Matching articles for "diuretics"
In Brief: A New Torsemide Formulation (Soaanz) for Edema (online only)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 19, 2024; (Issue 1709)
The FDA has approved Soaanz (Sarfez), a new
formulation of the loop diuretic torsemide, for
treatment of edema associated with heart failure or
renal disease in adults. Torsemide has been...
The FDA has approved Soaanz (Sarfez), a new
formulation of the loop diuretic torsemide, for
treatment of edema associated with heart failure or
renal disease in adults. Torsemide has been available
generically for years for treatment of hypertension and
treatment of edema due to heart failure, renal disease,
or hepatic disease. According to the manufacturer,
Soaanz tablets are formulated to provide a gradual
and sustained diuresis, lowering the risk of excessive
urination and hypokalemia.
Aprocitentan (Tryvio) for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 10, 2024; (Issue 1704)
The FDA has approved the dual endothelin receptor
antagonist aprocitentan (Tryvio – Idorsia) for
use in combination with other antihypertensive
drugs to treat hypertension in adults whose blood
pressure...
The FDA has approved the dual endothelin receptor
antagonist aprocitentan (Tryvio – Idorsia) for
use in combination with other antihypertensive
drugs to treat hypertension in adults whose blood
pressure is not adequately controlled on other drugs.
Three other dual endothelin receptor antagonists,
ambrisentan (Volibris, and generics), bosentan
(Tracleer, and generics), and macitentan (Opsumit),
are available in the US for treatment of pulmonary
arterial hypertension.
Drugs for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 27, 2024; (Issue 1703)
American College of Cardiology/American Heart
Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines for treatment of
hypertension were last published in 2018. Treatment
of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not
discussed...
American College of Cardiology/American Heart
Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines for treatment of
hypertension were last published in 2018. Treatment
of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not
discussed here.
In Brief: Furoscix - A Subcutaneous Furosemide Infusor for Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 23, 2023; (Issue 1668)
The FDA has approved Furoscix (scPharmaceuticals),
a subcutaneous formulation of the loop diuretic
furosemide administered via a single-use, on-body
infusor, for treatment of congestion due to...
The FDA has approved Furoscix (scPharmaceuticals),
a subcutaneous formulation of the loop diuretic
furosemide administered via a single-use, on-body
infusor, for treatment of congestion due to fluid
overload in adults with New York Heart Association
(NYHA) Class II-III chronic heart failure (HF).
Furosemide (Lasix, and generics) has been available
for years in oral and IV formulations.
Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 14, 2021; (Issue 1626)
Among patients with chronic heart failure, those with
a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% are
considered to have heart failure with reduced ejection
fraction (HFrEF). Patients with a LVEF...
Among patients with chronic heart failure, those with
a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% are
considered to have heart failure with reduced ejection
fraction (HFrEF). Patients with a LVEF ≥50% are
considered to have heart failure with preserved ejection
fraction (HFpEF). Those with a LVEF of 41-49% are an
intermediate group more similar to patients with HFpEF.
Vericiguat (Verquvo) for Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 8, 2021; (Issue 1619)
The FDA has approved vericiguat (Verquvo – Merck),
an oral soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator,
to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure
and cardiovascular (CV) death following a...
The FDA has approved vericiguat (Verquvo – Merck),
an oral soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator,
to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure
and cardiovascular (CV) death following a worsening
heart failure event (hospitalization for heart failure or
treatment with IV diuretics as an outpatient) in patients
with symptomatic chronic heart failure and left
ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45%. Vericiguat
is the second sGC stimulator to be marketed in the
US. Riociguat (Adempas), which is FDA-approved
for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and
chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension,
was the first.
Comparison Table: Some Drugs for HFrEF (online only)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 8, 2021; (Issue 1619)
...
View the Comparison Table: Some Drugs for HFrEF
In Brief: Hydrochlorothiazide and Skin Cancer
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 16, 2020; (Issue 1611)
The FDA has required the addition of information about
an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (basal
cell carcinoma [BCC] and squamous cell carcinoma
[SCC]) to the labels of products containing the...
