies, adverse effects, dosage and cost of the drug.
Drug Interactions
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 8, 2003; (Issue 1158)
Changes caused by one drug in the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of another may lead to a pharmacokinetic adverse drug interaction (DN Juurlink et al, JAMA 2003; 289:1652). Additive drug...
Changes caused by one drug in the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of another may lead to a pharmacokinetic adverse drug interaction (DN Juurlink et al, JAMA 2003; 289:1652). Additive drug interactions, such as vasodilation caused by both sildenafil (Viagra) and nitrates, can also have adverse effects.
Xanax XR for Panic Disorder
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 26, 2003; (Issue 1157)
The FDA has approved an extended-release (XR) formulation of the benzodiazepine alprazolam (Xanax XR - Pfizer) for treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. The new formulation is intended to...
The FDA has approved an extended-release (XR) formulation of the benzodiazepine alprazolam (Xanax XR - Pfizer) for treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. The new formulation is intended to reduce the need for frequent dosing and problems of interdose anxiety. This review describes the effectiveness of the extended-release formulation, as well as sections on dependence, abuse and withdrawal, adverse effects, and drug interactions. The review concludes with an overall assessment of the drug's efficacy and cost.
Eplerenone (Inspra)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 12, 2003; (Issue 1156)
Eplerenone (e pler' en one; Inspra - Pharmacia), an aldosterone receptor antagonist similar to spironolactone (Aldactone, and others), has been approved by the FDA, but not yet marketed, for treatment of...
Eplerenone (e pler' en one; Inspra - Pharmacia), an aldosterone receptor antagonist similar to spironolactone (Aldactone, and others), has been approved by the FDA, but not yet marketed, for treatment of hypertension. It has also been tried for treatment of heart failure.
Buprenorphine: An alternative to Methadone
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 17, 2003; (Issue 1150)
The FDA has approved the marketing of buprenorphine in sublingual tablets (Reckitt Benckiser) both alone (Subutex) and with naloxone (Suboxone) for treatment of opioid dependence. Previously available only...
The FDA has approved the marketing of buprenorphine in sublingual tablets (Reckitt Benckiser) both alone (Subutex) and with naloxone (Suboxone) for treatment of opioid dependence. Previously available only for parenteral use in treatment of pain (Buprenex, and others), it offers an alternative to methadone (Dolophine, and others), which is now often abused (New York Times, February 9, 2003; page 1). As a schedule III narcotic, buprenorphine will be subject to fewer prescribing restrictions than a schedule II drug such as methadone (MJ Kreek and FJ Vocci, J Subst Abuse Treat 2002; 23:93).w1150a
Aripiprazole (Abilify) for Schizophrenia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 17, 2003; (Issue 1150)
Aripiprazole (Abilify - Bristol-Myers Squibb/Otsuka), a quinolinone derivative, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of...
Aripiprazole (Abilify - Bristol-Myers Squibb/Otsuka), a quinolinone derivative, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of schizophrenia.
Augmentin XR
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 20, 2003; (Issue 1148)
Augmentin XR (GlaxoSmithKline), an oral extended-release combination of amoxicillin and the beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid, is now being promoted for treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis and...
Augmentin XR (GlaxoSmithKline), an oral extended-release combination of amoxicillin and the beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid, is now being promoted for treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis and community-acquired pneumonia. Augmentin XR contains a higher dose of amoxicillin than Augmentin.
Tazarotene (Tazorac) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 10, 2002; (Issue 1132)
Tazarotene (taz ar' oh teen, Tazorac - Allergan), an acetylinic retinoid marketed for treatment of psoriasis (Medical Letter 1997; 39:105), is also available as a 0.1% gel and cream for treatment of...
Tazarotene (taz ar' oh teen, Tazorac - Allergan), an acetylinic retinoid marketed for treatment of psoriasis (Medical Letter 1997; 39:105), is also available as a 0.1% gel and cream for treatment of acne.
Mifepristone (RU 486)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 30, 2000; (Issue 1091)
Mifepristone (RU 486; Mifeprex - Danco), an antiprogestin, has been approved by the FDA for termination of intrauterine pregnancies of 49 days or less. It is generally used with misoprostol (Cytotec - Searle),...
