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The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 271 No 7272 p572
25 October 2003

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Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (more)

DTB reviews magnesium and isotretinoin

The unlicensed use of intravenous magnesium sulphate in acute severe asthma is not supported by current evidence, according to the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.

It reviewed evidence for this indication following a recent British guideline on the management of asthma that suggested a single dose of IV magnesium sulphate should be considered in acute severe asthma. However, the bulletin concluded: “The available data are weak and conflicting and do not justify this unlicensed use of the drug.” (2003;41:79).

Isotretinoin A further article in the bulletin concludes that studies have failed to demonstrate a clear link between oral isotretinoin treatment and depression. However, because of its “many unwanted effects, including a possible but unproven effect on mood, isotretinoin should ideally be reserved for patients with severe acne which has not responded to other therapies” (ibid, p76).