Photoplex - a broad spectrum sunscreen
Article Abstract:
Ultraviolet radiation between 290 and 320 nanometers (nm) or UVB is the major cause of sunburn and long-term skin injury, including aging and skin cancer. Long-wave ultraviolet radiation or UVA between 320 and 400 nm causes photosensitivity reactions, but also contributes to long-term skin injury and sunburn. Chemical sunscreens available in the United States, including aminobenzoic acid, esters, benzophenones, cinnamates, salicylates and anthranilates, all absorb and protect against UVB, but only benzophenones and anthranilates absorb UVA. Abnormal photosensitivity reactions may be caused by UVA, UVB, and visible light. Padimate O, an aminobenzoic acid ester sunscreen has a peak absorption in the UVB region, whereas Parsol 1789 has a peak absorption at 355 nm in the mid-UVA range. Photoplex, a new sunscreen agent consisting of seven percent padimate O and three percent Parsol 1789, absorbs UV radiation up to 380 nm. Two studies demonstrated that Photoplex was more effective in preventing phototoxic erythema, a rash induced by UVA or mid-day summer sunlight than other sunscreens. However, Photoplex may not be effective in other types of photosensitivity reactions. It must be re-applied after extreme perspiration or exposure to water, may cause allergy, eye and skin irritations, and is expensive at $12 for a four ounce bottle. Although Photoplex protects against a wider spectrum of sunlight than most sunscreens, its effectiveness in preventing most photosensitivity reactions has yet to be determined. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Shade UVAGuard - a second broad-spectrum sunscreen
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the sunscreen Shade UVAGuard (Schering-Plough). It contains avobenzone, oxybenzone and octyl methoxycinnamate. These chemicals absorb both UVA and UVB. Shade UVAGuard has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. There have been no controlled trials to test the effectiveness of Shade UVAGuard, but it is similar to the sunscreen Photoplex, which has been shown to be effective in preventing sunburn. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or avobenzone.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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Meropenem - a new parenteral broad-spectrum antibiotic
Article Abstract:
The newly approved antibiotic meropenem (Merrem) apparently offers no major advantage over other, less costly drugs. Intravenous meropenem combats serious abdominal infections, bacterial meningitis in children, and may be indicated for drug-resistant hospital-acquired infections. In contrast to the similar antibiotic imipenem, meropenem does not seem to cause seizures. Rashes, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are examples of more typical side effects of meropenem.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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