What is cilostazol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cilostazol is a medication for the treatment of intermittent claudication, a condition caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply the legs with blood. Patients with intermittent claudication develop pain when they walk because not enough oxygen-containing blood reaches the active leg muscles. Cilostazol …

What is calcium acetate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Calcium acetate helps reduce phosphate levels in people with advanced kidney disease. People with advanced kidney failure retain phosphate leading to too much phosphate in their bodies (hyperphosphatemia). High phosphate levels cause hyperparathyroidism, which leads to abnormal bone formation and calcium deposits in tissues. Calcium acetate is a …

What is bicalutamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bicalutamide is an oral medication that is used for treating cancer of the prostate. It belongs to a class of drugs called anti-androgens which includes flutamide (Eulexin) and nilutamide (Nilandron). Androgens (an example of which is testosterone) are hormones that are produced and released by the adrenal glands. They …

What is benazepril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benazepril is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor used for treating high blood pressure. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), ramipril (Altace), moexipril (Univasc) and trandolapril (Mavik). ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II …

What is diclofenac and misoprostol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac and misoprostol. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) similar to ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and others that is used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever. Diclofenac, like other NSAIDs works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are …

What is amlodipine and valsartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Exforge is a combination of two drugs used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension), amlodipine and valsartan. The FDA approved Exforge in June 2007. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells …

What should I know about hepatitis E (hep E) viral infection? Share Your Story Picture of Hepatitis Virus by Ingram Publishing, Medical RF.com Hepatitis E is a viral infection, which is caused by the hepatitis E virus that usually comes from dirty water. Hep E is uncommon in the U.S., Canada, Northern Europe, and Australia and very uncommon in the …

What is tamoxifen (Soltamox)? Tamoxifen is an anti-estrogen that prevents the effects of estrogens on tissues. What brand names are available for tamoxifen (Soltamox)? Soltamox is currently the only brand available for tamoxifen. Nolvadex brand has been discontinued. Is tamoxifen (Soltamox) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for tamoxifen (Soltamox)? Yes Why is tamoxifen (Soltamox) …

What is lidocaine injection (local), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine injection is a local anesthetic. This means that it reduces sensation or pain in the area of the body where it is injected and does not affect other areas. It is similar to bupivacaine (Marcaine), articaine (Zorcaine), and Mepivacaine (Carbocaine). These drugs reduce sensation or pain …

What is lidocaine w/prilocaine cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine and prilocaine is a topical anesthetic cream. Lidocaine and prilocaine enter through the skin and block pain receptors in nerve endings. Lidocaine and prilocaine reduce conduction of nerve impulses by interrupting the transfer of sodium ions across the membranes of nerve cells. This results in a …