Matching articles for "Levaquin"

Advice for Travelers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 7, 2019;  (Issue 1582)
Patients who receive pretravel advice can reduce their risk for many travel-related conditions. Vaccines recommended for travelers are reviewed in a separate...
Patients who receive pretravel advice can reduce their risk for many travel-related conditions. Vaccines recommended for travelers are reviewed in a separate issue.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Oct 7;61(1582):153-60 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Expanded Table: Antibiotics for Travelers' Diarrhea (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 7, 2019;  (Issue 1582)
...
View the Expanded Table: Antibiotics for Travelers' Diarrhea
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Oct 7;61(1582):e160 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Lefamulin (Xenleta) for Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 23, 2019;  (Issue 1581)
Lefamulin (Xenleta – Nabriva), a semisynthetic pleuromutilin antibiotic, has been approved by the FDA for IV and oral treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults. It is the...
Lefamulin (Xenleta – Nabriva), a semisynthetic pleuromutilin antibiotic, has been approved by the FDA for IV and oral treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults. It is the first systemic pleuromutilin antibiotic to be approved in the US; retapamulin (Altabax), a 1% topical ointment for treatment of impetigo, was approved in 2007.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Sep 23;61(1581):145-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Rifamycin (Aemcolo) for Treatment of Travelers' Diarrhea

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 11, 2019;  (Issue 1567)
The FDA has approved rifamycin (Aemcolo – Cosmo/ Aries), a minimally absorbed oral antibiotic, for treatment of adults with travelers' diarrhea (TD) caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli....
The FDA has approved rifamycin (Aemcolo – Cosmo/ Aries), a minimally absorbed oral antibiotic, for treatment of adults with travelers' diarrhea (TD) caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli. It is not recommended for treatment of diarrhea that is complicated by fever and/or bloody stools. Topical and injectable formulations of rifamycin have been used in Europe for other indications for many years.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Mar 11;61(1567):39-40 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Plazomicin (Zemdri) - A New Aminoglycoside Antibiotic

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 5, 2018;  (Issue 1559)
The FDA has approved the new aminoglycoside antibiotic plazomicin (Zemdri – Achaogen) for IV treatment of adults with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). Plazomicin is active against...
The FDA has approved the new aminoglycoside antibiotic plazomicin (Zemdri – Achaogen) for IV treatment of adults with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). Plazomicin is active against multi-drug- resistant Enterobacteriaceae, including strains resistant to other aminoglycosides.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Nov 5;60(1559):180-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Comparison Table: Some Systemic Fluoroquinolones (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 26, 2018;  (Issue 1543)
...
View the Comparison Table: Some Systemic Fluoroquinolones (online only)
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Mar 26;60(1543):e57-8 | 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

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 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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Jul 3;59(1524):105-12 | 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

Advice for Travelers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 13, 2015;  (Issue 1466)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask for information about prevention of diarrhea, malaria, and other travel-related conditions. Vaccines recommended for travelers based on their...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask for information about prevention of diarrhea, malaria, and other travel-related conditions. Vaccines recommended for travelers based on their destination, length of stay, and planned activities were reviewed in a previous issue.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Apr 13;57(1466):52-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Ceftolozane/Tazobactam (Zerbaxa) - A New Intravenous Antibiotic

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 2, 2015;  (Issue 1463)
The FDA has approved ceftolozane/tazobactam (Zerbaxa – Cubist), a combination of a new cephalosporin antibiotic and a beta-lactamase inhibitor, for intravenous treatment of complicated urinary tract and...
The FDA has approved ceftolozane/tazobactam (Zerbaxa – Cubist), a combination of a new cephalosporin antibiotic and a beta-lactamase inhibitor, for intravenous treatment of complicated urinary tract and intra-abdominal infections in adults.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2015 Mar 2;57(1463):31-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Fluoroquinolones and Peripheral Neuropathy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 11, 2013;  (Issue 1429)
The FDA is requiring new warnings about peripheral neuropathy in the labeling of all oral and injectable fluoroquinolones. The potential for this class of antibiotics to cause peripheral neuropathy was first...
The FDA is requiring new warnings about peripheral neuropathy in the labeling of all oral and injectable fluoroquinolones. The potential for this class of antibiotics to cause peripheral neuropathy was first identified more than 10 years ago and a warning was added to their labels in 2004. The new warnings are based on a recent review of the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database.1

The onset of peripheral neuropathy can occur rapidly, often within a few days of starting a fluoroquinolone, and in some patients the disorder may be permanent. Symptoms include pain, tingling, burning, numbness, weakness, and change in sensation to touch, pain, and temperature in the arms and/or legs. If peripheral neuropathy develops in a patient taking a fluoroquinolone, the drug should be stopped and an antibacterial from a different class should be used instead.2

1. FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA requires label changes to warn of risk for possibly permanent nerve damage from antibacterial fluoroquinolone drugs taken by mouth or by injection. Available at http://www.fda.gov. Accessed November 1, 2013.

