What is suvorexant (Belsomra)? What is suvorexant used for? Belsomra belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. It is used for treating insomnia. Belsomra has a unique mechanism of action different from other sleep medications, for example, from benzodiazepine type of sleep medicines like diazepam (Valium). Belsomra causes sleep by blocking receptors …

What is docetaxel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Docetaxel is a drug that is used primarily for treating breast cancer. Docetaxel works by attacking cancer cells. Every cell in the body contains a supporting structure (almost like a skeleton) called the microtubular network. If this "skeleton" is changed or damaged, the cell can't grow or reproduce. Docetaxel …

What is desloratadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Desloratadine is an oral, long-acting antihistamine that is similar chemically to loratadine (Claritin). It is used to treat the symptoms caused by histamine. Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, swelling of the lining of the nose, …

What is belimumab? What is belimumab used for? Belimumab is a synthetic (man-made) injectable antibody that reduces the activity of immune cells called B-cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and causes inflammation. Parts of the body affected by SLE include the …

What is nizatidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nizatidine is an oral drug that blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells and reduces their production of acid. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid). Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that stimulates stomach cells …

What is atazanavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atazanavir is an oral medication that is used for treating infections caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors that also includes ritonavir (Norvir), nelfinavir (Viracept), indinavir (Crixivan) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies …

What is morphine high potency injection? What is morphine used for? Morphine is a chemical found in the opium plant. It is a narcotic (opiod) pain-reliever similar to hydrocodone, oxycodone, methadone, fentanyl, and other opioids. Morphine, like other opioids, stimulates receptors on nerves in the brain to increase the threshold to pain (increasing the amount of stimulation it takes to …

Throat cancer (larynx cancer) facts* Readers Comments 33 Share Your Story HPV infection, cigarette smoking, alcoholism, and asbestos exposure are risk factors for throat cancer. *Throat cancer (larynx cancer) facts author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD The larynx is the voice box located at the top of the windpipe (trachea). Cancer of the larynx occurs most often in people over the …

What is perphenazine? What is perphenazine used for? Perphenazine is an oral antipsychotic medication used for the management of schizophrenia. Perphenazine is one of the older, first-generation antipsychotic medications. Examples of other first-generation antipsychotics include: prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro, Procomp) chlorpromazine (Promapar, Thorazine) trifluoperazine (Stelazine) thioridazine (Mellaril) Although the exact mechanism of antipsychotics is unknown, scientists believe that they may work …

What is gabapentin enacarbil? How is gabapentin enacarbil used? Gabapentin enacarbil is used for treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) and postherpetic neuralgia. It is a prodrug of the anticonvulsant gabapentin, which means it is first converted to gabapentin in the body before it can have its effects. The mechanism of action of gabapentin in treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) or …