The FDA has approved an extended-release intramuscular suspension formulation of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist triptorelin (Triptodur – Arbor/Debiopharm) for twice-yearly treatment of central precocious puberty (CPP) in children ≥2 years old. Triptorelin has been available in the US for years as Trelstar for palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Before the approval of Triptodur, Trelstar was used off-label for treatment of CPP.

View the Comparison Table: Some Drugs for Migraine Prevention in Adults

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the world. Risk factor modification, anticoagulation, rhythm control, and rate control are the four pillars of its management. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines on management of AF were updated recently.

Doxazosin (mesylate - Roerig), an alpha1-adrenergic receptor blocker similar to prazosin (Minipress, and others) and terazosin (Hytrin), was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of hypertension.

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).

In a study of the interaction between alcohol and the calcium-channel blocker felodipine (Plendil), the grapefruit juice vehicle for the alcohol appeared to increase felodipine plasma concentrations. Subsequent studies have found that grapefruit juice increases plasma concentrations of several calcium-channel blockers and of some other drugs as well (DG Bailey et al, Clin Pharmacokinet, 26:91, 1994).

Colesevelam hydrochloride (Welchol - Sankyo Pharma), a nonabsorbed hydrophilic polymer that binds bile acids, has been approved by the FDA for reduction of plasma LDL cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia.

When patents expire on brand-name drugs and generic formulations become available, patients and managed care organizations may express a preference for the lower-cost generics. Are they equivalent to the brand-name product?

The lipid-lowering drug rosuvastatin is now available in a sprinkle capsule formulation (Ezallor Sprinkle – Sun Pharma). Rosuvastatin tablets (Crestor, and generics) have been available since 2003.1,2The new formulation is being marketed specifically for residents of long-term care facilities who have difficulty swallowing. Ezallor Sprinkle capsules can be swallowed whole or opened and their contents sprinkled over applesauce or mixed with water for administration via nasogastric tube.For those long-term care residents who still have a reasonable indication for a statin but have difficulty...

Dofetilide (Tikosyn - Pfizer), a new methanesulfonamide antiarrhythmic drug, has recently been marketed for oral treatment of atrial fibrillation and flutter.