Health Topic: Medications Used for Weight Loss

Meridia (Sibutramine)
Manufacturer: Abbott
Dosing: 5-15mg once daily
Schedule: C-V
Mechanism of Action: Appetite suppressant- Combined norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor
Adverse Effects: modest elevations in heart rate and blood pressure, nervousness, and insomnia
Xenical (Orlistat)
Manufacturer: Roche
Dosing: 120mg three times daily before meals
Schedule: none
Mechanism of Action: Lipase inhibitor – decreased absorption of fat
Adverse Effects: GI- oily stools, diarrhea, flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, and dyspepsia
Alli (see previous post in this blog)
Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline
Dosing: 60mg three times daily before meals
Schedule: none
OTC
Adipex-P (Phentermine)
Manufacturer: Teva
Dosing: 37.5mg once daily, generally given before breakfast
Schedule: C-IV
Mechanism of Action: Appetite suppressant- sympathomimetic amine
Adverse Effects: palpitations, tachycardia, and GI
Tenuate Dospan (Diethylpropion)
Manufacturer: Sanofi-aventis
Dosing: 75mg once daily (for controlled-release formulation)
Schedule: C-IV
Mechanism of Action: Appetite suppressant- sympathomimetic amine
Adverse Effects: palpitations, tachycardia, insomnia and GI



Adapted from Pharmacy Today 13(4), 2007

New Drug: Tekturna (Aliskiren)

Tekturna (Aliskiren) was approved in March 2007 as the first renin inhibitor for the treatment of hypertension. It maybe used as monotherapy or adjunct therapy with other antihypertensives. Tekturna is manufactured by Novartis. The most common adverse reaction is dose-related diarrhea. Tekturna is supplied as 150- and 300-mg tablets. Tekturna is FDA pregnancy category C in the first trimester and category D in the second and third trimesters. treament with this agent should be discontinued as soon as possible in pregannat patients.
Go to http://www.tekturna.com

ASHP CareerPharm

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) CareerPharm offers three vehicles for recruiting: in print, in person, and online. Visit online at http://www.careerpharm.com.

OTC Product Review: Zaditor Antihistamine Eye Drops

Zaditor (Ketotifen Fumarate) ophthalmic solution is used for the temporary prevention of itching of the eye caused by allergies. Zaditor should not be used to treat eye irritations related to contact lenses. Zaditor is available without prescription. Compared with other OTC allergy eye drops, Zaditor has the following advantages:
1. Zaditor lasts up to 12 hours with single dose
2. Zaditor provides triple modes of action: potent antihistamine action, mast cell stabilization and eosinophil inhibition
3. Zaditor is safe and effective for children as young as 3 years old
4. Zaditor contains no vasoconstrictor

General Precautions with Zaditor:
1. You should not wear contact lenses if your eyes are red.
2. If you wear soft contact lenses and your eyes are not red, remove the lenses before using Zaditor. Wait at least 10 minutes after using Zaditor before putting in your contact lenses, because Zaditor contains a preservative that may be absorbed by the lens.

Some possible side effects of Zaditor:

Redness
Headache
Runny nose
Temporary burning or stinging of the eye

http://www.zaditor.com/

New Drug Review: Exforge (Amlodipine/Valsartan) for Hypertension

Exforge is the combination of two antihypertensive medications: amlodipine (Norvasc) and Valsartan (Diovan).

Available strength (amlodipine/valsartan): 5/160mg, 10/160mg, 5/320mg, 10/320mg

Preganant women or women who may become pregnant should not take Exforge

http://www.exforge.com/

New Drug Review: Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System) for Parkinson's Disease

Neupro is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symtoms of early-stage idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Key points about Neupro:
1. Offers simple, once-daily dosing
2. Available patch: 2mg/24 hr, 4mg/24hr, 6mg/24hr
3. Most commonly reported side effects: nausea, application site reactions, somnolence, dizziness, headache, vomiting, and insomnia
4. Neupro should be used with caution in patients, especially those at risk for cardiovascular disease, because of the potential for symptomatic hypotension, syncope, elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, fluid retension, and/or weight gain
Neupro is manufactured by Schwarz Pharma. For more information please go to: http://www.neupro.com/