More articles from Current Drug Therapy
- Update on hormonal contraception
The trends are for lower estrogen doses, newer progestins, longer cycles, and non-oral options. A review of the latest products.
- Glucosamine in osteoarthritis: Questions remain
Glucosamine is now widely used, but studies have so far failed to prove convincingly that it works, how it might work, or whether it is safe to take long-term.
- The controversy over long-acting beta agonists: Examining the evidence
Asthma drugs that contain salmeterol (Serevent, Advair) or formoterol (Foradil) now carry a warning about an increased risk of asthma-related death. This paper critically examines the evidence.
- Using the new HPV vaccines in clinical practice
The new vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) could prevent up to 70% of cases of cervical cancer. But Pap testing will still be necessary.
- Newer antibiotics for serious gram-positive infections
We use two case scenarios to discuss when and how to use these agents and how to monitor and respond to their adverse effects.
- Is digoxin a drug of the past?
This old drug is still useful, with some caveats. It is no longer the cornerstone of heart-failure treatment, but it can be beneficial as an adjunct. Serum levels should probably be kept lower than in the past.
- Drug adjuncts for treating alcohol dependence
We have learned much about the neurochemical basis of alcohol dependence over the past 20 years, but we still have only a few drugs for treating it. We need better ones.
- Inhaled human insulin: An inspiration for patients with diabetes mellitus?
We discuss the pharmacology, efficacy, important clinical trials, and practical aspects of inhaled insulin, and potential concerns associated with its use.
- Exenatide and pramlintide: New glucose-lowering agents for treating diabetes mellitus
Insulin is not the only hormone that regulates plasma glucose levels. Two new drugs based on native hormones became available in 2005.
- New therapies for type 2 diabetes based on glucagon-like peptide 1
Several new agents are under development, and one has been approved. They will be attractive for a number of reasons.