The completion of clinical trials will determine whether ramoplanin has a promising role as a treatment option for diarrhea due to C. difficile.

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A review of the English literature confirms that neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) occurs with both traditional and atypical antipsychotic medications. Published reports of NMS induced by the traditional antipsychotics have given the practitioner valuable information on the prevention and treatment of this adverse effect. Case reports have also been published concerning NMS and clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine and quetiapine. By evaluating the case reports of atypical antipsychotic-induced NMS, valuable information may be obtained concerning similarities or differences from that induced by the traditional antipsychotics. The case reports of NMS with atypical antipsychotics were evaluated for diagnosis, age/sex of patient, risk factors, antipsychotic doses and duration of use, symptoms of NMS, and clinical course.

Sodium oxybate is safe and effective for the treatment of cataplexy. Potential disadvantages include a multiple dosing regimen, abuse potential, cost, and a closed distribution system. Potential advantages demonstrated in clinical trials include significant decreases in the number of weekly cataplexy attacks, improvement in daytime sleepiness, and improvement in the Clinical Global Impression of Change score and nighttime awakenings. Overall, sodium oxybate provides a new option for the treatment of cataplexy.

Dronedarone is an oral Class III antiarrhythmic agent which was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in nonpermanent atrial fibrillation. Structurally similar to amiodarone, dronedarone is a benzofuran derivative but it lacks the iodine moiety attached to amiodarone. Based upon the investigational clinical trials to date, it appears that dronedarone has an established efficacy when compared to placebo along with exhibiting a minimal adverse effect profile. The efficacy of dronedarone will need to be further evaluated in comparison trials with established antiarrhythmics for atrial fibrillation. The adverse profile of dronedarone appears to be substantially safer in comparison to amiodarone, although there is still little data available. The adverse effect profile of amiodarone necessitates close and extensive monitoring. Although a risk of pulmonary toxicity was identified in animals, long term studies in humans are needed to determine the significance of this adverse effect with dronedarone. One noted effect of dronedarone is an isolated increase in serum creatinine levels, and the clinical relevance of this effect needs further evaluation. Based on supporting evidence, the use of dronedarone is contraindicated in advanced or decompensated heart failure. Some clinically significant dronedarone drug interactions have been identified. Although the potential differences between dronedarone and amiodarone have been evaluated there have been no direct comparison trials published to date. This article reviews the chemistry, antiarrhythmic effects, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, adverse effects and drug interactions of dronedarone.

Further investigation is needed to study the use of nontraditional medications in patients requiring antipsychotic medications who have refractory parkinsonian symptoms.

Documented hepatotoxicity has occurred with quinidine, the optical isomer of quinine. Limited awareness of quinine-induced hepatotoxicity may result in an unrecognized adverse effect.