Matching articles for "clarithromycin"

Vonoprazan (Voquezna) for Nonerosive GERD

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 14, 2024;  (Issue 1713)
The potassium-competitive acid blocker vonoprazan (Voquezna – Phathom), which was approved earlier for treatment of erosive esophagitis, has now been approved by the FDA for relief of heartburn...
The potassium-competitive acid blocker vonoprazan (Voquezna – Phathom), which was approved earlier for treatment of erosive esophagitis, has now been approved by the FDA for relief of heartburn associated with nonerosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults. Vonoprazan is also available copackaged with amoxicillin (Voquezna Dual Pak) and with amoxicillin and clarithromycin (Voquezna Triple Pak) for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2024 Oct 14;66(1713):164-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Dental Procedures

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 29, 2024;  (Issue 1701)
Since 2007, antimicrobial prophylaxis for dental procedures has been recommended to prevent viridans group streptococcal infective endocarditis only for patients at highest risk of an adverse outcome....
Since 2007, antimicrobial prophylaxis for dental procedures has been recommended to prevent viridans group streptococcal infective endocarditis only for patients at highest risk of an adverse outcome. Limiting use to such patients does not appear to have led to an increased incidence of infective endocarditis or increased mortality due to infective endocarditis.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2024 Apr 29;66(1701):71-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Two Vonoprazan Combinations (Voquezna) for H. pylori

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 31, 2022;  (Issue 1662)
The FDA has approved vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker, copackaged with amoxicillin (Voquezna Dual Pak – Phathom) and with amoxicillin and clarithromycin (Voquezna Triple Pak) for treatment...
The FDA has approved vonoprazan, a potassium-competitive acid blocker, copackaged with amoxicillin (Voquezna Dual Pak – Phathom) and with amoxicillin and clarithromycin (Voquezna Triple Pak) for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults. Vonoprazan is the first potassium-competitive acid blocker to be approved in the US. It has been available in Japan for treatment of various acid-related disorders since 2014. Vonoprazan is not available alone in the US.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Oct 31;64(1662):169-72 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for GERD and Peptic Ulcer Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 4, 2022;  (Issue 1647)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common GI condition encountered in the outpatient setting; it affects about 20% of people in the...
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common GI condition encountered in the outpatient setting; it affects about 20% of people in the US.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Apr 4;64(1647):49-56 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Comparison Table: H2-Receptor Antagonists and PPIs (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 4, 2022;  (Issue 1647)
...
View the Comparison Table: H2-Receptor Antagonists and PPIs
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Apr 4;64(1647):e56-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Antibacterial Drugs for Community-Acquired Pneumonia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 25, 2021;  (Issue 1616)
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is usually empiric, with selected antibiotic regimens directed against some of the most common causative pathogens. Recommended empiric regimens are listed in...
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is usually empiric, with selected antibiotic regimens directed against some of the most common causative pathogens. Recommended empiric regimens are listed in Table 2; recommended antibiotic dosages for treatment of CAP are listed in Tables 3 and 4. Joint guidelines for treatment of CAP by the American Thoracic Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (ATS/IDSA) were updated in 2019.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Jan 25;63(1616):10-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Talicia - A 3-Drug Combination for Helicobacter pylori Infection

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2020;  (Issue 1599)
The FDA has approved a fixed-dose combination of omeprazole, amoxicillin, and rifabutin (Talicia – RedHill) for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults. Talicia is the first rifabutin-based...
The FDA has approved a fixed-dose combination of omeprazole, amoxicillin, and rifabutin (Talicia – RedHill) for treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults. Talicia is the first rifabutin-based product to be approved for this indication.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Jun 1;62(1599):83-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Clarithromycin in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 21, 2018;  (Issue 1547)
The FDA has warned that use of the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin, and generics) may increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with heart...
The FDA has warned that use of the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin (Biaxin, and generics) may increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with heart disease.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 May 21;60(1547):89-90 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for GERD and Peptic Ulcer Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 15, 2018;  (Issue 1538)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most frequent GI condition encountered in the outpatient setting; it affects about 20% of the US population. Heartburn and regurgitation are the classic...
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most frequent GI condition encountered in the outpatient setting; it affects about 20% of the US population. Heartburn and regurgitation are the classic symptoms of GERD.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jan 15;60(1538):9-16 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Comparison Table: Drugs for GERD and Peptic Ulcer Disease (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 15, 2018;  (Issue 1538)
...
View the Comparison Table: Drugs for GERD and Peptic Ulcer Disease
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jan 15;60(1538):e16-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Common Bacterial Infections in Adults

