Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Offers Alternative to Zelnorm(R)

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Kristalose(R), a prescription laxative product that treats acute and chronic constipation, may be an effective alternative for some patients previously treated with Zelnorm(R). Marketing of Zelnorm was suspended in March after new data showed that a statistically significant number of cardiovascular problems occurred in patients taking Zelnorm.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070424/CLTU171 )

Constipation is a common disorder affecting approximately 20 percent of the U.S. population. Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2004 for treatment of patients younger than 65 suffering from chronic constipation, and was prescribed more than 450,000 times for this indication in 2006.

Kristalose (lactulose) for Oral Solution is a proprietary prescription laxative and the brand name for a unique crystalline form of lactulose. Available in pre-dosed packets, the drug dissolves quickly in four ounces of water, offering patients a virtually tasteless and grit-free alternative to other liquid lactulose treatments. There are no age limitations or length of use restrictions for Kristalose.

"Kristalose has long history of providing safe and effective relief to sufferers of acute and chronic constipation with few side effects," said A.J. Kazimi, CEO of Cumberland Pharmaceuticals. "With its distinctive formulation, convenient packaging and broad indication for patients of all ages, we believe it can bring relief to an even greater number of people suffering the effects of acute and chronic constipation given this new development."

Cumberland recently signed a new licensing agreement with Inalco S.p.A. of Italy and its U.S. division, Inalco Biochemicals, Inc., to market, sell and distribute Kristalose on an exclusive basis in the United States. Cumberland has co-promoted the drug since 2002.

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a Tennessee-based specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and markets niche pharmaceutical products for specific physician segments including critical care, emergency medicine and gastroenterology. Cumberland is dedicated to providing high-quality products which fill unmet medical needs. For more information, please visit the Cumberland Pharmaceuticals website at www.cumberlandpharma.com or www.kristalose.com.

Kristalose is indicated for the treatment of acute and chronic constipation. It is a unique, proprietary, crystalline form of lactulose, with no restrictions on length of therapy or patient age. Initial dosing may produce flatulence and intestinal cramps, which are usually transient. Excessive dosage can lead to diarrhea with potential complications such as loss of fluids, hypokalemia and hypernatremia. Nausea and vomiting have been reported. Use with caution in diabetics. Kristalose is contraindicated in patients who require a low-galactose diet. Elderly, debilitated patients who

receive lactulose for more than six months should have serum electrolytes (potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide) measured periodically.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070424/CLTU171PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comCumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc.

CONTACT: Rebecca Kirkham, +1-615-297-7766, for Cumberland PharmaceuticalsInc.

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