2. Drugs for bacterial infections. Treat Guidel Med Lett 2013; 11:65.

Download complete U.S. English article

Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2013 Nov 11;55(1429):89 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2013 Sep;11(133):87-94 | 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

Raxibacumab for Anthrax

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2013;  (Issue 1413)
The FDA has approved raxibacumab (rax” ee bak’ ue mab; GSK), a fully human monoclonal antibody given by intravenous infusion, for treatment of inhalational anthrax in combination with appropriate...
The FDA has approved raxibacumab (rax” ee bak’ ue mab; GSK), a fully human monoclonal antibody given by intravenous infusion, for treatment of inhalational anthrax in combination with appropriate antibacterial drugs, and for prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax when alternative therapies are not available or are not appropriate. It was approved under the Animal Efficacy Rule, which allows the FDA to approve drugs that demonstrate efficacy in animals, providing that they would have a reasonable human health benefit and are safe for human use. Raxibacumab is only available from the CDC.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2013 Apr 1;55(1413):27-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Urinary Tract Infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 23, 2012;  (Issue 1395)
The most recent guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and its European counterpart on the choice of antimicrobials for treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)...
The most recent guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and its European counterpart on the choice of antimicrobials for treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in non-pregnant women focus on the unnecessary use of fluoroquinolones to treat uropathogens that are increasingly becoming resistant to them. Resistance of Escherichia coli to ciprofloxacin in the US has increased from 3% in 2000 to 17.1% in 2010.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Jul 23;54(1395):57-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Advice for Travelers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2012;  (Issue 118)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask for information about appropriate vaccines and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the Centers...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask for information about appropriate vaccines and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/travel. Guidelines are also available from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2012 Jun;10(118):45-56 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Tuberculosis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2012;  (Issue 116)
Tuberculosis (TB) is still a common cause of death worldwide, and the prevalence of drug-resistant TB poses challenges to its treatment and control. Guidelines with detailed management recommendations are...
Tuberculosis (TB) is still a common cause of death worldwide, and the prevalence of drug-resistant TB poses challenges to its treatment and control. Guidelines with detailed management recommendations are available from the American Thoracic Society, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2012 Apr;10(116):29-36 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Levofloxacin Revisited

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 11, 2011;  (Issue 1368)
A Medical Letter reader has asked us to review the safety of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic levofloxacin (Levaquin – Ortho-McNeil-Janssen), which has just been approved for generic use by the FDA and...
A Medical Letter reader has asked us to review the safety of the fluoroquinolone antibiotic levofloxacin (Levaquin – Ortho-McNeil-Janssen), which has just been approved for generic use by the FDA and has been at the center of some recent lawsuits regarding the adequacy of its safety warnings.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 Jul 11;53(1368):55-6 | 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 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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2010 Jul;8(95):53-60 | 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

Advice for Travelers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2009;  (Issue 87)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for information about appropriate vaccines and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. Guidelines are also available from the Infectious Diseases...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for information about appropriate vaccines and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. Guidelines are also available from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Nov;7(87):83-94 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Tuberculosis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2009;  (Issue 86)
Even though the incidence continues to decline in the United States, tuberculosis (TB) is still a common cause of death worldwide, and the prevalence of drug-resistant TB poses severe challenges to its...
Even though the incidence continues to decline in the United States, tuberculosis (TB) is still a common cause of death worldwide, and the prevalence of drug-resistant TB poses severe challenges to its treatment and control. Guidelines with detailed management recommendations are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Oct;7(86):75-82 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Fluoroquinolones and Tendon Injuries

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2008;  (Issue 1300)
The FDA has added a boxed warning to fluoroquinolone package inserts about tendon injuries that may occur as a result of their use. Tendinitis or tendon rupture may occur rarely with systemic use of any...
The FDA has added a boxed warning to fluoroquinolone package inserts about tendon injuries that may occur as a result of their use. Tendinitis or tendon rupture may occur rarely with systemic use of any fluoroquinolone, either while the drug is being taken or for up to several months afterwards.

