Bepotastine besilate 1.5% ophthalmic solution (Bepreve - ISTA Pharmaceuticals), an H₁-antihistamine, has been approved by the FDA for topical treatment of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis in patients ≥2 years old. Bepotastine was first developed in an oral systemic formulation and has been used as such for treatment of allergic rhinitis in Japan.

Initial treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) depends on the severity of symptoms and whether they are intermittent or persistent (see Table 1).

The ability of grapefruit juice to increase serum concentrations of drugs was first discovered during a study of the effect of ethanol on felodipine (Plendil) pharmacokinetics. Double-strength grapefruit juice used to disguise the taste of ethanol resulted in higher than expected serum concentrations of felodipine (DG Bailey et al, Clin Invest Med 1989; 12:357).

Mitoxantrone (Novantrone - Lederle), a synthetic anthracene related to the anthracyclines doxorubicin (Adriamycin) and daunorubicin (Cerubidine), has now been marketed in the USA to be used in combination with other drugs for initial treatment of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in adults.

The physiologic changes that occur with aging can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many prescription and over-the-counter drugs, increasing the likelihood of adverse effects.