What is beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler-spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family. (The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid that is produced by the adrenal gland is cortisol or hydrocortisone.) Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, the medication goes directly …

What is cerivastatin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cerivastatin is a drug that lowers cholesterol in the blood by blocking the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. It lowers total cholesterol as well as the LDL subfraction of cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is believed to be the “bad” cholesterol that is …

What is aurothioglucose, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Aurothioglucose is a gold-containing chemical (salt) used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Other gold salts available include injectable gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine), and capsules, auranofin (Ridaura). It is not well understood exactly how gold salts work. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gold salts …

What is atenolol and chlorthalidone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atenolol/chlorthalidone is a combination of atenolol (Tenormin) and chlorthalidone (Hygroton) used for the treatment of high blood pressure. Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that blocks the effects of adrenergic drugs, for example, adrenaline or epinephrine, on nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. Atenolol reduces the heart …

What is apremilast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Apremilast is an oral medication used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis (a form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis). It is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. Apremilast works by reducing production …

What is amprenavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? This drug was discontinued as of October of 2007.  Amprenavir is an oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which, among others, includes indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir) and saquinavir (Invirase, …

What is chlorpropamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chlorpropamide is an oral blood sugar-lowering drug in a class of medications for diabetes treatment called sulfonylureas. It is one of the first four sulfonylureas to be used to manage type II diabetes and it is commonly referred to as a first generation sulfonylurea. The second generation sulfonylureas are …

What is tramadol (Ultram)? Brand Name: Ultram Tramadol (Ultram) is a centrally acting opioid painkiller used to manage moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. Examples of other drugs in the same drug class include codeine, hydrocodone, methadone, and oxycodone. In addition to pain relief, tramadol may produce a variety of symptoms similar to other narcotics, for example, dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, constipation, sweating, …

Will I have a low sex drive or other intimacy problems during menopause? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Although menopause may have some negative effects on sexual function, this is not always the case. Each woman's experience of menopause is unique; not all women have the same symptoms or experience symptoms with the same degree of severity. Decreases in …

Mania vs. hypomania facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Mania is a set of mood symptoms that includes euphoria or irritability lasting at least a week and is required to qualify for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Hypomania is considered to be a less severe version of mania. The suicide rate for people who have had a manic episode …