What is methoxsalen? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Methoxsalen is a naturally occurring photoactive chemical found in the seeds of the Ammi majus (Umbelliferae) plant and in the roots of Heraclem candicans. It belongs to a group of compounds known as psoralens, or furocoumarins. It is used for treating psoriasis, idiopathic vitiligo (leucoderma) …

What is saquinavir? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Saquinavir 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 also includes indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept) and ritonavir (Norvir). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's cells. Viruses …

What is Zepatier, and how does it work? Zepatier is an oral tablet containing two drugs used for the treatment of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), genotype 1 and 4 in adults. The components belong to a class of drugs called direct-acting antiviral agents. Similar drugs include: boceprevir (Victrelis) sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) simeprevir (Olysio) telaprevir (Incivek), Viekira Pak …

What is pramoxine-hydrocortisone lotion? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Pramoxine-hydrocortisone products are used to treat pain and inflammation caused by various skin conditions. Hydrocortisone is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid that is used on the skin (topically). The naturally-occurring corticosteroid is cortisol or hydrocortisone produced by the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions and also suppress the immune …

What is popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans)? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Popcorn lung is a serious and irreversible condition in which the tiny air sacs in the lungs become scarred and constricted, which results in no air movement or O2 – CO2 exchange in the lungs. Other names for popcorn lung are bronchiolitis obliterans and obliterative bronchiolitis. Can e-cigarettes …

What is stavudine? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Stavudine is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine (Hivid), zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and lamivudine (Epivir). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies …

What is zafirlukast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zafirlukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist used for treating asthma. Leukotrienes are a group of chemicals manufactured in the body from arachidonic acid. Release of leukotrienes within the body, for example, by allergic reactions, promotes inflammation in many diseases such as asthma, a disease in which inflammation occurs …

What is Zecuity? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Sumatriptan iontophoretic transdermal system (Zecuity) is anti-migraine drug that is delivered through the skin or transdermally. It is a serotonin (5HT) 1b/1d receptor agonist that is used for the acute treatment of migraine headaches in adults. Zecuity contains the drug, sumatriptan, which has been previously available as tablets, injections, and …

lovastatin vs. simvastatin comparison Both lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev) and simvastatin (Zocor) are members of the statin family of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Statins revolutionized the treatment and prevention of a host of cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease and other cholesterol-related problems that cause debilitating and fatal heart attacks and strokes. Lovastatin and simvastatin are chemically similar. The central difference between these …

What is the hepatitis B/hepatitis A vaccine? What is it for? Hepatitis A/B vaccine is a man-made combination vaccine containing inactivated hepatitis A virus strain and non-infectious hepatitis B virus surface antigen. Inactive Hepatitis A virus combined with hepatitis B antigens stimulates the immune system to develop immunity against hepatitis A and B virus infections. The FDA approved hepatitis A/B …