FDA approves Diuril generic

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic version of an injected drug for hypertension.

APP Pharmaceuticals announced the approval of chlorothiazide sodium, which it plans to launch in fourth quarter 2009.

The drug is a generic version of Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals’ Diuril, a diuretic used for treating hypertension and fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disorders and edema.

Diuril had sales of $51 million in 2008, according to IMS Health data.