Two new retinoids for psoriasis
Article Abstract:
Two new drugs, a topical for application directly on the skin and a systemic to be taken internally, have been approved by the FDA for treating psoriasis. The topical drug, tazarotene, is marketed by Allergan as Tazorac and provides an equally effective alternative to corticosteroids. The systemic drug, acitretin, is sold by Roche as Soriatane, and will replace their own etretinate. Acitretin has a more desirable half-life in the body of only about 50 hours compared to etretinate's 120 days. Both drugs are retinoids, compounds derived from vitamin A, none of which are recommended for use during pregnancy.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1997
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Quetiapine for schizophrenia
Article Abstract:
A new drug for treatment of schizophrenia seems as effective as existing drugs but with fewer side effects. Quetiapine, marketed by Zeneca as Seroquel, has been approved for use by the FDA. It seems to be as effective in calming agitated symptoms of schizophrenia as haloperidol, and is somewhat effective in treating apathy and withdrawal. Because dogs which had been given the drug on a regular basis developed cataracts, the manufacturer is recommending a slit-lamp examination of the eyes when beginning treatment and then every six months. No cataracts were seen in human clinical trials.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1997
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Topical penciclovir for herpes labialis
Article Abstract:
Frequent topical applications of penciclovir cream to herpes simplex lesions can speed healing by about a day, and the FDA has approved its use for that purpose. Previously, the only topical treatment for herpes simplex virus (HSV type 1) infections of the lips and mouth was acyclovir, and that was only for immune-compromised patients. The penciclovir cream, trade-named Denavir by SmithKline Beecham, is applied directly on the lesions, where it remains in the infected cells 10 to 20 times longer than acyclovir.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1997
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