Clinical drug investigation
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Sugammadex is a γ-cyclodextrin that binds with high affinity to the neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) rocuronium (bromide) and vecuronium (bromide) by encapsulation. Cyclodextrins are known to form inclusion complexes with other compounds. ⋯ Of 300 drugs screened, only three (flucloxacillin, fusidic acid and toremifene) were found to have potential for a displacement interaction with sugammadex, which might potentially be noticed as a delay in recovery of the TOF ratio to 0.9. A clinical study found no evidence of a clinically relevant displacement interaction of flucloxacillin with sugammadex; these findings confirm the highly conservative nature of the modelling and simulation assumptions in the present study.
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The conventionally used dose of isotretinoin in acne causes significant dose-related adverse effects. Low-dose isotretinoin has been used successfully in mild to moderate papulopustular acne. Although isotretinoin acts against all mechanisms of acne formation, it has no significant direct antimicrobial effect. ⋯ A combination of low-dose isotretinoin and oral azithromycin pulse is effective in severe acne and has a reasonably acceptable adverse-effect profile and low post-treatment relapse rates.
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Achieving the maximum reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is the primary goal of blood pressure (BP) control. Current guidelines recommend several antihypertensive classes as first-line therapy for this purpose but the decision on which agent/s to use will likely be based upon the treating physician's clinical experience. Observational studies provide a useful way of ascertaining the efficacy and tolerability of an antihypertensive in a real-life clinical setting. ⋯ Long-acting nifedipine GITS/OROS, alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, provides effective and well tolerated treatment of hypertension in a broad spectrum of patients routinely seen in day-to-day clinical practice.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Metabolic and haemostatic effects of estradiol valerate/dienogest, a novel oral contraceptive: a randomized, open-label, single-centre study.
The hormonal components of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have various metabolic and haemostatic effects. The objective of this study was to compare the metabolic and haemostatic effects of a novel COC comprising estradiol valerate/dienogest (E(2)V/DNG) with ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (EE/LNG). ⋯ E(2)V/DNG had a minimal impact on metabolic and haemostatic parameters, and a more favourable effect than EE/LNG on lipid markers.