The in vitro elution characteristics of vancomycin and tobramycin from calcium sulfate beads.

The purpose of this study was to determine the elution characteristics of vancomycin and tobramycin when mixed with calcium sulfate to form antibiotic beads. Calcium sulfate was combined with vancomycin and tobramycin separately to form 2 types of antibiotic beads, which were packaged and labeled separately. The packaged calcium sulfate beads with vancomycin and tobramycin were then gas sterilized.

Management of onychomycosis with topicals.

Of all superficial fungal infections, onychomycosis is the most difficult to manage. Practitioners of all disciplines realize its chronic nature, difficulty in eradication, and propensity to recur. Topical treatment of onychomycosis, as opposed to oral therapies, offers a distinct advantage by allowing the patient to apply medication directly to the affected area, thus decreasing the potential for serious adverse events, such as drug toxicity and drug interactions.