substitution for "narrow therapeutic index" (NTI) drugs

December 1997

The new generic warfarin is raising a big controversy about substitution for "narrow therapeutic index" (NTI) drugs.

It's true that some drugs have a narrow range between doses that are subpotent...and doses that are toxic. Warfarin is one.

There are others...carbamazepine...digoxin...levothyroxine...phenytoin...theophylline.

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Table of Contents

substitution for "narrow therapeutic index" (NTI) drugs
two new ORAL drugs for impotence
Alzheimer's Disease ginkgo for Alzheimer's
Infectious Diseases new oral quinolone antibiotic called Raxar (grepafloxacin)
Infectious Diseases Fortovase, a "stronger" version of Invirase (saquinavir) for HIV
Infectious Diseases Two protease inhibitors
Antiemetics new antiemetic, Anzemet (dolasetron)
Hypertension JNC VI, the latest government recommendations on treating hypertension
both oral mesalamine (Asacol) and rectal mesalamine (Rowasa)
major breakthrough is on the horizon for Crohn's disease
figuring out what genes make people susceptible to Crohn's and colitis
Diabetes warning about possible liver toxicity in patients taking Rezulin (troglitazone)
Diabetes Neupogen (filgrastim, G-CSF) to treat diabetic foot infections
Cardiology New guidelines are out for using aspirin for heart attacks
proposing higher intakes of calcium and vitamin D
most older people don't get enough vitamin D
Women's Health NATURAL hormone therapy
Practice Tell patients who have taken Redux or Pondimin to see their physician for a heart exam.