Fluoroquinolone-related tendon injury is rare; estimates for its incidence in the general population range from 0.14% to 0.4%. The risk is higher for patients >60 years old and for those taking corticosteroids. For patients with organ transplants, the incidence may be as high as 15%.1 A case-control study in Italy involving 22,194 cases of non-traumatic tendinitis and 104,906 controls found that fluoroquinolone use was significantly associated with tendon disorders in general (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.4-2.0), tendon rupture (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0-1.8), and Achilles tendon rupture (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.8-9.6). Achilles tendon rupture occurred with fluoroquinolone treatment in one of every 5989 patients in general and in one of every 1638 patients >60 years old.2

Widespread use of fluoroquinolones, particularly for treatment of respiratory infections, has produced substantial bacterial resistance to this class of drugs and has been associated with an increase in the incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile disease.3 Even when bacterial pneumonia is considered a likely possibility, other drugs are generally preferred, at least in non-elderly, otherwise healthy patients.4

1. F Muzi et al. Fluoroquinolones-induced tendinitis and tendon rupture in kidney transplant recipients: 2 cases and a review of the literature.Transplant Proc 2007; 39:1673.
2. G Corrao et al. Evidence of tendinitis provoked by fluoroquinolone treatment: a case-control study. Drug Saf 2006; 29:889.
3. Treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD). Med Lett Drugs Ther 2006; 48:89.
4. Drugs for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2007; 49:62.

Download: U.S. English
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Dec 1;50(1300):93 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Travelers' Diarrhea

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 28, 2008;  (Issue 1291)
The most common cause of travelers' diarrhea, usually a self-limited illness without fever lasting several days, is infection with noninvasive enterotoxigenic (ETEC) or enteroaggregative (EAEC) strains of...
The most common cause of travelers' diarrhea, usually a self-limited illness without fever lasting several days, is infection with noninvasive enterotoxigenic (ETEC) or enteroaggregative (EAEC) strains of Escherichia coli. Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, Aeromonas, viruses and parasites are less common.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Jul 28;50(1291):58-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Doripenem (Doribax) - A New Parenteral Carbapenem

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 28, 2008;  (Issue 1278)
Doripenem (Doribax - Ortho-McNeil Janssen), an intravenous (IV) carbapenem antibiotic with a spectrum of activity similar to that of imipenem and meropenem, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of...
Doripenem (Doribax - Ortho-McNeil Janssen), an intravenous (IV) carbapenem antibiotic with a spectrum of activity similar to that of imipenem and meropenem, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections. Use of doripenem for treatment of nosocomial pneumonia, including ventilator-associated pneumonia, is still under FDA review.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Jan 28;50(1278):5-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Sexually Transmitted Infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2007;  (Issue 61)
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. Guidelines are available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with detailed recommendations for treatment of these diseases.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Sep;5(61):81-9 | 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

Drugs for Tuberculosis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2007;  (Issue 55)
Even though the incidence continues to decline, tuberculosis (TB) is still a problem in the United States. Treatment of TB can be divided into treatment of latent infection and treatment of active disease....
Even though the incidence continues to decline, tuberculosis (TB) is still a problem in the United States. Treatment of TB can be divided into treatment of latent infection and treatment of active disease. Atable listing the first-line drugs used for treatment of TB with their doses and adverse effects can be found on page 16. Other guidelines with more detailed management recommendations are available.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Mar;5(55):15-22 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2006 Dec;4(52):83-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Treatment of Community-Associated MRSA Infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 13, 2006;  (Issue 1228)
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, which have been a concern for many years, previously occurred primarily in hospitalized patients and those recently treated with antibiotics. In...
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, which have been a concern for many years, previously occurred primarily in hospitalized patients and those recently treated with antibiotics. In the past few years, there has been an increasing incidence worldwide of community-associated (CA) MRSA infections in patients without recent antibiotic exposure or contact with the healthcare system.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2006 Feb 13;48(1228):13-4 | 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

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

Drugs for Sexually Transmitted Infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2004;  (Issue 26)
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. Guidelines are available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with detailed recommendations for treatment of these diseases (MMWR Recomm Rep 2002; 51, RR-6:1). New guidelines are expected soon.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2004 Oct;2(26):67-74 | 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

