What is pirfenidone (Esbriet)? What is pirfenidone used for? Pirfenidone (Esbriet) is a prescription medicine used to prevent and improve lung function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a type of serious lung disease in which the lung progressively develops scar tissue. The mechanism of action of pirfenidone is not understood. Scientists believe that pirfenidone prevents lung …
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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 »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 »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 »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. …
Read More »Penicillin G Benzathine (Bicillin L-A) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is penicillin g benzathine? What is penicillin g benzathine used for? Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A) is a penicillin antibiotic that is given by deep intramuscular injection. Penicillin G benzathine kills susceptible bacteria by inhibiting the synthesis or formation of bacterial cell wall. It is thought to preferentially bind to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) found inside the bacterial cell …
Read More »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 …
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