Mifepristone (RU 486; Mifeprex - Danco), an antiprogestin, has been approved by the FDA for termination of intrauterine pregnancies of 49 days or less. It is generally used with misoprostol (Cytotec - Searle), an E1 prostaglandin analog marketed in the USA only for prevention of gastric ulcers.
Treatment of Lyme Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2000; (Issue 1077)
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to humans by Ixodes ticks. These ticks may also carry other pathogens; co-transmission of Babesia and Ehrlichia species has been...
Lyme disease is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted to humans by Ixodes ticks. These ticks may also carry other pathogens; co-transmission of Babesia and Ehrlichia species has been reported.
Two New Drugs for Epilepsy
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 17, 2000; (Issue 1076)
Oxcarbazepine, which is chemically similar to carbamazepine, and levetiracetam, a pyrrolidine acetamide chemically unrelated to other antiepileptic drugs, are the sixth and seventh drugs approved by the US Food...
Oxcarbazepine, which is chemically similar to carbamazepine, and levetiracetam, a pyrrolidine acetamide chemically unrelated to other antiepileptic drugs, are the sixth and seventh drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in the last five years for oral use in partial seizures.
Gatifloxacin and Moxifloxacin: Two New Fluoroquinolones
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 21, 2000; (Issue 1072)
Gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin are now available for once-daily treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, or acute...
Gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin are now available for once-daily treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, or acute sinusitis.
Drugs for Sexually Transmitted Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 24, 1999; (Issue 1062)
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables [in this article] are limited to treatment of non-HIV infections associated primarily with sexual...
Many infections can be transmitted during sexual contact. The text and tables [in this article] are limited to treatment of non-HIV infections associated primarily with sexual transmission.
Drug Interactions
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 2, 1999; (Issue 1056)
Reports of adverse interactions between drugs continue to accumulate. Recently, the FDA has expanded the recommendations on drug interactions found in the package inserts of new...
Reports of adverse interactions between drugs continue to accumulate. Recently, the FDA has expanded the recommendations on drug interactions found in the package inserts of new drugs.
Cilostazol for Intermittent Claudication
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 7, 1999; (Issue 1052)
Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor that has been used in Japan since 1988, has been approved by the FDA for treatment on intermittent claudication due to occlusive peripheral arterial...
Cilostazol, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor that has been used in Japan since 1988, has been approved by the FDA for treatment on intermittent claudication due to occlusive peripheral arterial disease.
Cefdinir--A New Oral Cephalosporin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 28, 1998; (Issue 1034)
Cefdinir (Omnicef - Parke-Davis), a third-generation oral cephalosporin, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acute sinusitis, otitis media, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis,...
Cefdinir (Omnicef - Parke-Davis), a third-generation oral cephalosporin, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acute sinusitis, otitis media, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, community-acquired pneumonia and skin infections. Other drugs available for these indications are reviewed in The Medical Letter Handbook of Antimicrobial Therapy, 1998.
Sildenafil: An Oral Drug for Impotence
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 8, 1998; (Issue 1026)
Sildenafil citrate (Viagra - Pfizer) is the first oral drug approved by the FDA for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Alprostadil is also marketed for this indication but must be injected into the corpus...
Sildenafil citrate (Viagra - Pfizer) is the first oral drug approved by the FDA for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Alprostadil is also marketed for this indication but must be injected into the corpus cavemosum (Caverject) or pushed into the urethra (MUSE).
Sibutramine for Obesity
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 13, 1998; (Issue 1022)
Sibutramine hydrochlorid monohydreate (Meridia - Knoll), which is structurally related to amphetamine, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of obesity. It is classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency...
Sibutramine hydrochlorid monohydreate (Meridia - Knoll), which is structurally related to amphetamine, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of obesity. It is classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a schedule IV controlled substance.
Grepafloxacin--A New Fluoroquinolone
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 30, 1998; (Issue 1019)
Grepafloxacin (Raxar - Glaxo Wellcome), a once-daily oral fluoroquinolone, is now being marketed for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, uncomplicated...
Grepafloxacin (Raxar - Glaxo Wellcome), a once-daily oral fluoroquinolone, is now being marketed for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, uncomplicated gonorrhea, and nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis.
Cerivastatin for Hypercholesterolemia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 16, 1998; (Issue 1018)
Cerivastatin (Baycol - Bayer), a new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or "statin"), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Cerivastatin is the sodium salt of a synthetic fluorophenyl...
