Day: 11/02/2010

Statins in dermatology

Posted by

0


Jowkar F et al. – Statins are competitive inhibitors of 3–hydroxy–3–methylyglutaryl–coenzyme A reductase and reduce low–density lipoprotein–C levels. Statins are well–tolerated drugs used for prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Statins possess anti–inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, metabolic, and possible anticancer effects. Statins are reported to be effective against psoriasis, dermatitis, graft–versus–host disease, uremic pruritus, vitiligo, and hirsutism. Topical forms of statins are employed in the treatment of acne, seborrhea, rosacea, and rhinophyma. This article succinctly reviews the various cellular and molecular effects of statins, their applications in cutaneous medicine and their side effects.

source: international journal of dermatology

New Schizophrenia Drug Approved

Posted by

0



Lurasidone (brand name, Latuda) has been approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, the FDA announced late last week.

In four clinical trials, once-daily lurasidone was superior to placebo in limiting the symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition, the manufacturer reports that the drug did not cause significant weight gain, a common side effect of other schizophrenia drugs. Possible treatment side effects do include drowsiness, agitation, tremors, and nausea.

Lurasidone will carry a boxed warning — required of all atypical antipsychotics — about the increased risk for death when used off-label to treat dementia-related psychosis in older patients.

 

FDA Approves New Injectable Cephalosporin

Posted by

0



The FDA has approved a new injectable cephalosporin — ceftaroline (brand name, Teflaro) — to treat adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and bacterial skin infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Approval was based on four clinical trials, including some 2600 patients, in which the effectiveness of ceftaroline was comparable to that of other commonly prescribed antibiotics (e.g., vancomycin plus aztreonam).

Possible treatment side effects include rash, diarrhea, and nausea.