Update on Drugs and Drug News: November, 1997

Antiandrogen

Cyproterone 2 mg &
ethinyl estradiol 35 mcg
Diane-35®

Berlex Canada

Approved in Canada September 19, 1997 for the
treatment of acne.

Antifungal

Oxiconazole nitrate
1% cream


Oxistat®

Glaxo Wellcome

Approved by the FDA August 18, 1997 for the treatment
of tinea (pityriasis) versicolor. Directions for pediatric use
have also been added to its labeling.

Terbinafine solution 1%


Lamasil®

Novartis

Approved by the FDA October 17, 1997 for the topical
treatment of tinea (pityriasis) versicolor due to Malassezia
furfur (formerly Pityrosporum ovale), and tinea pedis
(athlete’s foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), or tinea corporis
(ringworm), due to Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton
mentagrophytes, or Epidermophyton floccosum.

Itraconazole


Sporanox®

Janssen Ortho

New, shorter dosage regimen approved in Canada
August 8, 1997 for the treatment of tinea corporis/tinea
cruris (200 mg daily for seven consecutive days) and tinea
pedis (200 mg twice daily for seven consecutive days).

Antirosacea

Metronidazole cream

Noritate®
Dermik

Approved by the FDA September 26, 1997 for the
topical treatment of inflammatory lesions and erythema
of rosacea.

Antiviral

Famciclovir


Famvir®

SmithKline Beecham

Approved by the FDA September 17, 1997 for the
suppression of recurrent episodes of genital herpes in
immunocompetent adults.

Lamivudine and Zidovudine


Combivir®

Glaxo Wellcome

Approved by the FDA September 26, 1997 for the
treatment of HIV infection.

Valacyclovir


Valtrex®

Glaxo Wellcome

Approved by the FDA September, 26 for the
suppression of recurrent episodes of genital herpes
in immunocompetent adults.

Corticosteroid

Hydrocortisone butyrate


Locoid®

Inveresk research

Approved by the FDA September 8, 1997 for the
relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations
of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.