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 23, 2017;  (Issue 1532)
Bacterial infections in adults are generally treated empirically, with the antibiotic covering most, but not all, of the potential causative pathogens. For some infections, culture and sensitivity testing...
Bacterial infections in adults are generally treated empirically, with the antibiotic covering most, but not all, of the potential causative pathogens. For some infections, culture and sensitivity testing can guide treatment, allowing for use of narrower-spectrum antibiotics. The recommended dosages and durations of antibiotic treatment for common respiratory, skin, and urinary tract infections are listed in Tables 1-3. Infectious disease experts now recommend shorter treatment durations for many infections to reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance and minimize adverse effects.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Oct 23;59(1532):171-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Helicobacter pylori Infection

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 17, 2017;  (Issue 1525)
About 50% of the world’s population is infected with Helicobacter pylori. These gastric bacteria can cause chronic inflammation and have been associated with development of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease,...
About 50% of the world’s population is infected with Helicobacter pylori. These gastric bacteria can cause chronic inflammation and have been associated with development of gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. Eradication of H. pylori can promote gastric healing, prevent recurrence of duodenal and gastric ulcers, and reduce the incidence of gastric cancer. Guidelines for treatment of H. pylori infection were updated recently.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Jul 17;59(1525):113-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Jun 6;58(1496):75-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Jul 7;56(1446):53-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease and GERD

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2014;  (Issue 140)
H2-RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS (H2RAs) — Currently available H2RAs are listed in Table 1. These drugs inhibit the action of histamine at the H2-receptor of the gastric parietal cell, decreasing basal acid...
H2-RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS (H2RAs) — Currently available H2RAs are listed in Table 1. These drugs inhibit the action of histamine at the H2-receptor of the gastric parietal cell, decreasing basal acid secretion and, to a lesser degree, food-stimulated acid secretion. All H2RAs are about equally effective for treatment of PUD and GERD. H2RAs are faster acting than PPIs in relieving symptoms of dyspepsia or GERD, but they are not as effective as PPIs in relieving symptoms or in healing erosive esophagitis. Repeated administration of H2RAs leads to pharmacologic tolerance and has been associated with the development of new dyspeptic symptoms. Rebound acid hypersecretion can occur after stopping H2RAs.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2014 Apr;12(140):25-30 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2013 Jul;11(131):65-74 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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

Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Jun 11;54(1392):45 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Oct 3;53(1374):79-80 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease and GERD

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2011;  (Issue 109)
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is usually caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or by infection with Helicobacter pylori. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be caused by...
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is usually caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or by infection with Helicobacter pylori. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be caused by transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, reduced lower esophageal sphincter tone, hiatal hernia, delayed gastric emptying or hormonal changes due to pregnancy. Acid suppressive therapy is the cornerstone of management for both PUD and GERD.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2011 Sep;9(109):55-60 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Aug 8;53(1370):61-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2011;  (Issue 102)
Drugs for treatment of migraine are listed in Table 2 on page 9. Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in Table 3 on page 10. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve use of...
Drugs for treatment of migraine are listed in Table 2 on page 9. Drugs for prevention of migraine are listed in Table 3 on page 10. Treatment of migraine in the emergency room, which may involve use of intravenous drugs, is not included here.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2011 Feb;9(102):7-12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Ceftaroline Fosamil (Teflaro) - A New IV Cephalosporin

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 24, 2011;  (Issue 1356)
The FDA has approved ceftaroline fosamil (Teflaro – Forest), an intravenous (IV) cephalosporin, for treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, including those caused by...
The FDA has approved ceftaroline fosamil (Teflaro – Forest), an intravenous (IV) cephalosporin, for treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and for treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in adults. It is the first beta-lactam antibiotic approved for treatment of MRSA.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Jan 24;53(1356):5-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2010 Jun;8(94):43-52 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2010 May 3;52(1337):33-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Iloperidone (Fanapt) - Another Second-Generation Antipsychotic

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 22, 2010;  (Issue 1332)
The FDA has approved the marketing of iloperidone (Fanapt – Vanda), a second-generation antipsychotic, for treatment of schizophrenia. Iloperidone is chemically related to risperidone (Risperdal, and...
The FDA has approved the marketing of iloperidone (Fanapt – Vanda), a second-generation antipsychotic, for treatment of schizophrenia. Iloperidone is chemically related to risperidone (Risperdal, and others).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2010 Feb 22;52(1332):13-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Colchicine and Other Drugs for Gout

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 30, 2009;  (Issue 1326)
Until the recent introduction of febuxostat (Uloric), no new drugs had been marketed for treatment of gout in the past 40 years. Colchicine, which has been available for decades as an unapproved drug, has now...
Until the recent introduction of febuxostat (Uloric), no new drugs had been marketed for treatment of gout in the past 40 years. Colchicine, which has been available for decades as an unapproved drug, has now been approved by the FDA (Colcrys) for treatment and prophylaxis of gout flares. It was approved earlier only in combination with probenecid (Colbenemid, and others). The goals of gout treatment are three-fold: treating acute disease, preventing flares and reducing uric acid stores.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Nov 30;51(1326):93-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tolvaptan (Samsca) for Hyponatremia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 30, 2009;  (Issue 1326)
The FDA has approved the marketing of tolvaptan (Samsca - Otsuka), an oral vasopressin receptor antagonist, for treatment of hypervolemic or euvolemic hyponatremia due to congestive heart failure (CHF),...
The FDA has approved the marketing of tolvaptan (Samsca - Otsuka), an oral vasopressin receptor antagonist, for treatment of hypervolemic or euvolemic hyponatremia due to congestive heart failure (CHF), cirrhosis or the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). A similar drug, conivaptan (Vaprisol) is already available for intravenous (IV) treatment of euvolemic hyponatremia in hospitalized patients. Tolvaptan was approved by the FDA for both inpatient and outpatient use, but it should be started in a hospital.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Nov 30;51(1326):95-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Saxagliptin (Onglyza) for Type 2 Diabetes

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 2, 2009;  (Issue 1324)
Saxagliptin (Onglyza - Bristol-Myers Squibb), the second oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor to be marketed in the US, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of adults with type 2...
Saxagliptin (Onglyza - Bristol-Myers Squibb), the second oral dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor to be marketed in the US, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Nov 2;51(1324):85-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tadalafil (Adcirca) for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 2, 2009;  (Issue 1324)
The FDA has approved use of tadalafil (Adcirca - Lilly/United Therapeutics) for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension...
The FDA has approved use of tadalafil (Adcirca - Lilly/United Therapeutics) for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Nov 2;51(1324):87-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Oct 5;51(1322):78-80 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Fesoterodine (Toviaz) for Overactive Bladder

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 4, 2009;  (Issue 1311)
The FDA has approved the marketing of fesoterodine (Toviaz - Pfizer), a muscarinic receptor antagonist, for treatment of overactive bladder. It is the sixth antimuscarinic drug approved for this...
The FDA has approved the marketing of fesoterodine (Toviaz - Pfizer), a muscarinic receptor antagonist, for treatment of overactive bladder. It is the sixth antimuscarinic drug approved for this indication.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 May 4;51(1311):34-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Insomnia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2009;  (Issue 79)
The majority of patients with insomnia do not have a predisposing psychiatric disease. Rather, untreated insomnia may be a risk factor for development of psychiatric problems such as depression or...
The majority of patients with insomnia do not have a predisposing psychiatric disease. Rather, untreated insomnia may be a risk factor for development of psychiatric problems such as depression or anxiety.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Mar;7(79):23-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Silodosin (Rapaflo) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 12, 2009;  (Issue 1303)
Silodosin (Rapaflo - Watson Pharmaceuticals), an alpha1a-adrenoreceptor selective antagonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some medications for BPH are...
Silodosin (Rapaflo - Watson Pharmaceuticals), an alpha1a-adrenoreceptor selective antagonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some medications for BPH are listed in the table on page 4. Alpha1 blockers are commonly used with 5a-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride, which can shrink the size of the prostate, but may take months to do so.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2009 Jan 12;51(1303):3-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs That May Cause Psychiatric Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 15, 2008;  (Issue 1301)
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment could also be due to the underlying illness, previously...
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment could also be due to the underlying illness, previously unrecognized psychopathology, or psychosocial factors. The withdrawal of some drugs can cause symptoms such as anxiety, psychosis, delirium, agitation or depression.

