Suloctidil, a peripheral vasodilator, was introduced in 1975 for the
treatment of arterial disease. By 1985 its use had been associated with serious
adverse effects, including deaths from hepatitis. In July 1985 renewal for approval
was refused in the Federal Republic of Germany. This was followed by the
voluntary withdrawal of the drug by the manufacturer firstly in several European
countries and ultimately on a worldwide basis.
