Long-Acting Bronchodilator Approved
long-acting inhaled bronchodilator from Glaxo, Research Triangle Park, N.C., has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating asthma. The bronchodilator is said to be the first that is effective for up to 12 hours, enabling it to ease nocturnal symptoms in asthma patients. Patients take two doses a day (each dose equals two actuations or puffs), in the morning and evening. Each 13-g canister contains 120 actuations, a one-month supply.
Allergy Relief IS Available
Iolab Corp., Claremont, Calif., is marketing Livostin 0.05% (levocabastine HCl ophthalmic suspension) for temporary relief of the signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Dosage is one drop in each eye, four times daily. Available in 5-mL bottles.
Nebulized Atrovent Introduced
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Ridgefield, Conn., has introduced Atrovent Inhalation Solution 0.02% (ipratropium bromide), a nebulized solution form of the bronchodilator Atrovent. It is indicated for maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Usual dosage is 500 mcg (1 unit-dose vial) administered three to four times a day by oral nebulization, with doses six to eight hours apart. Supplied in unit-dose vials containing 2.5 mL, with 25 vials per foil patch.
Liquid Carafate DEBUTS
Marion Merrell Dow has launched Carafate Suspension (sucralfate), a liquid formation indicated for short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers.
