Drugs
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Review Comparative Study
Liposomal amphotericin B: a review of its use as empirical therapy in febrile neutropenia and in the treatment of invasive fungal infections.
Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) is a lipid-associated formulation of the broad-spectrum polyene antifungal agent amphotericin B. It is active against clinically relevant yeasts and moulds, including Candida spp., Aspergillus spp. and filamentous moulds such as Zygomycetes, and is approved for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in many countries worldwide. It was developed to improve the tolerability profile of amphotericin B deoxycholate, which was for many decades considered the gold standard of antifungal treatment, despite being associated with infusion-related events and nephrotoxicity. ⋯ In general, liposomal amphotericin B treatment was not as well tolerated as echinocandin therapy in well designed clinical trials. As empirical therapy or for the treatment of confirmed invasive fungal infections in adult patients, liposomal amphotericin B recipients experienced more infusion-related events and nephrotoxicity than caspofungin or micafungin recipients. There was no difference in the incidence of these adverse events between the liposomal amphotericin B and micafungin groups in a study in paediatric patients.
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Sugammadex (Bridion), a modified gamma-cyclodextrin, is the first selective relaxant binding agent indicated to reverse the neuromuscular blockade induced during general anaesthesia to facilitate surgical procedures. The mechanism of action of sugammadex differs from that of other commonly used reversal agents, such as neostigmine and edrophonium. In the EU, sugammadex is recommended for use in the reversal of rocuronium- or vecuronium-induced moderate or deep muscle relaxation in adult (including elderly) patients and reversal of rocuronium-induced moderate muscle relaxation in paediatric patients (aged 2-17 years). ⋯ In paediatric patients, sugammadex effectively reversed rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade and was generally well tolerated. Several factors associated with the use of sugammadex have yet to be determined, such as the efficacy and safety in patients with poorer health or in those with neuromuscular disorders, the incidence of infrequent adverse events in larger patient populations and the cost effectiveness of the drug relative to existing reversal agents. Nevertheless, sugammadex is a useful addition to the reversal agents commonly employed in anaesthetic practice.
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Topical diclofenac solution (Pennsaid) is a liquid formulation containing the NSAID diclofenac sodium (1.5% w/w). The solution base contains 45% w/w dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to enhance the absorption of diclofenac through the skin. Topical diclofenac solution is applied directly to the knee for treatment of symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. ⋯ Topical diclofenac solution was generally well tolerated. The most common treatment-emergent adverse event experienced by topical diclofenac solution recipients was dry skin at the application site. Gastrointestinal adverse events and abnormal laboratory parameters were less common with topical diclofenac solution than with oral diclofenac.
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Review
Transdermal matrix fentanyl membrane patch (matrifen): in severe cancer-related chronic pain.
The matrix fentanyl membrane patch is a new transdermal patch designed with a reduced drug load compared with established reservoir and matrix fentanyl patches. The drug is contained within a silicone matrix with a rate-controlling membrane designed to maintain constant serum fentanyl concentrations over the 72-hour application period. ⋯ In a randomized, nonblind, multicentre trial, the transdermal matrix fentanyl membrane patch was noninferior to standard opioid therapy (transdermal reservoir or matrix fentanyl patch or an oral opioid) in terms of analgesic efficacy over 30 days in patients with cancer-related chronic pain requiring long-term opioid use. The transdermal matrix fentanyl membrane patch was as well tolerated as standard opioid therapy; patient-rated tolerability scores for constipation, nausea, daytime drowsiness and sleep disturbance were similar between treatments.
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Zoledronic acid (Zometa), a third-generation amino-bisphosphonate, has been approved in the US, the EU and many other countries worldwide for the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastases of malignancy. In several well designed trials, zoledronic acid 4 mg administered as a 15-minute infusion every 3-4 weeks was effective in reducing the occurrence of skeletal complications in patients with bone metastases secondary to multiple myeloma, breast cancer or prostate cancer. Zoledronic acid was as effective as pamidronic acid in reducing the occurrence of skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma or breast cancer. ⋯ Zoledronic acid is generally well tolerated; the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw may be minimized by adhering to recommendations regarding dental therapy. Additional efficacy and economic data are required to definitively position zoledronic acid with respect to other bisphosphonates. Nevertheless, available clinical data indicate that zoledronic acid is an effective treatment option for the management of bone metastases of malignancy.