What is conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesteron, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prempro and Premphase are combinations of conjugated estrogens (Premarin) and medroxyprogesterone (Provera). Estrogens and progestins are the two major classes of female hormones. Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of several different estrogens (estrogen salts) that are derived from natural sources …

What are PEG and electrolytes? PEG and electrolytes are oral solutions used prior to colonoscopy and other examinations or procedures to cleanse the intestines, in particular, the large bowel or colon. The PEG remains in the intestines where it retains water by producing an osmotic effect. This causes a watery stool, in fact, diarrhea, which rapidly cleanses the bowel within …

What is clonidine (Kapvay extended-release), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Kapvay is an oral medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. This drug has been used to reduce blood pressure in adults for many years but has been approved for another indication by the FDA. Kapvay works by stimulating alpha-2 receptors …

What is guarana (Paullinia cupana)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Guarana is a natural herbal supplement. The exact mechanism of how guarana works is not known. Guarana contains more than 2.5% to 5% caffeine by weight. Caffeine is a stimulant and is most likely responsible for most of guarana's effects. There is no scientific evidence that guarana …

What is bitolterol mesylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bitolterol is a bronchodilator used in the treatment of asthma. It is similar to albuterol (Ventolin). Asthma is a disorder of breathing in which there is narrowing of the airways that carry air to the lungs including the bronchi. This narrowing is caused by muscle spasm and inflammation …

What is beclomethasone dipropionate inhaler, and how does it work? Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroid drug of the glucocorticoid family. The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid (cortisol or hydrocortisone) is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as an inhaler, the medication goes directly into the lungs, and very little finds its way into the rest of …

What is becaplermin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Becaplermin is a gel applied topically to diabetic ulcers on the lower limbs (foot, ankle, and leg) to promote healing of the ulcers. It belongs to a class of man-made drugs called platelet-derived growth factors or PDGFs that are similar to naturally-occurring PDGFs. Becaplermin is made using recombinant DNA …

What is feverfew (tanacetum parthenium)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tanacetum parthenium is an herb. The leaves are used as a natural herbal supplement. Tanacetum parthenium contains parthenolide, which works on serotonin receptors in the brain, giving relief from migraine headaches. Tanacetum parthenium is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and anti-histamine effects. Check with your …

What is influenza nasal vaccine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? FluMist is a nasal vaccine that protects against infection with the influenza virus or the “flu.” FluMist contains live influenza virus that has been weakened so that it causes minimal or no symptoms. When FluMist is inhaled, the body responds to the weakened viruses in FluMist by …

What brand names are available for astemizole? Hismanal