Medicina clinica
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Thalidomide is a synthetic glutamic acid derivative first introduced in 1956 in Germany as an over the counter medications. It was thought to be one of the safest sedatives ever produced as it was effective in small doses, was not addictive, and did not have acute side-effects such as motor impairment, but was quickly removed from market after it was linked to cases of severe birth defects. The Food and Drug Administration approved use in the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum. ⋯ In May 2006, it was approved for the treating multiple myeloma. New thalidomide analogues have been developed but lack clinical experience. This paper is a review of the history, pharmacology, mechanism of action, clinical applications and side effects of thalidomide and its analogues.