The FDA has approved a 0.3% foam formulation of the phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor roflumilast (Zoryve – Arcutis) for topical treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in patients ≥9 years old. Roflumilast is the first PDE4 inhibitor to be approved in the US for this indication. It is also available in a 0.3% cream formulation (Zoryve) for treatment of plaque psoriasis and in an oral formulation (Daliresp, and generics) for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A 0.15% cream formulation for treatment of atopic dermatitis in patients ≥6 years old will be reviewed...

Recent articles in the press have suggested that in early pregnancy, an intramuscular (IM) injection of methotrexate (Folex, and others), a folic acid antagonist, and oral or vaginal administration of misoprostol (Cytotec), a prostaglandin, offers a medical alternative to a surgically induced abortion. Methotrexate is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and various types of cancer, including choriocarcinoma, and has also been used to terminate ectopic pregnancies. Misoprostol is approved for prevention of gastric ulcers induced by...

The FDA has approved another fixed combination of the antibiotic clindamycin phosphate and the oxidizing agent benzoyl peroxide (Onexton Gel 1.2%/3.75% – Valeant) for topical treatment of acne in patients ≥12 years old. Topical products containing the same drugs have been available for many years. Onexton Gel contains a new strength of benzoyl peroxide.

The FDA has approved the selective alpha₂-adrenergic receptor agonist brimonidine as a 0.33% gel (Mirvaso – Galderma) for topical treatment of adults with persistent facial erythema of rosacea. Brimonidine is also available in ophthalmic formulations for treatment of glaucoma.

Veltin Gel (Stiefel), a fixed-dose combination of the antibiotic clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and the retinoid tretinoin 0.025%, has been approved by the FDA for topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ≥12 years old. Another product containing the same active ingredients (Ziana) has been on the market since 2006.

View the Comparison Table: Some Topical Corticosteroids

Tretinoin (tret' i noyn; all-trans-retinoic acid; Retin-A), a derivative of vitamin A, has been used for years for topical treatment of acne. More recently, it has also been used to improve the appearance of skin damaged by chronic exposure to the sun, although not approved for this indication by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Tazarotene (taz ar' oh teen, Tazorac - Allergan), an acetylinic retinoid marketed for treatment of psoriasis (Medical Letter 1997; 39:105), is also available as a 0.1% gel and cream for treatment of acne.

The FDA has approved dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera – Biogen Idec), formerly called BG-12, for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is the third oral drug to be approved in recent years for this indication.

View the Expanded Table: Drugs for Prophylaxis of Malaria