Cerivastatin (Baycol - Bayer), a new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or "statin"), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Cerivastatin is the sodium salt of a synthetic fluorophenyl pyridinyl-substituted heptanoic acid.
Dirithromycin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 24, 1995; (Issue 962)
Dirithromycin (Dynabac - manufactured by Lilly, distributed by Bock), an oral macrolide antibiotic chemically similar to erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin) and azithromycin (Zithromax), has been approved...
Dirithromycin (Dynabac - manufactured by Lilly, distributed by Bock), an oral macrolide antibiotic chemically similar to erythromycin, clarithromycin (Biaxin) and azithromycin (Zithromax), has been approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Drugs for AIDS and Associated Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 13, 1995; (Issue 959)
Results of recently completed clinical trials have led to some changes in recommendation for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections associated with...
Results of recently completed clinical trials have led to some changes in recommendation for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections associated with AIDS.
Drugs for Migraine
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 3, 1995; (Issue 943)
Drugs are used both to prevent and treat migraine symptoms. The effectiveness of such use can be difficult to evaluate, even with double-blind controlled trials, because migraine is episodic, response to...
Drugs are used both to prevent and treat migraine symptoms. The effectiveness of such use can be difficult to evaluate, even with double-blind controlled trials, because migraine is episodic, response to placebo is frequent, and patients vary in response to a given agent (KMA Welch, N Engl J Med, 329:1476, 1993; SD Silberstein and RB Lipton, Neurology, 44 suppl 7:S6, Oct 1994).
Tacrolimus FK506 Organ Transplants
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 16, 1994; (Issue 931)
Tacrolimus (Prograf - Fujisawa), previously called FK506 (Medical Letter, 33:94, 1991), has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for primary prevention of organ rejection in patients receiving...
Tacrolimus (Prograf - Fujisawa), previously called FK506 (Medical Letter, 33:94, 1991), has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for primary prevention of organ rejection in patients receiving liver transplants. The drug has also been used as rescue therapy for organ graft rejection unresponsive to cyclosporine (Sandimmune) and other immunosuppressive drugs.
LAAM - Long-Acting Methadone for Treatment of Heroin Addiction
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 10, 1994; (Issue 924)
Methadone, an opioid agonist that can be taken orally, has been used for maintenance treatment for many years in the USA (DM Novick et al, Drug Alcohol Depend, 33:235, 1993). Last year, the US Food and Drug...
Methadone, an opioid agonist that can be taken orally, has been used for maintenance treatment for many years in the USA (DM Novick et al, Drug Alcohol Depend, 33:235, 1993). Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the distribution and use of L-alpha-acetyl-methadol (LAAM; ORLAAM - Bio Development Corporation, McLean, VA), a long-acting congener of methadone. LAAM, like methadone, will be available for this indication only through federal and state-regulated treatment programs.
Fluvastatin for Lowering Cholesterol
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 27, 1994; (Issue 923)
Fluvastatin (Lescol - Sandoz), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, was recently marketed in the USA for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. A synthetic mevalonolactone derivative, it is chemically distinct from...
Fluvastatin (Lescol - Sandoz), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, was recently marketed in the USA for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. A synthetic mevalonolactone derivative, it is chemically distinct from previously available drugs in this class.
Choice of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 5, 1993; (Issue 891)
Lowering elevated serum cholesterol concentrations can slow progression and sometimes cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. Most authorities advise patients with high cholesterol concentrations to eat...
Lowering elevated serum cholesterol concentrations can slow progression and sometimes cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. Most authorities advise patients with high cholesterol concentrations to eat less fat and less cholesterol and, when appropriate, to lose weight. If these measures do not lower serum lipids sufficiently, drugs are frequently added to the regimen. When drugs are discontinued, serum cholesterol concentrations generally return to pretreatment levels.
New Advertisement for An Old Antihistamine
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 22, 1993; (Issue 888)
Advertisements for clemastine (Tavist-1 - Sandoz), an ethanolamine oral antihistamine, have recently appeared on television and in major newspapers in the USA. Clemastine is an old drug (Medical Letter, 21:24,...