The FDA has required the addition of information about
an increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (basal
cell carcinoma [BCC] and squamous cell carcinoma
[SCC]) to the labels of products containing the diuretic
hydrochlorothiazide.
Drugs for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 18, 2020; (Issue 1598)
Drugs available for treatment of chronic hypertension
and their dosages, adverse effects, and costs are
listed in the tables. Treatment
of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not
discussed...
Drugs available for treatment of chronic hypertension
and their dosages, adverse effects, and costs are
listed in the tables. Treatment
of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies is not
discussed here.
Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 8, 2019; (Issue 1569)
Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)
≤40% are considered to have heart failure with reduced
ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients with a LVEF ≤50%
and symptoms of heart failure are...
Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)
≤40% are considered to have heart failure with reduced
ejection fraction (HFrEF). Patients with a LVEF ≤50%
and symptoms of heart failure are considered to have
heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).
There is little evidence that drug treatment improves
clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF.
Expanded Table: Some Drugs for HFrEF (online only)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 8, 2019; (Issue 1569)
...
View the Expanded Table: Some Drugs for HFrEF
Drugs for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 13, 2017; (Issue 1516)
in the US and their dosages, adverse effects, and
costs are listed in the tables.
Treatment of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies
is not discussed...
in the US and their dosages, adverse effects, and
costs are listed in the tables.
Treatment of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies
is not discussed here.
Byvalson - A Beta Blocker/ARB Combination for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 12, 2016; (Issue 1503)
The FDA has approved Byvalson (Allergan), a fixed-dose
combination of the beta blocker nebivolol
(Bystolic) and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
valsartan (Diovan, and generics), for treatment...
The FDA has approved Byvalson (Allergan), a fixed-dose
combination of the beta blocker nebivolol
(Bystolic) and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
valsartan (Diovan, and generics), for treatment of
hypertension. It is the only combination product that
contains nebivolol, and the first to combine a beta
blocker with an ARB.
Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto) for Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 3, 2015; (Issue 1474)
The FDA has approved Entresto (Novartis), an oral
fixed-dose combination of the neprilysin inhibitor
sacubitril and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
valsartan, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular...
The FDA has approved Entresto (Novartis), an oral
fixed-dose combination of the neprilysin inhibitor
sacubitril and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
valsartan, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death
and heart failure hospitalization in patients with
heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Sacubitril
is the first neprilysin inhibitor to become available in
the US.
Recombinant Human Parathyroid Hormone (Natpara)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 8, 2015; (Issue 1470)
The FDA has approved a subcutaneously injected
formulation of recombinant human parathyroid
hormone (Natpara – NPS) as an adjunct to calcium
and vitamin D to control hypocalcemia in adults
with...
The FDA has approved a subcutaneously injected
formulation of recombinant human parathyroid
hormone (Natpara – NPS) as an adjunct to calcium
and vitamin D to control hypocalcemia in adults
with hypoparathyroidism. Natpara is an 84-amino
acid single-chain polypeptide identical to native
parathyroid hormone. It is the first parathyroid hormone
formulation to be approved for this indication.
Ivabradine (Corlanor) for Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 25, 2015; (Issue 1469)
The FDA has approved ivabradine (Corlanor – Amgen)
to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart
failure in adults with stable, symptomatic chronic heart
failure with left ventricular ejection...
The FDA has approved ivabradine (Corlanor – Amgen)
to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart
failure in adults with stable, symptomatic chronic heart
failure with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%
who are in sinus rhythm with a resting heart rate ≥70
beats per minute and who are on maximum tolerated
doses of beta blockers or have a contraindication
to beta blocker use. Ivabradine has been available
internationally for years as Procoralan and Corlentor
for treatment of stable angina and heart failure.
Glyxambi - A New Combination for Type 2 Diabetes
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 27, 2015; (Issue 1467)
The FDA has approved Glyxambi (Boehringer
Ingelheim/Lilly), a fixed-dose combination of empagliflozin
(Jardiance) and linagliptin (Tradjenta), for oral
treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It is the...