Click here to view the free full article.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Dec 15;50(1301):100-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Oct 20;50(1297):83-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Treatment of Peptic Ulcers and GERD

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2008;  (Issue 72)
Peptic ulcers caused by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are mainly gastric ulcers. Most duodenal and other gastric ulcers are caused by the gram-negative bacillus Helicobacter...
Peptic ulcers caused by treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are mainly gastric ulcers. Most duodenal and other gastric ulcers are caused by the gram-negative bacillus Helicobacter pylori. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by gastric acid reflux into the esophagus. Drugs that suppress gastric acid production are the primary treatment for GERD and peptic ulcers.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Aug;6(72):55-60 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Desvenlafaxine for Depression

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 19, 2008;  (Issue 1286)
The FDA has approved the marketing of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq - Wyeth), the main active metabolite of venlafaxine (Effexor, and others - Wyeth), for treatment of major depressive disorder. Venlafaxine, a...
The FDA has approved the marketing of desvenlafaxine (Pristiq - Wyeth), the main active metabolite of venlafaxine (Effexor, and others - Wyeth), for treatment of major depressive disorder. Venlafaxine, a norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is available generically as an immediate-release tablet. Venlafaxine extended-release capsules (Effexor XR) are scheduled to go off-patent in 2010.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 May 19;50(1286):37-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Ciclesonide (Omnaris) for Allergic Rhinitis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 5, 2008;  (Issue 1285)
Ciclesonide (Omnaris - Sepracor/Nycomed), a once daily corticosteroid nasal spray, is now available for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in adults and children ≥6 years old and for perennial...
Ciclesonide (Omnaris - Sepracor/Nycomed), a once daily corticosteroid nasal spray, is now available for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) in adults and children ≥6 years old and for perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) in those ≥12 years old. An orally inhaled formulation of ciclesonide (Alvesco) was recently approved by the FDA for maintenance treatment of asthma, and will be reviewed in a future issue of The Medical Letter
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 May 5;50(1285):33-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Which Statin?

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 21, 2008;  (Issue 1284)
Advertisements for atorvastatin (Lipitor), the market leader facing generic competition, have been in the news recently in the US. Lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin are all available generically at a much...
Advertisements for atorvastatin (Lipitor), the market leader facing generic competition, have been in the news recently in the US. Lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin are all available generically at a much lower retail price or lower co-pay than atorvastatin.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Apr 21;50(1284):29-31 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Lipids

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2008;  (Issue 66)
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. They should not be used as a substitute for...
Drugs that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations can prevent formation, slow progression and cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. They should not be used as a substitute for lifestyle changes; a combination of diet, exercise and lipid-lowering drugs is optimal for prevention of coronary disease. Lipid-regulating drugs must be taken indefinitely; when they are stopped, plasma lipoprotein levels return to pretreatment levels in 2-3 weeks.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Feb;6(66):9-16 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Correction: Major Changes in Endocarditis Prophylaxis for Dental, GI and GU Procedures

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 17, 2007;  (Issue 1276)
On page 100 of the article "Major Changes in Endocarditis Prophylaxis for Dental, GI and GU Procedures", under the section Highest-Risk Procedures, the word "rubber" should have been omitted. Placement of...
On page 100 of the article "Major Changes in Endocarditis Prophylaxis for Dental, GI and GU Procedures", under the section Highest-Risk Procedures, the word "rubber" should have been omitted. Placement of orthodontic rubber bands is not a highest-risk procedure that justifies prophylaxis; placement of orthodontic (metal) bands is. An orthodontic band is a metal ring that surrounds the tooth and is pressed into place causing movement in closely-spaced teeth and sometimes bleeding when the bands are placed close to the gumline.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2007 Dec 17;49(1276):104 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Major Changes in Endocarditis Prophylaxis for Dental, GI and GU Procedures

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 3, 2007;  (Issue 1275)
The American Heart Association has issued its revised guidelines for prevention of infective endocarditis. Antimicrobial prophylaxis for dental procedures is now recommended only for patients at the highest...
The American Heart Association has issued its revised guidelines for prevention of infective endocarditis. Antimicrobial prophylaxis for dental procedures is now recommended only for patients at the highest risk of severe consequences from endocarditis who are undergoing the highest-risk procedures. Endocarditis prophylaxis is no longer recommended for gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) procedures. When these changes are implemented, the number of patients receiving antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent endocarditis should decline sharply.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2007 Dec 3;49(1275):99-100 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 May;5(57):33-50 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.

Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Sep 28;47(1218):78-80 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Sildenafil (Revatio) for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 15, 2005;  (Issue 1215)
The Medical Letter reported last year that sildenafil (Viagra - Pfizer) appeared to be effective for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but confirmation from a controlled trial was needed. Now...
The Medical Letter reported last year that sildenafil (Viagra - Pfizer) appeared to be effective for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but confirmation from a controlled trial was needed. Now the results of such a study are about to be published, and the drug has been approved by the FDA for this indication under the trade name Revatio.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Aug 15;47(1215):65-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Antibacterial Prophylaxis for Dental, GI and GU Procedures

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 18, 2005;  (Issue 1213)
Many physicians believe that antimicrobial prophylaxis before procedures that may cause transient bacteremia can prevent endocarditis and prosthetic joint infection in patients at increased risk for these...
Many physicians believe that antimicrobial prophylaxis before procedures that may cause transient bacteremia can prevent endocarditis and prosthetic joint infection in patients at increased risk for these disorders. The effectiveness of this common practice has never been established by controlled trials in humans.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Jul 18;47(1213):59-60 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

CYP3A and Drug Interactions

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 4, 2005;  (Issue 1212)
Serious adverse interactions between drugs continue to be reported. Many of these are due to inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. CYP3A is thought to be involved in the...
Serious adverse interactions between drugs continue to be reported. Many of these are due to inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. CYP3A is thought to be involved in the metabolism of more than 50 percent of currently prescribed drugs.2 CYP3A4, which is more abundantly expressed than CYP3A5, accounts for most CYP3A activity in vivo.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2005 Jul 4;47(1212):54-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Tuberculosis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2004;  (Issue 28)
Tuberculosis (TB) is still a problem in the United States, even though the incidence continues to decline in most of the country (MMWR Morbid Mortal Wkly Rep 2004; 53:209). Treatment of TB can be divided into...
Tuberculosis (TB) is still a problem in the United States, even though the incidence continues to decline in most of the country (MMWR Morbid Mortal Wkly Rep 2004; 53:209). Treatment of TB can be divided into treatment of latent infection diagnosed by a positive PPD and treatment of active clinical TB. Guidelines with detailed management recommendations are available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (MMWR Morbid Mortal Wkly Rep 2003; 52RR-11:1).
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2004 Dec;2(28):83-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Nov 22;46(1196):93-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Gemifloxacin (Factive)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 20, 2004;  (Issue 1192)
Gemifloxacin (Factive - Oscient), a new oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been approved by the FDA for 5 days' treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) and 7 days' treatment...
Gemifloxacin (Factive - Oscient), a new oral fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been approved by the FDA for 5 days' treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) and 7 days' treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults. For the next 6-8 months it will only be available, presumably for commercial reasons, in states east of the Rocky Mountains.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Sep 20;46(1192):78-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Telithromycin (Ketek) for Respiratory Infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 16, 2004;  (Issue 1189)
Telithromycin (Ketek - Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis in...
Telithromycin (Ketek - Aventis) has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and acute bacterial sinusitis in patients age 18 and older. The drug is the first in a new class of antibiotics, the ketolides, derived from the macrolide erythromycin. Telithromycin has been marketed in Europe since 2001.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Aug 16;46(1189):66-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Parasitic Infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 16, 2004;  (Issue 1189)
Parasitic infections are found throughout the world. With increasing travel, immigration, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the spread of AIDS, physicians anywhere may see infections caused by previously...
Parasitic infections are found throughout the world. With increasing travel, immigration, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the spread of AIDS, physicians anywhere may see infections caused by previously unfamiliar parasites. The table below lists first-choice and alternative drugs for most parasitic infections. The brand names and manufacturers of the drugs are listed in this article.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Aug 16;46(1189):66 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2004 Mar;2(19):13-22 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Peptic Ulcers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2004;  (Issue 18)
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori. The majority of NSAID-related...
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori. The majority of NSAID-related ulcers are gastric. H. pylori infection causes both duodenal and gastric ulcers. Eradication of H. pylori promotes healing and markedly decreases recurrence of both duodenal and gastric ulcers (A Shiotamni and DY Graham, Med Clin North Am 2002; 86:1447; FKL Chan and WK Leung, Lancet 2002; 360:933). The first step in the management of peptic ulcers is the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2004 Feb;2(18):7-12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Pneumonia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2003;  (Issue 13)
The choice of drugs for treatment of pneumonia depends on the most likely pathogens causing the infection and local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Factors such as severity of illness, presence of co-morbid...
The choice of drugs for treatment of pneumonia depends on the most likely pathogens causing the infection and local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Factors such as severity of illness, presence of co-morbid conditions and whether the infection is community or hospital-acquired also need to be considered.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2003 Sep;1(13):83-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Jun 8;45(1158):46-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Eletriptan (Relpax) for Migraine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 28, 2003;  (Issue 1155)
Eletriptan hydrobromide (Relpax Pfizer) is now available in the US for oral treatment of migraine headache in adults. It is the seventh serotonin 5-HT1B/1D-receptor agonist (triptan) to be approved by the FDA...
Eletriptan hydrobromide (Relpax Pfizer) is now available in the US for oral treatment of migraine headache in adults. It is the seventh serotonin 5-HT1B/1D-receptor agonist (triptan) to be approved by the FDA for this indication. This review describes the pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, drug interactions and recommended dosage of eletriptan. Clinical trials comparing the new drug to placebo and to sumatriptan are presented. A dosage and cost table for all the triptans available in the US is also included. The review concludes with an overall assessment of eletriptan's efficacy and safety.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Apr 28;45(1155):33-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Jan 20;45(1148):5-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs That May Cause Psychiatric Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 8, 2002;  (Issue 1134)
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment may also be due to the underlying illness, previously...
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment may also be due to the underlying illness, previously unrecognized psychopathology, or psychosocial factors. The withdrawal of some drugs can cause symptoms such as anxiety, psychosis, delirium, agitation or depression.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002 Jul 8;44(1134):59-62 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Parasitic Infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2002;  (Issue 1127)
Superseded--purchase updated Parasitic Infections articleParasitic infections are found throughout the world. With increasing travel, immigration, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the spread of AIDS,...
Superseded--purchase updated Parasitic Infections article
Parasitic infections are found throughout the world. With increasing travel, immigration, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the spread of AIDS, physicians anywhere may see infections caused by previously unfamiliar parasites.