Advertisements for clemastine (Tavist-1 - Sandoz), an ethanolamine oral antihistamine, have recently appeared on television and in major newspapers in the USA. Clemastine is an old drug (Medical Letter, 21:24, 1979) that has now become available without a prescription.
Cefpodoxime Proxetil - A New Oral Cephalosporin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 27, 1992; (Issue 884)
Cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin - Upjohn), a new third-generation oral cephalosporin, has been approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is available for twice-daily treatment of...
Cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin - Upjohn), a new third-generation oral cephalosporin, has been approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is available for twice-daily treatment of pharyngitis, upper and lower respiratory infections, otitis media, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and for single-dose treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea in men or women and anorectal gonorrhea in women.
Loracarbef
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 18, 1992; (Issue 879)
Loracarbef (Lorabid - Lilly), a new beta-lactam antibiotic with antimicrobial activity similar to the second-generation cephalosporins, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment...
Loracarbef (Lorabid - Lilly), a new beta-lactam antibiotic with antimicrobial activity similar to the second-generation cephalosporins, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of respiratory, skin, and urinary tract infection caused by susceptible organisms in both adults and children. It will probably compete with drugs such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, and others), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (Augmentin), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime axetil (Ceftin), and cefprozil (Cefzil - Medical Letter, 34:63, 1992).
Cefprozil
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 26, 1992; (Issue 873)
Cefprozil (Cefzil - Bristol-Myers Squibb), a new oral second-generation cephalosporin, was recently released in the USA for treatment of pharyngitis, bronchitis, otitis media, and skin and skin-structure...
Cefprozil (Cefzil - Bristol-Myers Squibb), a new oral second-generation cephalosporin, was recently released in the USA for treatment of pharyngitis, bronchitis, otitis media, and skin and skin-structure infections.
Clarithromycin and Azithromycin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 15, 1992; (Issue 870)
Clarithromycin (Biaxin - Abbott) and azithromycin (Zithromax - Pfizer), two macrolide antibiotics chemically related to erythromycin, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of...
Clarithromycin (Biaxin - Abbott) and azithromycin (Zithromax - Pfizer), two macrolide antibiotics chemically related to erythromycin, have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of respiratory, skin, and skin structure infections. Azithromycin has also been approved for treatment of nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
Safety of Terfenadine and Astemizole
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 7, 1992; (Issue 863)
Terfenadine (Seldane - Marion Merrell Dow) and astemizole (Hismanal - Janssen) are nonsedating antihistamines widely used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis (Medical Letter, 27:65, 1985; 31:43, 1989)....
Terfenadine (Seldane - Marion Merrell Dow) and astemizole (Hismanal - Janssen) are nonsedating antihistamines widely used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis (Medical Letter, 27:65, 1985; 31:43, 1989). Both are available without a prescription in Canada, and the US Food and Drug Administration is apparently considering terfenadine for over-the-counter availability in the USA.
Drugs For AIDS And Associated Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 18, 1991; (Issue 855)
A growing number of clinical trials now permits some consensus on the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in...
A growing number of clinical trials now permits some consensus on the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in adults.
Ophthalmic Ciprofloxacin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 31, 1991; (Issue 845)
An ophthalmic formulation of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (Ciloxan - Alcon), a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, was recently marketed in the USA for treatment of bacterial keratitis and conjunctivitis....
An ophthalmic formulation of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (Ciloxan - Alcon), a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, was recently marketed in the USA for treatment of bacterial keratitis and conjunctivitis. Ciprofloxacin has been used orally (Cipro) to treat a variety of serious infections (Medical Letter, 30:11, 1988) and recently was approved for intravenous administration.
Pravastatin And Simvastatin for Hypercholesterolemia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 8, 1991; (Issue 839)
Pravastatin (Pravachol - Bristol-Myers Squibb) and simvastatin (Zocor - Merck), two new inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis similar to lovastatin (Mevacor - Merck), have been marketed in Canada and several...
Pravastatin (Pravachol - Bristol-Myers Squibb) and simvastatin (Zocor - Merck), two new inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis similar to lovastatin (Mevacor - Merck), have been marketed in Canada and several European countries and may soon be available in the USA for treatment of high plasma cholesterol concentrations. Drugs already marketed here for this indication were recently reviewed in The Medical Letter (Volume 33, page 1, January 11, 1991).
