What is sofosbuvir and velpatasvir? What is sofosbuvir and velpatasvir used for? Epclusa is an oral tablet containing two drugs used for the treatment of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), genotype 1,2,3,4, 5, or 6 in adults. The components belong to a class of drugs called direct-acting antiviral agents. Similar drugs include …
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Dulera Inhaler: Asthma Drug Side Effects, Interactions & Dosage
What is Dulera? and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dulera is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma. In patients with asthma, the smaller airways (bronchioles) through which air moves in and out of the lungs can be narrowed by accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that surround these airways, or swelling of …
Read More »Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol hfa inhaler): Uses & Side Effects
What is budesonide/formoterol? What is budesonide/formoterol used for? Symbicort is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In patients with asthma or COPD the smaller airways (bronchioles) through which air moves in and out of thelungs can be narrowed by accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that surround these …
Read More »Differin Gel (adapalene): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is adapalene, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Adapalene is a gel used for the treatment of acne vulgaris (pimples). The exact mechanism of action is not known. Scientists believe that when adapalene is applied to the skin, it affects the growth of skin cells and thereby reduces the formation of pimples. What brand names are available …
Read More »betaxolol (Kerlone [Discontinued Brand]) Side Effects and Dosage
What is betaxolol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Betaxolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking drug (beta-blocker). The nerves of the sympathetic nervous system — a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system — release a chemical related to adrenaline that binds to the heart-rate controlling cells in the heart as well as the muscles of the heart. Binding causes …
Read More »tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron) Dental Drug Uses & Side Effects
What is tranexamic acid? What is tranexamic acid used for? Tranexamic acid promotes the clotting of blood and thereby reduces bleeding due to tooth extractions in people with hemophilia. People with hemophilia bleed easily because they lack a specific blood protein necessary for forming blood clots. Tranexamic acid is a man-made amino acid derivative that increases blood clotting by preventing …
Read More »Testosterone Gel (Axiron): Male Hormone Side Effects & Dosage
What is testosterone gel (Axiron)? What is Axiron used for? Axiron is a solution of testosterone that is administered through the skin of the armpit for treatment of low testosterone levels. It belongs to a class of drugs called androgens. Other testosterone replacement products include Androderm, Androgel, Testim, and Fortesta. Testosterone is the major male sex hormone responsible for the …
Read More »Zomig (zolmitriptan) for Migraines: Side Effects, Dosage, Generic
What is zolmitriptan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zolmitriptan is a drug for treating migraine headaches. Migraine headaches are believed to result from dilation of the blood vessels in the brain. Zolmitriptan causes constriction of the blood vessels and thereby relieves the pain of a migraine headache. While zolmitriptan is very effective in relieving migraine headaches, it …
Read More »Beclomethasone Inhaler (Beconase, Qvar): Asthma Drug Side Effects
What is beclomethasone aerosol inhaler? What is beclomethasone used for? Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family. It's prescribed to people age 5 and up. Beclomethasone is inhaled to stop and prevent the brochial spasm symptoms of asthma. The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid that is produced by the adrenal gland is cortisol or hydrocortisone. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. …
Read More »Penicillin V Potassium (Beepen-VK) Antibiotic Uses & Side Effects
What is penicillin v potassium? What is penicillin v potassium? Penicillin V potassium is penicillin antibiotic that is administered orally. Penicillin V potassium kills bacteria by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. Some bacterial species against which penicillin V potassium has shown high in-vitro activity include some species of staphylococci, streptococci (groups A, C, G, H, L, and M), and pneumococci. …
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