Evaluation of selected new drugs

Abstract

Many new drugs were introduced into the health care system in 1987. The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 23 new drugs for marketing in the United States including anticholinergic, bronchodilator, antihypertensive, antibacterial, antihyperlipidemics, and anti-inflammatory agents. This review of pertinent new medications will alert the occupational health nurse to the drugs' indications, actions, and effects. The occupational heatlh nurse plays a major role in the employees' health status. With current information on FDA-approved drugs, the occupational health nurse can counsel appropriately and support employees' compliance endeavors.