Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common acute illnesses in the general population. Pharmacists should be familiar with the etiology and potential treatments for these infections.

GSK's fluticasone/salmeterol combination powder is apporved by FDA for reduction in COPD exacerbations.

Tiotropium bromide is associated with possible increased risk of stroke

FDA advisory on ingestion of tiotropium and formoterol capsules

Eight pharmacies chosen as Letairis distributors

FDA advisory committee to discuss OTC cough/ cold products in children under six

Arformoterol (Brovana, Sepracor) inhalation solution, 15 mcg, is the first inhaled long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist to be approved for use with a nebulizer. It was approved for long-term, twice-daily (morning and evening) maintenance treatment of bronchoconstriction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The company plans to launch the product during the second quarter of 2007.

The number of different devices for delivering inhaled medications has multiplied in the past two to three decades. Dozens of new products have hit the market since the 1970s. While the bounty of choices gives prescribers the flexibility to meet their patients' needs, information guiding prescribers through device selection was not readily available until recently.

FDA is considering doing away with albuterol metered-dose inhalers that use chlorofluorocarbons as propellents