Fezolinetant (Veozah – Astellas), a first-in-class neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) due to menopause. It is the second nonhormonal treatment to be approved in the US for this indication; a low-dose formulation of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine mesylate (Brisdelle) was approved in 2013.

The FDA has approved a 12.45% gel formulation of the anticholinergic drug sofpironium (Sofdra – Botanix) for treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) in patients ≥9 years old.

Palopegteriparatide (Yorvipath – Ascendis), a parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1-34 analog, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of hypoparathyroidism in adults. The parathyroid hormone analog teriparatide (Forteo, and others), which is approved for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, has been used off-label for treatment of hypoparathyroidism.

With increasing travel, immigration, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the spread of AIDS, physicians anywhere may see infections caused by parasites. The table in this document lists first-choice and alternative drugs for most parasitic infections.

The choice of drugs for treatment of pneumonia depends on the most likely pathogens causing the infection and local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Factors such as severity of illness, presence of co-morbid conditions and whether the infection is community or hospital-acquired also need to be considered.

Smoking tobacco remains the primary preventable cause of death in the US. Smoking cessation often requires both pharmacotherapy and behavioral support.

Cefmetazole sodium (Zefazone - Upjohn), a second-generation parenteral cephalosporin, was recently marketed in the USA for intravenous (IV) treatment of various infections caused by susceptible organisms. Like cefotetan (Cefotan), cefamandole (Mandol), cefoperazone (Cefobid), and moxalactam (Moxam), cefmetazole contains a methylthiotetrazole group that has been associated with prothrombin deficiency.

Felodipine (Plendil - Merck), an extended-release preparation of a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker was recently marketed in the USA for oral treatment of hypertension. An immediate-release formulation is available in some other countries.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the marketing of 5% doxepin hydrochloride cream (Zonalon - GenDerm) for treatment of pruritus due to eczematous dermatoses. Oral doxepin is used as a tricyclic antidepressant (Sinequan, and others).

Tolcapone (Tasmar - Roche), a dihydroxy-methyl-nitrobenophenone, has been marketed as an adjunct to levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet, and others) for treatment of Parkinson's disease in both stable patients and those with end-of-dose "wearing off"of levodopa.