[e-drug] "long-acting" metronidazol

[WilbertBannenberg@compuserve.com]

E-DRUG: "long-acting" metronidazol
---------------------------------------------

dear E-druggers,

With the WHO Essential Medicines Committee meeting again 31 March - 4 April
2003, maybe we can start some discussions on E-drug about the
"essentiality" of some drugs we use all the time.

Metronidazole is used for many indications, but its short half-life and
gastro-intestinal side-effects have resulted in 8-hourly (QID) dosing
schedules.

There are, however, other azoles that have similar efficacy and safety, but
longer half-lives, which allow it to be used once daily or even stat. E.g.
tinidazole, secnidazole.

Reason that they have not become popular might be:
- not well documented
- marketed in few countries only
- marketed for niche indications only
- only brandnames available, so prices high
- no generics (despite the fact that the patents have long expired!)

The WHO EDL list has a "box" sign next to metronidazole, so in theory
tinidazole and secnidazole are already potentially "essential".

But if we could get the prices down of tinidazol and secnidazole, the once
daily dosing schedule could maybe replace metronidazole. Something similar
happened with tetracycline and doxycycline, isn't it?

Anyone with knowledge of generic versions of tinidazole, secnidazole or
other affordable me-too-metronidazoles, please send that info directly to
me at WilbertBannenberg@compuserve.com

Let us hear from you (experts in the field!) whether we should campaign for
long-acting, generic (and thus affordable) me-too-metronidazoles.

Any suggestions, comments?

Wilbert
---------
Dr Wilbert Bannenberg, E-drug moderator
Box 456, Irene 0062, South Africa
Mobile +27-82-5756249
Tel +27-12-6671752
Fax +27-12-6671762
Email: WilbertBannenberg@compuserve.com


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