Month: June 2014

QT Prolongation with Azithromycin and Levofloxacin

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Several antibiotic classes are associated with QTc prolongation: macrolides, quinolones, the antimalarials that share the quinine structure, and many azole antifungals.  FDA warned about the proarrhythmic effects of azithromycin in 2013 [i] but it is a recent publication by Rao which brings the message home again with some very disquieting Continue reading QT Prolongation with Azithromycin and Levofloxacin→

Fighting P. aeruginosa (Part II)

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At a still earlier stage of development, we found some exciting anti-pseudomonal compounds. First, there is BAL-30072, a sulfactam-derivative.  It has an interesting dual MoA as it works not only as a traditional B-lactam but also as an Fe-chelator blocking bacteria from accessing this essential nutrient [i].  It has very good anti-pseudomonas Continue reading Fighting P. aeruginosa (Part II)→

Should Efavirenz Remain a Tier 1 ART Drug?

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In a recent publication Raffi et al. suggest that it may be time to drop efavirenz (Sustiva®) from 1st line HIV treatment recommendations [1].  The authors make the claim that efavirenz was inferior to rilpivirin (Edurant®) and dolutegravir (Tivicay®) in a total of 3 recent controlled studies.  They review the CNS side effect profile Continue reading Should Efavirenz Remain a Tier 1 ART Drug?→