Choice Of Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 11, 1991; (Issue 835)
Recent reports indicate that lowering elevated serum cholesterol concentrations not only decreases mortality from coronary artery disease, but may cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions (JP Kane et al,...
Recent reports indicate that lowering elevated serum cholesterol concentrations not only decreases mortality from coronary artery disease, but may cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions (JP Kane et al, JAMA, 264:3007, Dec 19, 1990). Most authorities advise patients with high cholesterol concentrations to eat less saturated and total fat and lose weight. If these measures do not lower serum lipids, drugs are frequently added to the regimen. When drugs are discontinued, serum cholesterol concentrations generally return to pretreatment levels.
Choice of Cephalosporin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 30, 1990; (Issue 832)
Since the last Medical Letter review of cephalosporin antibiotics (volume 25, page 57, 1983), many new cephalosporins have become available in the...
Since the last Medical Letter review of cephalosporin antibiotics (volume 25, page 57, 1983), many new cephalosporins have become available in the USA.
Prevention of Bacterial Endocarditis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 15, 1989; (Issue 807)
Many physicians believe that antimicrobial prophylaxis before procedures that may cause transient bacteremia can prevent endocarditis in patients with valvular heart disease, prosthetic heart valves or other...
Many physicians believe that antimicrobial prophylaxis before procedures that may cause transient bacteremia can prevent endocarditis in patients with valvular heart disease, prosthetic heart valves or other structural cardiac abnormalities. The recommendations in the table are based on the opinions of Medical Letter consultants.
Cefixime - A New Oral Cephalosporin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 11, 1989; (Issue 798)
Cefixime (Suprax - Lederle), an oral cephalosporin antibiotic, was recently approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration. Claimed to be the first oral third-generation cephalosporin, the new...
Cefixime (Suprax - Lederle), an oral cephalosporin antibiotic, was recently approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration. Claimed to be the first oral third-generation cephalosporin, the new drug is offered for once-a-day treatment of otitis media, pharyngitis, bronchitis and urinary tract infections.
Treatment of Lyme Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 16, 1989; (Issue 794)
Lyme disease, a multisystem bacterial transmitted by Ixodid ticks, particularly in early summer, continues to be a common problem in the USA and many other countries. Since last year (Medical Letter, 30:65,...
Lyme disease, a multisystem bacterial transmitted by Ixodid ticks, particularly in early summer, continues to be a common problem in the USA and many other countries. Since last year (Medical Letter, 30:65, 1988), some new information has become available, but data on the choice, dosage and duration of antibiotic therapy are still available, but data on the choice, dosage and duration of antibiotic therapy are still limited.
Penicillin Allergy
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 12, 1988; (Issue 772)
A penicillin is the drug of choice for treatment of many infections, but allergic reactions to these drugs occur frequently and, rarely, can be fatal. From 5% to 20% of patients have a history of a rash or...
A penicillin is the drug of choice for treatment of many infections, but allergic reactions to these drugs occur frequently and, rarely, can be fatal. From 5% to 20% of patients have a history of a rash or some other reaction while taking a penicillin, but maculopapular rashes with ampicillin or amoxicillin, especially in children with infectious mononucleosis, are probably not allergic.
Treatment Lyme Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 1988; (Issue 769)
Lyme Disease, a multisystem inflammatory disorder transmitted by lxodid ticks and caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, is now the most common tick-transmitted illness in the USA. It has been reported...
Lyme Disease, a multisystem inflammatory disorder transmitted by lxodid ticks and caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, is now the most common tick-transmitted illness in the USA. It has been reported in 32 states and on all other continents except Antarctica. Infected ticks have been found not only in wooded areas, but also on well-maintained suburban lawns (RC Falco and D Fish, Am J Epidemiol, 127:826, April 1988). Optimal treatment for this newly discovered disease is still being determined, but some recommendations based on published experience and work in progress can be made.
Mupirocin - A New Topical Antibiotic
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 20, 1988; (Issue 766)
Mupirocin (Bactroban - Beecham), a topical antibiotic formerly called pseudomonic acid, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of impetigo. It will be sold as a 2% ointment...
Mupirocin (Bactroban - Beecham), a topical antibiotic formerly called pseudomonic acid, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of impetigo. It will be sold as a 2% ointment available only by prescription.