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 …
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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 …
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What is EpiPen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? EpiPen is an auto-injectable epinephrine-containing device used for self-administration during life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Epinephrine, the medicine contained in EpiPen, is an excitatory chemical naturally made by our bodies. Epinephrine stimulates alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors found throughout the body. When injected during an allergic reaction, epinephrine works in …
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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 …
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Hyperthyroidism definition and facts Readers Comments 8 Share Your Story In hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid hormone) is a condition in which there is an excessive amount of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of the cells. Normally, the rate of thyroid hormone production is controlled by the brain from the pituitary …
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What is neomycin-polymyxin-hydrocortisone-otic suspension (Cortisporin, Otimar, Pediotic)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Neomycin sulfate/polymyxin B sulfate/ hydrocortisone acetate is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ear drop. Neomycin and polymyxin are antibiotics that are active against gram positive and gram negative bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella-Enterobacter species, Neisseria species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Neomycin inhibits protein synthesis …
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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 …
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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 …
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Urinary retention facts* Urinary retention or difficulty urinating can have a variety of causes. *Urinary retention facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder. Urinary retention can be acute or chronic. Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency. Urinary retention is most common in men in their 50s and 60s because of …
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What is zanamivir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zanamivir is an inhaled drug that is used for treating and preventing influenza (the "flu"). Zanamivir decreases the spread of influenza A and B viruses, the viruses responsible for the flu. It does this by blocking the action of neuraminidase, an enzyme produced by the viruses that enables the …
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