Temafloxacin (Omniflox - Abbott) and lomefloxacin (Maxaquin - Searle) are the latest fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agents to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for oral treatment of various infections. Previously marketed include norfloxacin (Noroxin - Medical Letter, 29:25, 1987), ciprofloxacin (Cipro - Medical Letter, 30:11, 1988), and ofloxacin (Floxin - Medical Letter, 33:71, 1991). Norfloxacin is marketed only for treatment of urinary tract infections, and lomefloxacin only for treatment of urinary tract infections and bronchitis known to be caused by...

Two new topical testosterone products, a 1% gel (Testim) and a buccal tablet (Striant), have been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypogonadism in men. This review briefly describes hypogonadism and its causes and lists other available formulations of testosterone. For the new products, information on pharmocokinetics, adverse effects, and dosage and administration is provided, as well as a summary of clinical trial results. A dosage and cost table for topical testosterone products is also included. The conclusion summarizes the safety and effectiveness of the new drugs and discusses the...

Dasatinib (Sprycel - Bristol-Myers Squibb), an inhibitor of multiple tyrosine kinases, has been approved by the FDA for second-line treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in adults.

Vorinostat (Zolinza - Merck), an oral histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for treatment of skin manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that is persistent, progressive or recurrent after two systemic therapies. The most common types of CTCL are mycosis fungoides and SΘzary syndrome, the leukemic form of mycosis fungoides.

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.

The FDA has approved two new oral formulations of testosterone undecanoate — Kyzatrex (Marius) and Tlando (Antares) — for treatment of males with a deficiency of endogenous testosterone due to conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, orchiectomy, toxic damage from chemotherapy or alcohol, or pituitary-hypothalamic injury caused by tumors, trauma, or radiation. Jatenzo, another oral testosterone undecanoate formulation, was approved for the same indication in 2019. No testosterone products are approved for treatment of low testosterone levels due solely to...

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends use of certain vaccines in adults residing in the US. Routine childhood immunization has reduced the overall incidence of some of these vaccine-preventable diseases, but many adults remain susceptible. Recommendations for vaccination against COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and monkeypox and vaccination of travelers have been reviewed separately.

Most patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) present with the relapsing-remitting form of the disease. Pharmacologic treatment usually includes a disease-modifying drug, corticosteroids for acute exacerbations, and other drugs for managing symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and pain. Early use of disease-modifying therapy has improved clinical outcomes.

Nonopioid drugs can be used in the treatment of many nociceptive and neuropathic pain conditions. For severe pain, especially severe chronic cancer pain, use of opioids may be necessary. Noninvasive nonpharmacologic treatments, including physical and psychological therapies, have been shown to improve pain and function in patients with some common chronic pain conditions and are unlikely to cause serious harms. A multimodal approach to analgesic therapy can increase pain control while reducing opioid use and adverse effects.