Results of a recent study suggested that zinc gluconate may be effective in treating the common cold (SB Mossad et al, Ann Intern Med, 125:81, July 15, 1996). Zinc gluconate lozenges, sometimes combined with vitamin C or other ingredients, are available in pharmacies and health food stores throughout the USA.

Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone - Teva Marion Partners), formerly known as copolymer-l, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Interferon β-1b (Betaseron) and interferon β-1a (Avonex - Medical Letter, 38:63, 1996) were previously approved for this indication.

The Medical Letter has received many inquiries about use of glucosamine, a basic constituent of articular cartilage glycosaminoglycans, for treatment of arthritis. A recently published book (The Arthritis Cure), several television news shows, and articles in The New York Times have suggested it may be effective for treatment of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is sold as a 'dietary supplement' in the USA.

Tamsulosin (Flomax - Boehringer Ingelheim), an alpha 1 - adrenoreceptor blocker, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is claimed to bind preferentially to alpha1 receptors in the prostate.

Olopatadine hydrochloride (Patanol - Alcon), a propilidinedibenzoxypin derivative, has recently been marketed in a 0.1% ophthalmic solution for prevention of itching due to allergic conjunctivitis in adults and children more than three years old. It is the first drug for this indication that both inhibits mast cell degranulation and is a selective histamine H1 receptor antagonist (NA Sharif et al, J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 278:1252, 1996).

Myocardial perfusion imaging and stress echocardiography in patients who cannot exercise may require use of drugs. Arbutamine (GenESA - Gensia Automedics), a potent synthetic sympathomimetic, has recently been approved by the FDA for use with a computerized drug-delivery system in pharmacologic stress testing.

Raloxifene (Evista - Lilly), a benzothiophene that acts on estrogen receptors, has recently been marketed for prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Only estrogen (alone or in combination with a progestin) and the bisphosphonate alendronate (Fosamax) were previously approved by the FDA for this indication.

Sibutramine hydrochlorid monohydreate (Meridia - Knoll), which is structurally related to amphetamine, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of obesity. It is classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a schedule IV controlled substance.

Dolasetron (Anzemet - Hoechst Marion Roussel), a selective serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonist similar to ondansetron (Zofran) and granisetron (Kytril - Medical Letter, 36:61, 1994) is now available for both oral and intravenous use in prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy. A 5-HT3 antagonist plus dexamethasone (Decadron, and others) is the most effective regimen for prevention of acute vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. Dolasetron has also been approved by the FDA for prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and...

Extracts made from leaves of the ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) are available in the uSA as deitary supplements, in France and Germany as licensed drugs and worldwide as herbal remedies for treatment of dementia and many other indications.