An intravenous formulation of amiodarone (Cordarone IV -Wyeth-Ayerst) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment and prophylaxis of recurrent ventricular fibrillation (VF) or hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients refractory to other therapy.

Nisoldipine (Sular -Zeneca), a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker structurally similar to nifedipine, has been approved for marketing by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is available in an oral extended-release formulation for treatment of hypertension.

Lantaoprost, a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog, has been approved by the FDA for topical treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension refractory to other drugs.

Olanzapine (Zyprexa - Lilly), a thienobenzodiazepine that structurally resembles and binds to many of the same receptors as clozapine (Clozaril), is now available in the USA for treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

Topical tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) has been used for years to treat skin damaged by chronic exposure to the sun (Medical Letter, 34:28, 1992). First approved by the FDA only for treatment of acne in concentrations ranging from 0.025% to 0.1% (Retin-A, and others), it has now been approved as an 0.05% formulation in an emollient cream base (Renova) for topical treatment of photodamaged skin. In recent years, alpha-hydroxy acids incorporated in some cosmetics have also been promoted as effective in improving the appearance of aging skin.

Risedronate (Actonel - Procter & Gamble), a pyridinyl bisphosphonate, has been approved by the FDA for oral treatment of Paget's disease of bone. Characterized by excessive bone resorption, bony deformity, disorganized bone remodeling and structural weakness, Paget's disease occurs in up to 3% of people older than 55 in Europe and North America (PD Delmas and PJ Meunier, N Engl J Med, 336:558, 1997).

Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor that decreases absorption of fat from the gastrointestinal tract, is now available for treatment of obesity.

The FDA has approved exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor, for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that has progressed during treatment with tamoxifen.

Ciclopirox nail lacquer (Penlac - Dermik) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of mild-to-moderate onychomycosis due to Trichophyton rubrum, without involvement of the lunula. The drug has been available for many years as a lotion and cream (Loprox) for treatment of cutaneous fungal infection

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (Visudyne--CIVA Vision), an injectable drug, is now being used for treatment of age-related macular degeneration. The drug is a benzoporphyrin derivative that, when activated by light in the presence of oxygen, generates highly reactive radicals that damage neovascular endorthelium and occlude the vessels.