What is tolazamide? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Tolazamide is used with diet and exercise to reduce blood glucose levels in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Other diabetes drugs are sometimes used in combination with tolazamide if needed. Tolazamides initial effect is to increase beta-cell insulin secretion. Tolazamide causes the pancreas …

What is sumatriptan nasal powder? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Sumatriptan is a drug that is used for treating migraine headaches. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. Other medications in this drug class include: naratriptan (Amerge) zolmitriptan (Zomig) rizatriptan (Maxalt) frovatriptan (Frova) eletriptan (Relpax) almotriptan (Axert) Migraine headaches are believed to result …

Urethral stricture facts Urethral strictures may cause pain, or be asymptomatic. Urethral stricture disease is much more common in men than in women. In fact, urethral stricture is rare in women. Congenital urethral strictures (present at birth) are rare. Any inflammation of the urethra resulting from injury, trauma, previous surgery, or infection can cause urethral stricture. Symptoms of urethral stricture …

Plague (Black Death) facts There is no commercially available vaccine against plague. Plague is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by the bacteria known as Yersinia pestis. Plague has a high fatality rate, and people have described outbreaks of the bacterial infection for centuries. In the Middle Ages, plague was known as the "Black Death." It caused the death of 60% …

Pericarditis definition and facts Picture of the heart in the pericardial sac Pericarditis is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart (the pericardial sac). Pericardial effusion is a collection of fluid in the pericardial sac. This fluid may be produced by inflammation. The cause of pericarditis in most individuals is unknown but is likely due to viral infection. Pericarditis …

What are statins, and how do they work? “Statins” is a class of drugs that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver. (The other source of cholesterol in the blood is dietary cholesterol.) Statins block the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol. This enzyme is called …

What are the differences between Robaxin and Flexeril? Robaxin (methocarbamol) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are skeletal muscle relaxants. The brand name Flexeril has been discontinued in the U.S. Amrix and Fexmid are the brand names available for cyclobenzaprine in the U.S. Both Robaxin and Flexeril are available in generic form. Side effects of Robaxin and Flexeril that are similar include drowsiness, …

What are prenatal vitamins? If you are pregnant, as part of your prenatal care, your doctor, OB/GYN, or midwife may recommend taking prenatal vitamins to supplement nutrient requirements needed for fetal development. Prenatal vitamins (also termed Prenatal Multivitamins) are a combination of vitamins and minerals that a woman needs before, during, and after her pregnancy for her health the development …

What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. Acid is necessary for the formation of most ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and the reduction of acid with PPIs prevents ulcers …

What is topical metronidazole? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Metronidazole is a synthetic (man-made) drug that is effective against certain bacteria and parasites (protozoa). The topical forms (gels, creams, and lotions) of metronidazole are used for treating vaginal infections with protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis, amoeba, and Giardia. Metronidazole topical also is effective against anaerobic bacterial infections. (Anaerobic …