J Med Drug Rev 2011;1;21-28 (Review-Artikel in deutscher Sprache) The standard maintenance therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comprises the anticholinergic tiotropium as well as long-acting ß2-agonists like salmeterol and formoterol. For quite some time now, clinicians have asked for longer-acting ß2-agonists allowing once daily application, enhancing patient compliance […]

J Med Drug Rev 2011;1;13-20 (Review-Artikel in deutscher Sprache) Patients with atrial fibrillation have a high risk for ischemic stroke and systemic embolism and usually receive vitamin K antagonists for antithrombotic therapy. However, effective therapy with warfarin is rather difficult due to several limiting factors: uncertain antithrombotic effect, narrow therapeutic […]

J Med Drug Rev 2011;1;5-12 (Review-Artikel in deutscher Sprache) Basics: Rifaximin is an antibiotic exerting local activity in the gastrointestinal tract with a broad efficacy spectrum und minimal systemic bioavailability. Rifaximin differs from Rifampicin only by an additional pyridoimidazol group inhibiting gastrointestinal absorption. Plasma levels after oral intake are minimal, […]