The FDA has approved Glyxambi (Boehringer
Ingelheim/Lilly), a fixed-dose combination of empagliflozin
(Jardiance) and linagliptin (Tradjenta), for oral
treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It is the first
combination of a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2
(SGLT2) inhibitor and a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor to be approved in the US.
Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 19, 2015; (Issue 1460)
Heart failure is usually associated with left ventricular
dysfunction. According to recent guidelines, patients
with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% are
considered to have heart failure...
Heart failure is usually associated with left ventricular
dysfunction. According to recent guidelines, patients
with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% are
considered to have heart failure with reduced ejection
fraction (HFrEF) or systolic heart failure. Patients
with a LVEF ≥50% and symptoms of heart failure
are considered to have heart failure with preserved
ejection fraction (HFpEF) or diastolic heart failure;
there is little evidence that drug treatment improves
clinical outcomes in these patients. The treatment of
acute heart failure is not included here.
Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 4, 2014; (Issue 1448)
Aminosalicylates are effective for induction and maintenance
of remission in mild to moderate ulcerative
colitis. They are not recommended for treatment of
Crohn's disease.
FORMULATIONS — Oral mesalamine...
Aminosalicylates are effective for induction and maintenance
of remission in mild to moderate ulcerative
colitis. They are not recommended for treatment of
Crohn's disease.
FORMULATIONS — Oral mesalamine is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and most of the drug does not reach the colon. Pentasa releases mesalamine gradually throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Delzicol, Asacol HD, Lialda, and Apriso delay the release of the drug until it reaches the distal ileum and colon. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, and generics), balsalazide (Colazal, and others), and olsalazine (Dipentum) are prodrugs; mesalamine is azo-bonded to a second moiety and released in the colon following bacterial cleavage of the bond. Mesalamine is also available as an enema (Rowasa, and generics) and as a rectal suppository (Canasa).
FORMULATIONS — Oral mesalamine is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and most of the drug does not reach the colon. Pentasa releases mesalamine gradually throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Delzicol, Asacol HD, Lialda, and Apriso delay the release of the drug until it reaches the distal ileum and colon. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, and generics), balsalazide (Colazal, and others), and olsalazine (Dipentum) are prodrugs; mesalamine is azo-bonded to a second moiety and released in the colon following bacterial cleavage of the bond. Mesalamine is also available as an enema (Rowasa, and generics) and as a rectal suppository (Canasa).
Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2012; (Issue 121)
Chronic systolic heart failure is usually associated with
a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤40%.
Many patients with symptoms of heart failure have
higher ejection fractions, but there is no...
Chronic systolic heart failure is usually associated with
a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤40%.
Many patients with symptoms of heart failure have
higher ejection fractions, but there is no evidence that
drug treatment of heart failure with preserved systolic
function (LVEF >40%) improves clinical outcomes.
Some of the drugs commonly used now for treatment of
chronic heart failure are listed in the table on page 71.
Edarbyclor: An ARB/Chlorthalidone Combination for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 5, 2012; (Issue 1385)
The FDA has approved a fixed-dose combination of
the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) azilsartan and
the thiazide-like diuretic chlorthalidone as Edarbyclor
(Takeda) for treatment of...
The FDA has approved a fixed-dose combination of
the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) azilsartan and
the thiazide-like diuretic chlorthalidone as Edarbyclor
(Takeda) for treatment of hypertension
Drugs for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2012; (Issue 113)
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic
hypertension, with their dosages and adverse effects,
are listed in the tables that begin on page 2.
Combination products are listed on page 8. Drugs...
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic
hypertension, with their dosages and adverse effects,
are listed in the tables that begin on page 2.
Combination products are listed on page 8. Drugs for
treatment of hypertensive emergencies are not discussed
here. They were reviewed previously.
Tribenzor for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 6, 2010; (Issue 1346)
Many patients with hypertension require more than one drug to control their blood pressure. Tribenzor (Daiichi Sankyo), recently approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension, combines the calcium channel...
Many patients with hypertension require more than one drug to control their blood pressure. Tribenzor (Daiichi Sankyo), recently approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension, combines the calcium channel blocker amlodipine (Norvasc, and others), the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) olmesartan (Benicar)and the most commonly prescribed diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Tribenzor is not approved for initial therapy, but is recommended for patients not adequately controlled on any 2-drug combination of a calcium channel blocker, an ARB or a diuretic.
Intravenous Ibuprofen (Caldolor)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 11, 2010; (Issue 1329)
An intraveneous (IV) formulation of ibuprofen (Caldolor - Cumberland) was recently approved by the FDA for use in adults. It can be administered alone for treatment of mild to moderate pain or as an adjunct to...
An intraveneous (IV) formulation of ibuprofen (Caldolor - Cumberland) was recently approved by the FDA for use in adults. It can be administered alone for treatment of mild to moderate pain or as an adjunct to opioid analgesics for moderate to severe pain. It is also approved for reduction of fever.
Aliskiren/Valsartan (Valturna) for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 30, 2009; (Issue 1326)
The FDA has approved the use of aliskiren (Tekturna), a direct renin inhibitor, with valsartan (Diovan), an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB), in a fixed-dose combination as Valturna (Novartis) for treatment...
The FDA has approved the use of aliskiren (Tekturna), a direct renin inhibitor, with valsartan (Diovan), an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB), in a fixed-dose combination as Valturna (Novartis) for treatment of hypertension in patients already taking both drugs or not adequately controlled on monotherapy, and as initial therapy in those likely to need multiple drugs to control their blood pressure.
Drugs for Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2009; (Issue 83)
The range of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to expand. Some of those commonly used now are listed in the table on page 55. Mechanical therapies for the treatment of heart failure such as...
The range of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to expand. Some of those commonly used now are listed in the table on page 55. Mechanical therapies for the treatment of heart failure such as cardiac resynchronization, implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), ventricular assist devices and ultrafiltration for the relief of congestion will not be reviewed here.
Exforge HCT
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 15, 2009; (Issue 1314)
Most patients with hypertension require more than one drug to control their blood pressure. Exforge HCT (Novartis) is a new 3-drug fixed-dose combination tablet approved by the FDA for treatment of...
Most patients with hypertension require more than one drug to control their blood pressure. Exforge HCT (Novartis) is a new 3-drug fixed-dose combination tablet approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension. It combines the calcium-channel blocker amlodipine (Norvasc, and others) and the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan (Diovan), which are already available in a combination tablet (Exforge), with the most commonly prescribed diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Exforge HCT is not approved for initial treatment of hypertension, but rather for patients not adequately controlled on a 2-drug combination of a calcium-channel blocker, an ARB or a diuretic. It can also be substituted for amlodipine, valsartan and HCTZ in patients already taking all 3 of these drugs.
A Diuretic for Initial Treatment of Hypertension?
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 9, 2009; (Issue 1305)
Effective treatment of hypertension can prevent organ damage and death. The choice of drugs for initial treatment continues to be...
Effective treatment of hypertension can prevent organ damage and death. The choice of drugs for initial treatment continues to be controversial.
Drugs for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2009; (Issue 77)
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the tables that begin on page 2. Combination products are listed on page 9. Drugs...
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the tables that begin on page 2. Combination products are listed on page 9. Drugs for treatment of hypertensive emergencies are not discussed here. They were reviewed in Treatment Guidelines (volume 1, page 19, December 2002) and in The Medical Letter (volume 50, page 73, September 22, 2008).
Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide (Tekturna HCT) for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 25, 2008; (Issue 1293)
Aliskiren (Tekturna - Novartis), the first direct renin inhibitor for treatment of hypertension, has been approved for use in a fixed-dose combination with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (Tekturna HCT -...
Aliskiren (Tekturna - Novartis), the first direct renin inhibitor for treatment of hypertension, has been approved for use in a fixed-dose combination with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (Tekturna HCT - Novartis). Many angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are also available in fixed-dose combinations with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
Budesonide/Formoterol (Symbicort) for Asthma
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 11, 2008; (Issue 1279)
A combination of the corticosteroid budesonide and the long-acting beta2-agonist formoterol (Symbicort - AstraZeneca) has become available in a metered dose inhaler for long-term maintenance treatment of asthma...