Note: Drugs for Parasitic Infections, revised and updated, is now available to both subscribers and nonsubscribers on our web site. This article, a bi-annual feature of The Medical Letter for many years, will not be published as a printed issue in 2002, but is included in the 16th edition of The Medical Letter Handbook of Antimicrobial Therapy. The handbook is now available and can be ordered by calling customer service at 1-800-211-2769.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002 Apr 1;44(1127):32 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Cefditoren (Spectracef) - A New Oral Cephalosporin

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 21, 2002;  (Issue 1122)
Cefditoren pivoxil (Spectracef — TAP), a new oral third-generation cephalosporin, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and...
Cefditoren pivoxil (Spectracef — TAP), a new oral third-generation cephalosporin, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections in adults and children 12 or more years old. The drug has been used in Japan for 7 years.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002 Jan 21;44(1122):5-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Jul 2;41(1056):59-62 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Three New Drugs for HIV Infection

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 4, 1998;  (Issue 1041)
Combination antiretroviral therapy including protease inhibitors has dramatically changed the treatment of HIV infection and the prognosis of those affected (Medical Letter Handbook of Antimicrobial Therapy,...
Combination antiretroviral therapy including protease inhibitors has dramatically changed the treatment of HIV infection and the prognosis of those affected (Medical Letter Handbook of Antimicrobial Therapy, 1998, page 122). Due to limitations and failures with these drugs in many patients, however, three new drugs, none of them protease inhibitors, have rapidly come into wide use in clinical trials or 'expanded access' programs. They are abacavir (Ziagen - Glaxo Wellcome), adefovir (Preveon - Gilead) and efavirenz (Sustiva - DuPont). Efavirenz was recently approved for treatment of adults and children by the FDA. Abacavir has been recommended for approval by an FDA advisory committee.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Dec 4;40(1041):114-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Aug 28;40(1034):85-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Jan 30;40(1019):17-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Parasitic Infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 2, 1998;  (Issue 1017)
(Superseded by the 2013 version. Click here to purchase.)Parasitic infections are found throughout the world. With increasing travel, immigration, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the spread of AIDS,...
(Superseded by the 2013 version. Click here to purchase.)
Parasitic infections are found throughout the world. With increasing travel, immigration, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the spread of AIDS, physicians anywhere may see infections caused by previously unfamiliar parasites. The table lists first-choice and alternative drugs for most parasitic infections.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Jan 2;40(1017):1-12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Sparfloxacin and Levofloxacin

