New drugs of 1997.
OBJECTIVE
To provide information regarding the most important properties of the new therapeutic agents marketed in 1997.


METHODS
Published studies, drug information reference sources, and product labeling.


RESULTS
A record-setting number of 45 new therapeutic agents were marketed in 1997. The indications and information on dosage and administration for each new agent are reviewed, as are the most important pharmacokinetic properties, adverse events, drug interactions, and other precautions. Practical considerations for the use of the new agents are also discussed. Where possible, the properties of the new drugs are compared with those of older drugs marketed for the same indications.


CONCLUSIONS
A number of the new therapeutic agents marketed in 1997 have important advantages over older medications. An understanding of the properties of these agents is important for the pharmacist to effectively counsel patients about their use and to serve as a valuable source of information for other health professionals regarding these drugs.
Hussar
D A
DA
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, PA 19104-4495, USA. d.hussar@pcps.edu
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017277:Drug Approval; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000639:trends*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
D000700:Analgesics; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations