The CDC and Spectinomycin

Pfizer discontinued US distribution of spectinomycin (Trobicin®) in November 2005; remaining inventory expired in May 2006 [1]. Nonetheless, at the FDA website we still find a Package Insert for Trobicin updated as late as Aug 2012, a thin 6-page leaflet which Continue reading The CDC and Spectinomycin

Antibiotic Inhalers Galore (Part 1):  More Combinations and Permutations than a Rubik’s Cube

There is much interest in inhaled antibiotics these days.  Prima facie, the logic for this approach is compelling: Getting the antibiotic (and a lot of it) directly to the site of infection, while avoiding systemic toxicity, sounds like optimized efficacy Continue reading Antibiotic Inhalers Galore (Part 1):  More Combinations and Permutations than a Rubik’s Cube

Plazomicin – A Quick Take On A Complex Drug With A Complex Development Path

Whenever a new drug is in late stage development, its prospects become the focus of intense scrutiny. Plazomicin (ACHN-490), like any Phase 3 drug should be evaluated along the following dimensions: Differentiation: within its class & compared to competitors: Does it Continue reading Plazomicin – A Quick Take On A Complex Drug With A Complex Development Path

Treating GC in the Face of Dwindling Antibiotic Options – (1)

Looking across the Northern border it is clear that CDC Guidelines are not universally followed even in North America. Public Health Canada still recommends cefixime for uncomplicated gonorrhea (GC), albeit at the high single oral dose of 800 mg [1]. In Continue reading Treating GC in the Face of Dwindling Antibiotic Options – (1)

No Easy Day: Dose Calculations for Aminoglycosides and Vancomycin

Searching data on antibiotic use in surgery prophylaxis, I came across an article from the Mayo Clinic [1].  The authors mention that approx. 75% of patients that developed surgical site infections did not get proper antibiotic prophylaxis.  Errors were made in (1) Continue reading No Easy Day: Dose Calculations for Aminoglycosides and Vancomycin