Echinacea Reduces Antibiotics by Preventing Respiratory Infections: A Meta-Analysis (ERA-PRIMA).

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions, primarily due to the risk for secondary bacterial infections. In this study, we examined whether could reduce the need for antibiotics by preventing RTIs and their complications, and subsequently investigated its safety profile. A comprehensive search of EMBASE, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane DARE and clinicaltrials.

Dose-dependent efficacy of the Vitex agnus castus extract Ze 440 in patients suffering from premenstrual syndrome.

Background: Preparations of Vitex agnus castus L. (VAC) have been shown to be effective to treat irregular menstrual cycles, cyclical mastalgia and symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, the dose-effect relationship for the treatment of PMS has not yet been established.

Comparison of the collagen haemostat Sangustop® versus a carrier-bound fibrin sealant during liver resection; ESSCALIVER-Study.

Background: Haemostasis in liver surgery remains a challenge despite improved resection techniques. Oozing from blood vessels too small to be ligated necessitate a treatment with haemostats in order to prevent complications attributed to bleeding. There is good evidence from randomised trials for the efficacy of fibrin sealants, on their own or in combination with a carrier material.

Gastrointestinal tolerability of lumiracoxib in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastrointestinal safety of lumiracoxib, a novel selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor.

Methods: Results from 15 Phase II and III randomized studies of lumiracoxib in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis were pooled. Patients received lumiracoxib (200/400 mg/day), celecoxib (200/400 mg/day), rofecoxib (25 mg once daily), diclofenac (75 mg twice daily), ibuprofen (800 mg 3 times daily), naproxen (500 mg twice daily), or placebo.

Cardiovascular safety of lumiracoxib: a meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials > or =1 week and up to 1 year in duration of patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: The cardiovascular (CV) safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors has been the subject of considerable debate.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the risk of CV events with lumiracoxib by meta-analysis of all completed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of > or =1 week and up to 1 year in duration of patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: The Novartis Lumiracoxib Clinical Trial Database, which includes all clinical studies conducted to date with lumiracoxib, was reviewed.

Gastroduodenal safety and tolerability of lumiracoxib compared with Ibuprofen and celecoxib in patients with osteoarthritis.

Objective: To compare the incidence of gastroduodenal ulcers in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) treated with therapeutic doses of the novel COX-2 selective inhibitor, lumiracoxib (COX189, Prexige), and the standard nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen. The COX-2 selective inhibitor celecoxib was included as an active control.

Methods: In this randomized, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group study, eligible patients were randomized to receive lumiracoxib 200 mg (n = 264) or 400 mg (n = 260) once daily (qd), ibuprofen 800 mg (n = 260) 3 times daily (tid), or celecoxib 200 mg qd (n = 258) for 13 weeks.

An experimental ointment formulation of pimecrolimus is effective in psoriasis without occlusion.

Pimecrolimus (Elidel, SDZ ASM 981), a new macrolactam ascomycin derivative, was highly effective in treating plaque-type psoriasis when applied under Finn-chamber occlusion. A two-centre, randomized, double-blind, vehicle- and positive-controlled within-patient study was therefore conducted in 23 adult psoriasis patients. Pimecrolimus 1% was applied, twice daily, in an experimental ointment formulation, along with the corresponding vehicle, 0.

Safety and pharmacokinetics of mifentidine after increasing oral doses in healthy subjects.

Eight healthy men were each given single oral doses of mifentidine 20, 40 and 80 mg, a new H2-receptor antagonist, in a four-way, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, dose-proportionality study. No significant objective or subjective effects were noted. Mifentidine showed unusual pharmacokinetic behaviour, producing a significant secondary peak in the drug concentration profile.