A combination of the corticosteroid budesonide and the long-acting beta2-agonist formoterol (Symbicort - AstraZeneca) has become available in a metered dose inhaler for long-term maintenance treatment of asthma in patients ≥ 12 years old. A combination product that contains fluticasone propionate and salmeterol (Advair) is already available for this indication in the US. Neither one of these combinations is approved for acute treatment of asthma symptoms. A dry powder inhaler formulation of Symbicort has been available in Europe and Canada for several years.
Drugs for Treatment of Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2006; (Issue 41)
The choice of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to evolve. Those most commonly used now are listed in the table on page 3. The use of implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) to reduce the...
The choice of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to evolve. Those most commonly used now are listed in the table on page 3. The use of implanted cardiac defibrillators (ICDs) to reduce the incidence of sudden death in patients with heart failure and the treatment of decompensated heart failure were discussed in previous issues.
Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2005; (Issue 40)
To prevent irreversible damage to joints and minimize toxicities associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are now used...
To prevent irreversible damage to joints and minimize toxicities associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are now used early in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The DMARDs listed in the table on page 84 have no immediate analgesic effects, but can control symptoms and have been shown to delay and possibly stop progression of the disease. The NSAIDs listed in the table on page 88 have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect the disease process. Oral corticosteroids can rapidly relieve joint symptoms and control systemic manifestations, but their chronic use is associated with many complications.
BiDil for Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 28, 2005; (Issue 1218)
BiDil (NitroMed), a fixed-dose combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine, was approved by the FDA for adjunctive use in the treatment of heart failure in black patients.Both drugs are oral...
BiDil (NitroMed), a fixed-dose combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine, was approved by the FDA for adjunctive use in the treatment of heart failure in black patients.Both drugs are oral vasodilators that have been used together off-label for many years to treat heart failure in patients not responding to other drugs.
Sildenafil (Revatio) for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 15, 2005; (Issue 1215)
The Medical Letter reported last year that sildenafil (Viagra - Pfizer) appeared to be effective for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but confirmation from a controlled trial was needed. Now...
The Medical Letter reported last year that sildenafil (Viagra - Pfizer) appeared to be effective for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but confirmation from a controlled trial was needed. Now the results of such a study are about to be published, and the drug has been approved by the FDA for this indication under the trade name Revatio.
Drugs for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 1, 2005; (Issue 34)
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the tables that begin on page 40. Combination products are listed on page 47. Drugs...
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the tables that begin on page 40. Combination products are listed on page 47. Drugs for treatment of hypertensive emergencies are not discussed here.
Performance-Enhancing Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 19, 2004; (Issue 1187)
With the 2004 Olympics only weeks away, performance-enhancing drugs will once again be receiving a great deal of attention. The US Anti-Doping Agency has published a list of drugs banned in Olympic sports...
With the 2004 Olympics only weeks away, performance-enhancing drugs will once again be receiving a great deal of attention. The US Anti-Doping Agency has published a list of drugs banned in Olympic sports (www.usantidoping.org) that includes, at least for some sports, all but 2 of the drugs reviewed here.
Initial Therapy of Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 5, 2004; (Issue 1186)
The importance of adequate control of hypertension in preventing organ damage and death is well established, but the choice of drugs is still controversial. Three recent drug trials, one supporting initial...
The importance of adequate control of hypertension in preventing organ damage and death is well established, but the choice of drugs is still controversial. Three recent drug trials, one supporting initial therapy with a diuretic, the second favoring an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, and the third showing equivalence between a calcium-channel blocker and an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) have intensified the debate.
Prevention and Treatment of Heat Injury
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 21, 2003; (Issue 1161)
Summer heat waves cause thousands of cases of heat-related illness in the US each year and hundreds of heat-related deaths, especially among the elderly. This review describes the contributing factors, clinical...
Summer heat waves cause thousands of cases of heat-related illness in the US each year and hundreds of heat-related deaths, especially among the elderly. This review describes the contributing factors, clinical signs, and ways to prevent and treat heat injury.