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 25, 1997;  (Issue 999)
Sparfloxacin (Zagam - Rh ne-Poulenc Rorer) and levofloxacin (Levaquin - Ortho-McNeil) are the newest fluoroquinolone antimicrobials to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Sparfloxacin in a...
Sparfloxacin (Zagam - Rh ne-Poulenc Rorer) and levofloxacin (Levaquin - Ortho-McNeil) are the newest fluoroquinolone antimicrobials to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Sparfloxacin in a once-daily oral preparation is being marketed for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia and acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Levofloxacin, which is the active stereoisomer of ofloxacin (Floxin), is available for either oral or parenteral use; it is approved for oncedaily treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, skin and skin structure infections and complicated urinary tract infections.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1997 Apr 25;39(999):41-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Treatment of Peptic Ulcers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 3, 1997;  (Issue 991)
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are now thought to be associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori. The...
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are now thought to be associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori. The majority of NSAID-related ulcers are gastric. H. pylori have been associated with both duodenal and gastric ulcers. Eradication of H. pylori promotes healing and markedly decreases recurrence of both duodenal and gastric ulcers (AH Soll, JAMA, 275:622, 1996).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1997 Jan 3;39(991):1-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Fexofenadine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 25, 1996;  (Issue 986)
Fexofenadine (fex oh fen' a deen) hydrochloride (Allegra - Hoechst Marion Roussel) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. An active metabolite of...
Fexofenadine (fex oh fen' a deen) hydrochloride (Allegra - Hoechst Marion Roussel) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. An active metabolite of terfenadine, fexofenadine is being heavily advertised as "nonsedating...without 'black box' warnings."
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Oct 25;38(986):95-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Clarithromycin and Omeprazole for Helicobacter Pylori

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 7, 1996;  (Issue 976)
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the marketing of clarithromycin (Biaxin - Abbott), a macrolide antibiotic, and omeprazole (Prilosec - Astra Merck), a proton pump inhibitor, for...
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the marketing of clarithromycin (Biaxin - Abbott), a macrolide antibiotic, and omeprazole (Prilosec - Astra Merck), a proton pump inhibitor, for concurrent use in treatment of duodenal ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Jun 7;38(976):51-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Ceftibuten - A New Oral Cephalosporin

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 15, 1996;  (Issue 970)
Ceftibuten (Cedax - Schering), an oral cephalosporin similar to cefixime (Suprax - Medical Letter, 31:73, 1989), has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of acute otitis...
Ceftibuten (Cedax - Schering), an oral cephalosporin similar to cefixime (Suprax - Medical Letter, 31:73, 1989), has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of acute otitis media, pharyngitis or tonsillitis, and for acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Mar 15;38(970):23-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1995 Nov 24;37(962):109-10 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1995 Oct 13;37(959):87-94 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs For Tuberculosis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 4, 1995;  (Issue 954)
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major problem in the United States, particularly in areas where drug resistance is common (Morbid Mortal Weekly Rep, 44:387, May 26, 1995). Since poor compliance is the...
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major problem in the United States, particularly in areas where drug resistance is common (Morbid Mortal Weekly Rep, 44:387, May 26, 1995). Since poor compliance is the most important cause of treatment failure and is associated with emergence of drug resistence, some experts now recommend that all patients take drugs for TB under direct observation (SE Weis et al, N Engl J Med, 330:1179, 1994; R Bayer and D Wilkinson, Lancet, 345:1545, June 17, 1995).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1995 Aug 4;37(954):67-70 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Treatment of Peptic Ulcers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 22, 1994;  (Issue 927)
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are now thought to be associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori (NIH...
Most peptic ulcers not caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are now thought to be associated with infection of the gastric mucosa by the gram-negative bacilli Helicobacter pylori (NIH Consensus Development Panel, JAMA, 272:65, July 6, 1994). NSAID-related ulcers are usually gastric. H. pylori have been associated with both duodenal and gastric ulcers.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1994 Jul 22;36(927):65-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for AIDS and Associated infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 3, 1993;  (Issue 904)
Results of recently completed clinical trials have led to some changes in recommendations for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections associted with...
Results of recently completed clinical trials have led to some changes in recommendations for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections associted with AIDS.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1993 Sep 3;35(904):79-86 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1992 Sep 18;34(879):87-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1992 May 15;34(870):45-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1991 Oct 18;33(855):95-102 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction