Arzneimittel Forsch
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Arzneimittel Forsch · Jan 2006
[Study of the toxicity of povidone-lodine for fibroblast-like cells (BALB-3T3) and primary human chondrocytes].
Povidone-iodine (polyvinyl-pyrrolidone-iodine complex, PVP-iodine, CAS 25655-41-8) is a commonly used antiseptic because of its broad spectrum of antimicrobial effect and its comparatively low allergic risk. It is also used for open joint lavage. Animal and organ culture studies provide controversial results about the risk of cartilage damage due to povidone-iodine. ⋯ From the results it can be concluded that low concentrations of povidone-iodine (< 1%) and short incubation times (< 30 min) have no damaging influence on chondrocytes. Previous studies have reported the antimicrobial effectiveness of low concentrations of povidone-iodine on the reduction of tissue damage by microorganisms. Data from previus studies and the current findings from this investigation support the clinical use of povidone-iodine at low concentrations and short incubation times for antiseptic treatment of cartilage tissues.
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Arzneimittel Forsch · Jan 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyEvaluation of the non-inferiority of a fixed combination of thyme fluid- and primrose root extract in comparison to a fixed combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root tincture in patients with acute bronchitis. A single-blind, randomized, bi-centric clinical trial.
In a single-blind, randomized, bi-centric, prospective study, the non-inferiority of a fixed combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root fluid extract (Bronchicum Elixir S, fluid test medication) was evaluated by comparison to a fixed combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root tincture (Bronchcium Tropfen, drops test medication). The patients took either 6 x 5 ml of the fluid test medication (fluid group) or 5 x 1 ml of the drops test medication (drops group) daily. 189 outpatients (121 women, 68 men) suffering from acute, not previously treated bronchitis, lasting for less than 48 h, were randomized and treated with either fluid (94 patients: 66 women, 28 men) or drops (95 patients: 55 women, 40 men) over a time period of 7-9 days. 71 patients were excluded from the per-protocol (PP) collective because of violations regarding examination time points and/or intake of the study medication. The primary outcome criterion was to demonstrate the non-inferiority of the Score (BSS) at the end of the study compared to baseline. ⋯ In the global safety assessment, the tolerability of both medications was rated by about 90% of the patients and by clinical investigators as "good" or "very good". The study demonstrated that the fixed combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root extract and the combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root tincture were well tolerated and showed comparable results regarding their efficacy, e.g. decrease of the bronchitis symptoms (primary outcome criterion) and in relief of symptoms (secondary outcome criterion). The results of the study confirm the non-inferiority of the fluid, a combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root extract when compared to the drops, a combination of thyme fluid extract and primrose root tincture.
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Arzneimittel Forsch · Jan 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialEfficacy and tolerability of a fluid extract combination of thyme herb and ivy leaves and matched placebo in adults suffering from acute bronchitis with productive cough. A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
To assess the efficacy and tolerability of a fixed fluid extract combination of thyme and ivy leaves (thyme-ivy combination) and matched placebo in patients suffering from acute bronchitis with productive cough. ⋯ Oral treatment of acute bronchitis with thyme-ivy combination for about 11 days was superior to pla-
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Arzneimittel Forsch · Jan 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialDetermination of the transdermal bioavailability of a newly developed diclofenac sodium patch in comparison with a reference preparation.
Two different transdermal diclofenac (CAS 15307-86-5) formulations (Olfen Patch 140 mg diclofenac sodium as test preparation and 180 mg diclofenac epolamine plaster, equivalent to 140 mg diclofenac sodium, as reference preparation) were investigated in 24 healthy male and female volunteers in order to compare the transdermal bioavailability between both treatments following topical multiple dose administration. Subjects were applied 2 plasters of test and reference formulation at a dose interval of 12 h for 4 consecutive days. Test and reference preparation were administered in randomised sequence at a marked spot at the left upper arm under non-fasting conditions. ⋯ Thereby, for all dose intervals considered and all AUC parameters calculated, the extent of diclofenac absorption from the test preparation markedly exceeds those values obtained for the reference preparation. Likewise, maximum plasma concentrations, as a measure for the rate of absorption, were higher after the test preparation. With respect to peak-to-trough fluctuation of plasma diclofenac levels, both plaster preparations were comparable for the morning dose interval 0-12 h as well as for the 0-24 h period.
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Arzneimittel Forsch · Jan 2005
Multicenter Study Comparative StudySafety and efficacy of the long-term adjuvant treatment of primary intermediate- to high-risk malignant melanoma (UICC/AJCC stage II and III) with a standardized fermented European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extract. Results from a multicenter, comparative, epidemiological cohort study in Germany and Switzerland.
Mistletoe therapy is the most frequently used complementary treatment in cancer patients in Germany and Switzerland. However, its safety and efficacy were controversially discussed, also in case of malignant melanoma (MM). ⋯ The long-term FME treatment in patients with primary intermediate to high-risk MM appears safe. Tumor enhancement was not observed. When compared with an untreated parallel control group from the same cohort, the results of the FME treatment suggested a significant survival benefit in primary stage II-III MM patients. These results on survival warrant reconfirmation in a prospective randomized clinical trial with optimized study design and treatment conditions.