Rx Pharmaceuticals
KIDNEYS
R&D Laboratories, Marina del Rey, Calif., has introduced Nephro-Vite + Fe, a once-daily prescription vitamin supplement containing iron formulated specifically for patients receiving maintenance kidney dialysis treatment.
PFIZER OFFERS SINGLE-DOSE RELIEF
Diflucan (fluconazole), from Pfizer, New York, is the first single-dose treatment for vaginal candidiasis to gain Food and Drug Administration approval. Tablets are 150 mg and are individually packaged.
LEDERLE LAUNCHES CIMETIDINE
Lederle Standard Products, Wayne, N.J., has begun shipping cimetidine, an anti-ulcer agent. Cimetidine is being supplied in 300-mg tablets, bottles of 100; 400-mg tablets, bottles of 60; and 800-mg tablets, bottles of 30.
MYLAN MARKETS FLURBIPROFEN
Mylan Laboratories, Pittsburgh, is marketing flurbiprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.It is available in 50-mg and 100-mg tablet strengths and is typically used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
LEDERLE, P&G TO CO-PROMOTE ZIAC
Lederle Laboratories, Wayne, N.J., and Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, Cincinnati, will co-promote Ziac (bisoprolol fumerate/hydrochlorothiazide), an antihypertensive. Developed by Lederle, Ziac is a beta-blocker/diuretic combination drug being marketed as first-line therapy for mild to moderate hypertension. Ziac is available as 2.5-mg and 5-mg tablets in bottles of 100, and 10-mg tablets in bottles of 30.
OTC Medications
ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION TEAMS WITH McNEIL
McNeil Consumer Products Co., Fort Washington, Pa., is teaming up with the Arthritis Foundation, Atlanta, to introduce a line of over-the-counter medications. The Arthritis Foundation line of pain relievers will include ibuprofen 200-mg tablets, bottles of 50 and 100; acetaminophen 500-mg caplets, bottles of 50 and 100; enteric-coated "safety" aspirin 500-mg tablets, bottles of 50 and 100; and a "night-time" formulation containing acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine 25 mg, in bottles of 40 and 80 caplets.
15-GRAM GLUCOSE GEL AVAILABLE
Glutose, containing oral glucose gel in a 15-gram tube, is offered by Paddock Laboratories, Minneapolis. Glutose 15, for treating insulin reactions, is available in packages of three tubes.
IMPROVED-FLAVOR PERIGEL DEBUTS
Zila Pharmaceuticals, Phoenix, has improved the flavor of its PeriGel, the twin-tube oral care system containing high concentrations of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Two sizes are now available, 5.2-ounce trial size and 8-ounce. Packaging now features flip-top caps and new graphics.
FLEET LAUNCHES APPLICATOR
C.B. Fleet Co., Lynchburg, Va., has launched Fleet Glycerin Laxative Rectal Applicators. The applicators provide faster relief than traditional suppositories. A prelubricated, disposable applicator containing 7.5 mL of liquid glycerin is inserted. The user squeezes the bulb to dispense the glycerin, and then removes and discards the applicator. A bowel movement should occur within minutes.
Home Health Care
RAISED SEAT GOES RETAIL
Carex Health Care Products, Newark, N.J., has repackaged its E-Z Lock Raised Toilet Seat and E-Z Lock Raised Toilet Seat With Arms for retail sale. Both products raise the height of the toilet seat by 5 inches. Descriptions of the seats are in large type for better readability. Both seats now ship fully assembled and require no tools for mounting to toilet.
DATA DEVICE FOR DIABETICS LAUNCHED
Cascade Medical, Eden Prairie, Minn., has introduced CheckLink, a data management system designed to work with CheckMate Plus, Cascade's blood glucose monitoring system. Data from the CheckMate Plus memory can be downloaded to a computer running the CheckLink program to generate graphics to assist diabetics in understanding and managing their blood sugar levels.
KEY HANDLING DEVICE AVAILABLE
A storage and handling device for keys is available from MJC Enterprises, Vancouver, British Columbia. E-Z Key houses up to four keys in a hand-fitting outer case that is easy to grip and handle. A "sliding-button" selection system locks each key into place separately, allowing for one-handed key selection.