What is guaifenesin with codeine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Guaifenesin with codeine is an oral, liquid cough medicine. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, which works by thinning and increasing the volume of mucus. Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant that works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, eventually reducing the …

What is exenatide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Exenatide is an injectable drug that reduces the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It is used for treating type 2 diabetes. Exenatide belongs in a class of drugs called incretin mimetics because these drugs mimic the effects of incretins. Incretins, such as human-glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), are hormones …

What is bupropion extended release, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bupropion hydrochloride is an antidepressant medication that affects chemicals within the brain that nerves use to send messages to each other. (Forfivo XL is an extended release form of bupropion hydrochloride.) Chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. Many experts believe that depression is caused by an imbalance among …

What is leflunomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Leflunomide is an oral, disease-modifying drug that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation in the joints that is responsible for both the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the destruction of joints. This reduces symptoms as well as the progressive deformities of the joints caused …

What are the uses for amlodipine and benazepril? Lotrel is used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) when blood pressure is not adequately controlled with either of its constituent drugs alone. What brand names are available for amlodipine and benazepril? Lotrel Is amlodipine and benazepril available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for amlodipine and benazepril? …

What is brimonidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Brimonidine is is an ophthalmic solution used for the treatment of one type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma. In this type of glaucoma, too much fluid (aqueous humor) is made within the eye and causes high pressures within the eye. The pressure damages the nerves in the eye responsible for …

What is imiquimod, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Imiquimod is a topical medication that activates the immune system and is used for treating (not curing) genital warts. Although the exact mechanism of action imiquimod is not known, imiquimod is presumed to work by activating immune cells and chemicals that affect the immune the system. The FDA approved …

What is tetracycline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic, that is, it is active against many different types of bacteria. It is effective against Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and many others. Tetracycline prevents growth of bacteria by preventing the bacteria from manufacturing proteins that …

What is latanoprost, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Latanoprost, a derivative of the chemical, prostaglandin F2-alpha, is used for the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure exerted by the liquid within the eyeball (the aqueous humor) is too great. The high pressure damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye. …

What is triazolam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Triazolam is a drug that is used to promote sleep in individuals who have difficulty sleeping (insomnia). It is in the benzodiazepine family of drugs, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), and others. Insomnia is believed often to be the …