NEW PRODUCT WATCH 1994-04-18 (1)

Merck Drug Lowers Eye Pressure

rmulations of 0.25% and 0.5% timolol maleate to reduce elevated eye pressure in people with glaucoma, is available from Merck & Co., Rahway, N.J. The ophthalmic solution is formulated to lower elevated fluid pressure inside the eye for 24 hours. Both strengths are available in 2.5-mL and 5.0-mL bottles with a controlled drop tip.

Wyeth-Ayerst IntroduceS Effexor

Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Philadelphia, division of American Home Products Corp., gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration for Effexor (venlafaxine HCl) tablets in 25-mg, 37.5-mg, 50-mg, 75-mg and 100-mg strengths. Starting dose of the antidepressant is 75 mg a day, administered in two or three divided doses, with food. Venlafaxine is said to be the first of a new class of antidepressants that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters recognized in the etiology of depression. Venlafaxine is supplied in bottles of 100.

Axid Gets Additional Indication

Axid, from Lilly, Indianapolis, has gained FDA approval to treat active benign gastric ulcers for up to eight weeks at dosages of 150 mg b.i.d. or 300 mg h.s. Axid is already marketed to treat duodenal ulcers.

New Indication for Accupril

Warner Lambert, Morris Plains, N.J., has been granted expanded labeling for Accupril (quinapril HCl) as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of congestive heart failure, in addition to hypertension. Quinapril is an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor.