What is azelaic acid gel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Azelaic acid is a topical (applied to the skin) medication used for treating acne. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Azelaic acid may work as an antibacterial agent that blocks protein synthesis and therefore growth of Propionibacterium acnes and other bacteria …
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What is nortriptyline? What is nortriptyline used for? Nortriptyline is in the class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and is used for treating depression. Other drugs in the same class include: amitriptyline (Endep, Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), trimipramine (Surmontil), amoxapine (Amoxapine), desipramine (Norpramin), and protriptyline (Vivactil). Individuals with depression may have an imbalance in neurotransmitters, chemicals …
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What is aminophylline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Aminophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator composed of theophylline (Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair) and ethylenediamine. The mechanism of action of aminophylline is not completely understood. Theophylline relaxes smooth muscle in the respiratory tract and suppresses airway stimuli. Theophylline also increases contraction of diaphragm muscles by increasing calcium uptake through chemical …
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What is bisacodyl-rectal suppository, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It stimulates the muscles in the wall of the small intestine and colon to generate a bowel movement. It also alters water and electrolyte levels in intestines, increasing the level of fluids which also produce a laxative-like effect. What brand names are available …
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What is quinapril? What is quinapril used for? Quinapril belongs in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure and heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other drugs in this class are enalapril (Vasotec), ramipril (Altace), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), benazepril …
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What is scopolamine? What are the uses for scopolamine? Scopolamine is an oral, intravenous, ophthalmic or topical drug with many uses including the prevention of motion sickness. Transderm Scop is scopolamine administered topically (through the skin or transdermally) via a special delivery system that gradually releases scopolamine onto the skin over a period of three days. Scopolamine is absorbed into …
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What is pilocarpine? What are the uses for pilocarpine? Pilocarpine is a cholinergic drug, that is, a drug that mimics the effects of the chemical, acetylcholine which is produced by nerve cells. Acetylcholine serves as a messenger between nerve cells and between nerve cells and the organs they control. For example, acetylcholine is responsible for causing the salivary glands to …
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What is oral orphenadrine? What are the uses for oral orphenadrine? Orphenadrine is an oral central acting skeletal muscle relaxant that is used for the treatment of acute muscle aches, pain, or spasms. The exact mechanism of action in relieving muscuar aches or spasms is not completely understood. Orphenadrine may reduce muscle spasms through actions on motor centers or the …
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What is triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide? What are the uses for triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide? Triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide is an oral diuretic (water pill) that is used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) and edema (water accumulation). It is a combination of two different diuretics. The FDA approved triamterene/hydrochlorothiazide in December 1965. The kidneys control the amount of sodium and water within the body. …
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What is nitroglycerin? Nitroglycerin belongs to a class of drugs called nitrates. Nitroglycerin is used in the management of angina pectoris (heart pain). What brand names are available for nitroglycerin? Nitrostat, Nitromist, Nitroquick, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Minitran, Nitro-Bid, Nitronol, and others Is nitroglycerin available as a generic drug? Yes (for some dosage forms) Do I need a prescription for nitroglycerin? Yes …
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