Eplerenone (Inspra)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 12, 2003; (Issue 1156)
Eplerenone (e pler' en one; Inspra - Pharmacia), an aldosterone receptor antagonist similar to spironolactone (Aldactone, and others), has been approved by the FDA, but not yet marketed, for treatment of...
Eplerenone (e pler' en one; Inspra - Pharmacia), an aldosterone receptor antagonist similar to spironolactone (Aldactone, and others), has been approved by the FDA, but not yet marketed, for treatment of hypertension. It has also been tried for treatment of heart failure.
Drugs for Treatment of Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 1, 2003; (Issue 8)
The choice of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to evolve. It has become increasingly recognized that drugs used in heart failure produce beneficial effects through neurohormonal as well as...
The choice of drugs for treatment of chronic heart failure continues to evolve. It has become increasingly recognized that drugs used in heart failure produce beneficial effects through neurohormonal as well as hemodynamic mechanisms. The treatment of decompensated heart failure is not discussed here; drugs used for this indication were reviewed in Cardiovascular Drugs in the ICU, Treatment Guidelines from The Medical Letter 2002; 1:19.
Drugs for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2003; (Issue 6)
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the table that begins on page 35. Combination products are listed on page 39. Drugs...
Drugs available in the US for treatment of chronic hypertension, with their dosages, adverse effects and costs, are listed in the table that begins on page 35. Combination products are listed on page 39. Drugs for treatment of hypertensive emergencies were discussed in Treatment Guidelines volume 1, issue 4, page 19, December 2002.
Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2003; (Issue 5)
Many different drugs are now used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), listed in the table on page 26, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect...
Many different drugs are now used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), listed in the table on page 26, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect the disease process. Corticosteroids can provide rapid relief of joint symptoms and control of systemic manifestations, but chronic use is associated with many complications. The "disease-modifying" anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), listed on page 29, have no immediate analgesic effects, but can control symptoms and may delay progression of the disease (American College of Rheumatology Subcommittee on Rheumatoid Arthritis Guidelines, Arthritis Rheum 2002; 46:328). Interactions of anti-rheumatic drugs with other drugs are listed in The Medical Letter Handbook of Adverse Drug Interactions, 2003.
Drugs for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 5, 2001; (Issue 1099)
Drugs available in the USA for treatment of chronic hypertension, their dosages and adverse affects are listed in the table and discussed in the...
Drugs available in the USA for treatment of chronic hypertension, their dosages and adverse affects are listed in the table and discussed in the text.
Beta-blockers For Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 26, 2000; (Issue 1081)
Standard treatment for patients with heart failure has included a diuretic, digitalis and an ACE inhibitor. In recent years carvedilol, a nonselective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity, and the...
Standard treatment for patients with heart failure has included a diuretic, digitalis and an ACE inhibitor. In recent years carvedilol, a nonselective beta-blocker with alpha-1 blocking activity, and the beta-selective blockers bisoprolol and metroprolol have also been used for this indication.
Drugs for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 12, 1999; (Issue 1048)
Drugs available in the USA for treatment of chronic hypertension, their dosages and adverse affects are listed in the table and discussed in the...
Drugs available in the USA for treatment of chronic hypertension, their dosages and adverse affects are listed in the table and discussed in the text.
Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 29, 1999; (Issue 1045)
...
The choice of drugs for treatment of heart failure depends on both hemodynamic and neurohormonal factors.
Fenoldopam--A New Drug for Parenteral Treatment of Severe Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 22, 1998; (Issue 1027)
Fenoldopam mesylte (Corlopam - Neurex), a peripheral dopamine-1 (DA1) agonist, has been approved by the FDA for parenteral use in lowering blood pressure. The manufacturer claims that, unlike other parenteral...
Fenoldopam mesylte (Corlopam - Neurex), a peripheral dopamine-1 (DA1) agonist, has been approved by the FDA for parenteral use in lowering blood pressure. The manufacturer claims that, unlike other parenteral antihypertensive agents, fenoldopam not only lowers blood pressure but also maintains or improves renal function.
Carvedilol for Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 26, 1997; (Issue 1010)
Carvedilol (Coreg - SmithKline Beecham and Boehringer-Mannheim), a betaadrenergic and alpha-adrenergic blocker approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension in 1995, but not marketed at that time, has now...
Carvedilol (Coreg - SmithKline Beecham and Boehringer-Mannheim), a betaadrenergic and alpha-adrenergic blocker approved by the FDA for treatment of hypertension in 1995, but not marketed at that time, has now been approved and marketed for treatment of mild or moderate (NYHA class II or III) heart failure stabilized on other drugs. It is being promoted as an add-on drug that reduces the morbidity and mortality of the disease.
Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 11, 1996; (Issue 985)
Cardiologist now emphasize the importance of neurohormonal as well as hemodynamic factors in the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure (JN Cohn, N Engl J Med, 335:490, August 15, 1996). Drugs that act on...
Cardiologist now emphasize the importance of neurohormonal as well as hemodynamic factors in the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure (JN Cohn, N Engl J Med, 335:490, August 15, 1996). Drugs that act on different mechanisms are commonly used together.
Torsemide (Demadex) - A New Loop Diuretic
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 19, 1994; (Issue 929)
Torsemide, a new loop diuretic similar in action to bumetanide (Bumex) and furosemide, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of edema due to congestive heart failure, renal...
Torsemide, a new loop diuretic similar in action to bumetanide (Bumex) and furosemide, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of edema due to congestive heart failure, renal disease, or hepatic disease and also for treatment of hypertension. It is available for both oral and intravenous use.
Drugs for Chronic Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 14, 1993; (Issue 896)
Chronic heart failure results from an iterplay between hemodynamic and neurohormonal factors (M Packer, Lancet, 340:88, 92, 1992). For patients with heart failure due to left ventricular dysfunction, drugs...
Chronic heart failure results from an iterplay between hemodynamic and neurohormonal factors (M Packer, Lancet, 340:88, 92, 1992). For patients with heart failure due to left ventricular dysfunction, drugs that decrease cardicac preload and afterload and those that increase contractility are commonly used together.
Flosequinan for Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 19, 1993; (Issue 892)
Flosequinan (Manoplax - Boots), a fluoroquinolone derivative, is now available in the USA for treatment of congestive heart failure. Labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration recommends the...
Flosequinan (Manoplax - Boots), a fluoroquinolone derivative, is now available in the USA for treatment of congestive heart failure. Labeling approved by the US Food and Drug Administration recommends the drug only for patients who cannot tolerate or have not responded adequately to an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor.
Isradipine For Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 31, 1991; (Issue 845)
Isradipine (DynaCirc - Sandoz), a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker chemically related to nicardipine (Cardene) and nifedipine (Procardia, and others), was recently approved by the US Food and Drug...
Isradipine (DynaCirc - Sandoz), a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker chemically related to nicardipine (Cardene) and nifedipine (Procardia, and others), was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for oral treatment of hypertension.
Doxazosin For Treatment of Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 22, 1991; (Issue 838)
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...
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.
Moricizine for Cardiac Arrhythmias
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 2, 1990; (Issue 830)
Moricizine (mor i'; siz een) hydrochloride (Ethmozine - Du Pont), a class I antiarrhythmic drug developed in the USSR, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for oral treatment of...
Moricizine (mor i'; siz een) hydrochloride (Ethmozine - Du Pont), a class I antiarrhythmic drug developed in the USSR, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for oral treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
Treatment of Heat Injury
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 13, 1990; (Issue 822)
Summer heat waves cause thousands of cases of heat-related illness in the USA each year and hundreds of heat-related deaths, especially among the elderly. A few principles may be helpful in preventing and...
Summer heat waves cause thousands of cases of heat-related illness in the USA each year and hundreds of heat-related deaths, especially among the elderly. A few principles may be helpful in preventing and treating heat injury.
Is Indapamide (Lozol) Safer Than A Thiazide?
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 17, 1989; (Issue 805)
Recent advertisements for indapamide (Lozol - Rorer), an oral antihypertensive/diuretic (Medical Letter, 26:17, 1984), claim that the drug, unlike thiazide diuretics, does not significantly increase serum...
Recent advertisements for indapamide (Lozol - Rorer), an oral antihypertensive/diuretic (Medical Letter, 26:17, 1984), claim that the drug, unlike thiazide diuretics, does not significantly increase serum cholesterol and has a minimal impact on potassium. Indapamide has no thiazide ring but, like chlorthalidone (Hygroton; and others) and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril; and others), it does have a sulfamoyl benzamide moiety, which is probably responsible for its natriuretic and diuretic effects. Unlike the thiazides, it also has a methylindoline moiety, which apparently decreases peripheral resistance.
Carteolol and Penbutolol For Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 28, 1989; (Issue 797)
Carteolol (Cartrol - Abbott) and penbutolol (Levatol - Reed & Carnrick), two oral beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, were recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for once-daily treatment of...
Carteolol (Cartrol - Abbott) and penbutolol (Levatol - Reed & Carnrick), two oral beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, were recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for once-daily treatment of systemic hypertension. Both drugs are non-selective beta-blockers with mild partial agonist activity. Beta-blockers currently available in the USA for treatment of hypertension are listed in the table on the next page.
Diclofenac
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 2, 1988; (Issue 780)
Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren - Geigy), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available in some countries since 1974, was recently introduced in the USA for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,...
Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren - Geigy), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available in some countries since 1974, was recently introduced in the USA for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It is being promoted as 'The number one prescribed antiarthritic in the world.'
ACE Inhibitors for Congestive Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 21, 1988; (Issue 777)
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors captopril (Capoten - Squibb) and enalapril (Vasotec - Merck) are now widely used to treat chronic congestive heart failure that has not responded adequately...
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors captopril (Capoten - Squibb) and enalapril (Vasotec - Merck) are now widely used to treat chronic congestive heart failure that has not responded adequately to digitalis and diuretics (Medical Letter, 30:13, Jan 29, 1988). Recently, some cardiologists have debated whether ACE inhibitors should also be used as first-line agents for treatment of this condition (WW Parmley et al, J Am Coll Cardiol, 12:265, July 1988).
Treatment of Xerostomia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 29, 1988; (Issue 771)
Xerostomia, dry mouth due to decreased or absent saliva, is a common problem, particularly among elderly patients. Decreased salivary flow can be due to many different conditions, including drug therapy, Sj...
Xerostomia, dry mouth due to decreased or absent saliva, is a common problem, particularly among elderly patients. Decreased salivary flow can be due to many different conditions, including drug therapy, Sj gren's syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) or radiation of the salivary glands.
Microx
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 17, 1988; (Issue 768)
Microx (Pennwalt), a new low-dosage formulation of the thiazide-type diuretic metolazone (Zaroxolyn; Diulo), was recently marketed in the USA. The manufacturer claims that the low dose of controls...
Microx (Pennwalt), a new low-dosage formulation of the thiazide-type diuretic metolazone (Zaroxolyn; Diulo), was recently marketed in the USA. The manufacturer claims that the low dose of controls hypertension with less potassium loss, making it safer than other diuretics and as effective as combination drugs, such as Dyazide, that include both a thiazide and a potassium-sparing diuretic. Medical Letter consultants generally do not recommend Dyazide or other fixed-dose combinations for treatment of hypertension.
Lisinopril For Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 8, 1988; (Issue 763)
- Merck; Zestril - Stuart), a new angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for once-daily treatment of . Two other ACE inhibitors,...
- Merck; Zestril - Stuart), a new angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for once-daily treatment of . Two other ACE inhibitors, captopril (Capoten - Squibb) and e
Vasodilators For Congestive Heart Failure
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 29, 1988; (Issue 758)
Vasodilators are widely used for treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) that has not responded adequately to diuretics and digitalis. Vasodilator drugs redistribute blood volume in patients with heart...
Vasodilators are widely used for treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) that has not responded adequately to diuretics and digitalis. Vasodilator drugs redistribute blood volume in patients with heart failure, lowering pressure and reducing volume in the failing left ventricle, which leads to increased cardiac output, decreased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and improved exercise tolerance. Since the last Medical Letter review of this subject (Volume 26, page 115, 1984), some additional data have become available.