What is the difference between codeine and Vicodin? Both codeine and Vicodin (acetaminophen and hydrocodone) are narcotic analgesics. Vicodin contains an additional ingredient, acetaminophen, which is a non-narcotic pain reliever. These narcotics are indicated for moderate to severe pain. One difference is that codeine is also prescribed as a cough suppressant. Codeine is a generic …

What is PUVA? Share Your Story PUVA is an acronym. The P stands for psoralen, the U for ultra, the V for violet, and the A for that portion of the solar spectrum between 320 and 400 nanometers in wavelength. Psoralens are chemicals found in certain plants that have the ability to absorb ultraviolet light in the UVA portion of …

What is diphenhydramine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used for treating allergic reactions. Histamine is released by the body during several types of allergic reactions and–to a lesser extent–during some viral infections, such as the common cold. When histamine binds to receptors on cells, it stimulates changes within the cells that lead to …

What is linezolid (Zyvox)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Linezolid (Zyvox) is a synthetic antibiotic that is effective against bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and others. It is effective against Staphylococcus aureus isolates that are resistant to other antibiotics. Linezolid prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their ability to …

What is primidone (Mysoline)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Primidone, brand name Mysoline, is an oral anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medication used for treating several types of seizures. Its exact mechanism of action is not known. Primidone is converted into phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA) in the body. Primidone, phenobarbital, and PEMA all have anticonvulsant activity. In addition to its anticonvulsant …

What is naloxone (Narcan)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Naloxone is a man-made opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the action of opioid medications such as morphine and related drugs. Naloxone works by binding to mu-receptors in the brain that opioids use to produce their effect on pain and other symptoms. By binding to mu receptors, naloxone …

What is mesalamine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mesalamine is a drug used for treating ulcerative colitis and mild to moderate Crohn's disease. The exact mechanism of mesalamine is not known but is believed to be by reducing inflammation in the colon. Ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases cause excessive production of chemicals, for example, prostaglandins, that …

What are hypnotics? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Hypnotics are drugs that are used to help people fall asleep. There are many types of hypnotic drugs, and doctors recommend and prescribe them based on the type of sleep problem you have. Lifestyle and sleep habit changes also are effective for treating certain types of sleep problems. If you …

Introduction You’ve probably heard a lot about zinc for colds. But is zinc really effective for reducing the duration of cold symptoms? Here’s what you should know about zinc and colds. What is zinc? Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. Zinc has antioxidant effects and is vital to the body’s resistance to infection. It’s …

What is trovafloxacin mesylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Many common infections in humans are caused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Medicines that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Trovafloxacin is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by preventing the reproduction and …