Succimer - an oral drug for lead poisoning

Article Abstract:

Awareness is increasing of lead poisoning as a common public health problem. Exposure to even moderate levels of lead can harm mental development of children. Chelation (binding of a metal away from a solution) of the metal by compounds is the only treatment, and succimer is a newly available oral chelator of lead and other heavy metals. Penicillamine is the only other available oral chelator, but it is not yet approved for this use. Calcium disodium edetate (EDTA) and dimercaprol cannot be given by mouth, can deplete essential minerals, and EDTA can cause kidney toxicity. Succimer does not bind iron, calcium, or magnesium, minerals important for normal function, while it preferentially binds lead, mercury, and arsenic over zinc or copper. Metal-bound succimer is excreted in urine, so functional kidneys are apparently needed for this therapy. Succimer is given in doses up to 1,050 milligrams per square meter of body surface area per day, and after five days, blood levels in children decreased by one-half to one-third. Blood lead levels rebound after treatment, and this can be minimized by continuing the drug for two more weeks. The drug may be effective in adults, and the effect on children with lead encephalopathy (brain dysfunction) is unknown. Side effects may be gastrointestinal (diarrhea, cramps), elevation of hepatic (liver) enzymes measured in blood, nasal congestion, muscle pains, or rash. Succimer is harmful to fetuses in mice. Succimer appears to be safe and effective in inducing lead excretion in children. Effectiveness in lead encephalopathy and long-term effects have not been investigated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Lead, Chelation therapy, Succimer

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Tramadol - a new oral analgesic

Article Abstract:

The newly approved drug tramadol offers similar pain relief at a higher cost than standard preparations. Tramadol becomes most effective after about two hours lasting for a total of six hours. Despite some opioid properties, tramadol typically targets moderate pain levels. Recent studies found 50 milligrams of tramadol as effective as 60 mg of codeine in controlling pain after surgery. Doses of 100 mg tramadol reduced pain more effectively than 60 mg of codeine but were similar to combination therapy. For more severe pain, cancer patients rated high doses of morphine superior to tramadol despite its fewer side effects. Tramadol costs much more than codeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen.

Analgesics

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Cefdinir--a new oral cephalosporin

Article Abstract:

The FDA has approved cefdinir for the treatment of several bacterial infections, including sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis, and skin infections. Sold under the trade name Omnicef, it belongs to a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins. It is effective against many of the same bacteria that are treated with cefpodoxime. It has few side effects, but should not be used if older and better drugs are available.

Product/Service Evaluation, Omnicef (Medication)

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