uk drug update
APS/Berk has introduced 150mg and 300mg tablets of the reversible MAO-A inhibitor, moclobemide; Cetirocol tablets, containing 10mg of the antihistamine cetirizine; 200mg and 400mg tablets of the cardioselective ß-blocker/partial ß2-agonist celiprolol; and co-amilofruse tablets, containing 2.5mg of the potassium sparing diuretic amiloride hydrochloride, and 20mg of the loop diuretic frusemide.
Aurum Pharmaceuticals has marketed a 10mg/ml injection of the opiate morphine sulphate in a pre-filled syringe.
Aventis Pasteur MSD has brought out the following products: Stamaril, a yellow fever vaccine containing live yellow fever virus (17D strain); HBvaxPRO, a hepatitis B vaccine containing recombinant hepatitis B virus surface antigen in three doses: 5µg/0.5ml dose vials; 10µg/ml dose vials and 40µg/ml dose vials.
Aventis Pharma has marketed Ketek tablets containing 400mg of the ketolide antibiotic telithromycin.
CP Pharmaceuticals has launched a 10mg/ml injection of calcium folinate. The drug is used to enhance 5FU cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer, and as rescue therapy following high dose of methotrexate.
Generics (UK has introduced 5mg tablets of the selective alpha1-blocker terazosin.
Gilead Sciences International has brought out Viread tablets. The tablets contain 245mg of the nucleotide analogue tenofovir disoproxil (as fumarate).
GlaxoSmithKline has launched Epivir tablets containing 300mg of the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor lamivudine.
Janssen-Cilag has marketed Concerta XL prolonged-release tablets containing 18mg or 36mg of the central nervous stimulant methylphenidate hydrochloride.
Lagap Pharmaceuticals has brought out Salamol CFC-free inhaler, giving 100µg of the selective ß2-agonist salbutamol per metered dose. The company has also made available 10mg tablets of the antidopaminergic domperidone; Bedranol SR capsules containing 80mg of the beta-blocker propranolol hydrochloride; 20mg tablets of the NSAID tenoxicam.
MSD has made available 1mg tablets of the selective 5-alpha reductase inhibitor finasteride under the trade name of Propecia; and Cozaar tablets, containing 100mg of the angiotensin II antagonist losartan potassium.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals has marketed Nyogel eye gel. The product contains 0.1% of the beta-blocker timolol maleate.
Pfizer has launched Relpax tablets containing 20mg or 40mg of the selective 5HT1 receptor agonist eletriptan (as hydrobromide).
In addition, a number of companies have made available 250mg, 500mg and 750mg tablets of the 4-quinolone ciprofloxacin; and/or 10mg tablets of the antihistamine cetirizine. These include Alpharma, Bioglan Generics, CP Pharmaceuticals, Generics (UK), and Lagap Pharmaceuticals.