Rifaximin (Xifaxan) for Travelers' Diarrhea

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 13, 2004;  (Issue 1191)
Rifaximin (Xifaxan - Salix), a non-absorbed oral antibiotic derived from rifampin (Rifadin, and others), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of travelers' diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of...
Rifaximin (Xifaxan - Salix), a non-absorbed oral antibiotic derived from rifampin (Rifadin, and others), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of travelers' diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of Escherichia coli in patients 12 years of age or older. It has been available in Europe since 1987.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2004 Sep 13;46(1191):74-5 | 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

Advice for Travelers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2004;  (Issue 21)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for advice about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the Centers for...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for advice about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or www.cdc.gov/travel. Recommendations for the treatment of parasitic diseases are available in the public reading room of The Medical Letter's web site.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2004 May;2(21):33-40 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Surgery

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2004;  (Issue 20)
Antimicrobial prophylaxis can decrease the incidence of infection, particularly surgical site infection, after certain operations, but this benefit must be weighed against the risks of toxic and allergic...
Antimicrobial prophylaxis can decrease the incidence of infection, particularly surgical site infection, after certain operations, but this benefit must be weighed against the risks of toxic and allergic reactions, emergence of resistant bacteria, adverse drug interactions, superinfection and cost. Medical Letter consultants generally recommend antimicrobial prophylaxis only for procedures with high infection rates, those involving implantation of prosthetic material, and those in which the consequences of infection are likely to be especially serious.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2004 Apr;2(20):27-32 | 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 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

Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia With Fluoroquinolones

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 4, 2003;  (Issue 1162)
The July 2003 edition of the Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter, published by Health Canada (the Canadian FDA), reported that the Health Canada database had received more spontaneous reports of hypoglycemia...
The July 2003 edition of the Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter, published by Health Canada (the Canadian FDA), reported that the Health Canada database had received more spontaneous reports of hypoglycemia (19) and hyperglycemia (7) with gatifloxacin (Tequin) than with other quinolone antibiotics.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Aug 4;45(1162):64 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Prilosec, Nexium and Stereoisomers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 23, 2003;  (Issue 1159)
Recently pharmaceutical manufacturers have marketed a stereoisomer of a successful drug nearing patent expiration as a new drug. Examples, such as esomeprazole (Nexium) , levalbuterol (Xopenex), escitalopram...
Recently pharmaceutical manufacturers have marketed a stereoisomer of a successful drug nearing patent expiration as a new drug. Examples, such as esomeprazole (Nexium) , levalbuterol (Xopenex), escitalopram (Lexapro) and dexmethylphenidate
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2003 Jun 23;45(1159):51-2 | 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

Advice for Travelers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 15, 2002;  (Issue 1128)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for advice about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the CDC at...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask physicians for advice about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. More detailed advice for travelers is available from the CDC at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) or www.cdc.gov/travel.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002 Apr 15;44(1128):33-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Post-exposure Anthrax Prophylaxis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 29, 2001;  (Issue 1116)
Superseded by Handbook of Antimicrobial TherapyThe Medical Letter article on Drugs and Vaccines against Biological Weapons, published in the previous issue (October 15, 2001, page 87), included a brief...
Superseded by Handbook of Antimicrobial Therapy
The Medical Letter article on Drugs and Vaccines against Biological Weapons, published in the previous issue (October 15, 2001, page 87), included a brief discussion of post-exposure prophylaxis of inhalation anthrax. Recent events call for more detail.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2001 Oct 29;43(1116):91-2 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

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.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2000 Feb 21;42(1072):15-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Advice for Travelers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 23, 1999;  (Issue 1051)
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask pysicians for advice about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. Legal requirements for entry and epidemiological conditions in different...
Patients planning to travel to other countries often ask pysicians for advice about immunizations and prevention of diarrhea and malaria. Legal requirements for entry and epidemiological conditions in different countries vary from time to time, often unpredictably, but some reasonable recommendations can be made.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1999 Apr 23;41(1051):39-42 | 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

Trovafloxacin

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 13, 1998;  (Issue 1022)
Trovafloxacin (Trovan - Pfizer) and its prodrug alatrofoxacin (Trovan IV) are new fluroroquinolones marketed for an unusually wide variety of infections, including oral and intravenous treatment of nosocomial...
Trovafloxacin (Trovan - Pfizer) and its prodrug alatrofoxacin (Trovan IV) are new fluroroquinolones marketed for an unusually wide variety of infections, including oral and intravenous treatment of nosocomial and community-acquired pneumonia, acute ecerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute sinusitis, complicate intra-abdominal and pelvic infections, diabetic foot infection, uncomplicated urinary tract infection, prostatitis, cervicitis and uncomplicated gonorrhea.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Mar 13;40(1022):30-1 | 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

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