The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7265 p297
6 September 2003

This article
Reprint
Photocopy

Products

Prescription Products
• Imigran nasal spray
• Moclobemide tablets
SPC changes
• Cozaar new indication
Discontinued products
• Rose Bengal
• Zaditen capsules
Counter medicines
• Alka Rapid Crystals
Products miscellany
• Protopic Portacases

RECALLS Baxter products supplied in Viaflo bags and Flucloxacillin 500mg capsules

Prescription Products

Imigran nasal spray
Imigran (sumatriptan) 10mg nasal spray has been launched (GlaxoSmithKline). It is licensed for use in adolescents aged 12– 17 years. Adolescent dose is 10mg (one spray) into one nostril, not repeated if there is no response to first dose. A second dose may be given after two hours if migraine recurs. Maximum adolescent dose 20mg/24 hours. Net price, pack of two £12.

Moclobemide tablets
PLIVA Pharma has launched moclobemide tablets 150mg and 300mg; net price 30 x 150mg £10.02, 30 x 300mg £15.03.

Back to Top

SPC changes

Cozaar new indication
The licensed indications for Cozaar (losartan) have been extended (Merck Sharp & Dohme). It is now additionally indicated to reduce the risk of stroke in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. The data does not support the use of Cozaar for this indication in black patients. See SPC.

Back to Top

Discontinued products

Rose Bengal
Minims Rose Bengal (rose bengal 1 per cent) is being discontinued (Chauvin Pharmaceuticals, Bausch & Lomb). The company expects it to be unavailable after September.

Correction Bausch & Lomb subsequently said that Minims Rose Bengal (rose bengal 1 per cent) will continue to be available and its announcement of discontinuation was a regrettable mistake.

Zaditen capsules
Zaditen (ketotifen) 1mg capsules are being discontinued (Novartis). Zaditen 1mg tablets and Zaditen elixir remain available.

Back to Top

Counter medicines

Alka Rapid Crystals
Bayer has launched Alka Rapid Crystals (aspirin 500mg) which dissolve in the mouth without need for water. Suggested sales price, 10 sachets £3.29. Legal category: general sale list.

Back to Top

Products miscellany

Protopic Portacases
Plastic carry cases are being provided free of charge to patients prescribed Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment (Fujisawa). These Portacases hold a tube of ointment and help prevent leakage. For further details and orders call 0800 389 1903.

Back to Top