What is glyburide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glyburide is an oral, glucose-lowering drug in a class of diabetic drugs called sulfonylureas that is used for treating diabetes. Other sulfonylureas include glipizide (Glucotrol), glimepiride (Amaryl), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide, and chlorpropamide (Diabinese). Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas. When …
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What is amantadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amantadine is a synthetic (man-made) anti-viral drug that can inhibit the replication of viruses in cells. To prevent a viral infection, the drug should be present before exposure to the virus. Clearly, this is not practical for most viral infections. It was initially used to prevent influenza A during …
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What is nicardipine? What are the uses for nicardipine? Nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR) belongs to a class of drugs referred to as calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Nicardipine is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (heart pain). What brand names are available for nicardipine? Cardene, Cardene SR Is nicardipine available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: …
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Trachoma facts Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Trachoma is a contagious and potentially blinding infectious eye disease. The World Health Organization classified trachoma as one of the neglected tropical diseases and the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Blindness from trachoma may be preventable by screening and treatment with antibiotics and surgery. …
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What is glycerin suppository? What is glycerin used for? Glycerin suppositories are hyperosmotic laxatives. Glycerin suppositories work by increasing water volume in intestines and softening stool, causing the intestines to contract and produce bowel movements. What brand names are available for glycerin suppository? Fleet Suppository, Pedia-Lax Suppository, Colace Suppository Is glycerin suppository available as a generic drug? Yes Do I …
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Diazepam vs. Ambien: What’s the difference? Valium (diazepam) and Ambien (zolpidem) are used to treat insomnia. Diazepam is primarily used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, seizures, for relief of muscle spasms in some neurological diseases, and for sedation during surgery. Brand names for diazepam include Valium, Diastat Acudial, Diastat, and Diazepam Intensol. Diazepam and Ambien belong to different drug …
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What is balsalazide disodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Balsalazide disodium is an oral anti-inflammatory drug that is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It is a form of mesalamine (5-aminosalicyclic acid) that is activated by colonic bacteria when it reaches the colon. The exact mechanism of action of mesalamine is not known but is believed …
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What is cefadroxil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cefadroxil is an oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of drugs, a family that includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefixime (Suprax), and many other injectable antibiotics. Cephalosporins stop bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary …
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What are omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza)? What is Lovaza used for? Lovaza is an fat-regulating (antilipemic) drug that is used in addition to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG, a fat-carrying particle in the blood) levels in adult patients with severe elevations in blood levels of TG (≥mg/dL). It is similar to Epanova (omega-3 carboxylic acid). TG is composed of three …
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What is phentermine and topiramate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Qsymia is a combination product that contains phentermine and topiramate in an extended release form. It helps some obese (body mass index [BMI] = 30 km/m2) adults or some overweight (BMI = 27 km/m2) adults with weight-related medical problems lose weight and keep the weight off. Phentermine …
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