DrugClass

Regulator rejects call for stricter control of laxative sales

A call by an eating disorder charity for tougher controls on the sale of laxatives has been rejected by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.…

Treatment tested for patients with visceral leishmaniasis and HIV in Africa

The efficacy and safety of amphotericin plus miltefosine to treat visceral leishmaniasis patients with HIV will be examined in a Phase III randomized clinical trial in Ethiopia.…

Investigating treatment strategies for the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus

Researchers are investigating a number of ways to combat the outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, including using existing drugs.…

Cardiac surgery: caring for a patient and managing complications

Life-threatening complications following cardiac surgery are common, but can be managed with appropriate treatment.…

Review considers strategies for intracranial artery stenosis

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stenting (PTAS) and medical therapy is linked with a higher risk of stroke than medical therapy alone.…

Valproate poses risk to unborn children, says European regulator

Review recommends that valproate should not be prescribed to treat bipolar disorder or epilepsy in pregnant women or women or girls of childbearing age unless there is no alternative product.…

Fight against Ebola growing stronger in Liberia

Pharmacists in Liberia report that the fight against Ebola is gaining momentum with traditional leaders in rural villages implementing measures to stop transmission.…

Low levels of antibiotics and heavy metals in the environment select for resistant bacteria

In vitro experiments have shown that very low, sublethal levels of antibiotics and heavy metals can select for bacteria carrying multidrug-resistant plasmids.…

Faecal transplant therapy delivered effectively by oral capsule

Oral delivery of faecal microbiota to eliminate Clostridium difficile infection is as successful as more invasive methods of the treatment.…

Long QT syndrome

How to interpret ECG readings in long QT syndrome and minimise patients’ risk of heart symptoms caused by this cardiac arrhythmia.…