What is flurbiprofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. It is similar to ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and others. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, …
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What is finasteride (Proscar)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? The prostate gland is located around the tube which empties urine from the bladder (urethra). As the prostate gland enlarges, usually after 50 years of age, it can obstruct or partially block the urine flow. This leads to symptoms which include dribbling of urine, narrow stream, problems starting urine …
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What is gemfibrozil? Gemfibrozil is a blood lipid and cholesterol-altering medicine. Why is gemfibrozil prescribed to patients? Gemfibrozil is used for reducing elevated triglyceride levels that are high enough to cause pancreatitis. Because gemfibrozil raises HDL and decreases triglycerides it is prescribed for preventing coronary heart disease in individuals without a history or symptoms of coronary heart disease who have …
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What is azathioprine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant, that is, a drug that is used to suppress the immune system. It is used to treat patients who have undergone kidney transplantation and for diseases in which modifying the activity of the immune system is important. Azathioprine is a prodrug (a precursor of a …
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What is mometasone furoate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mometasone furoate is a synthetic (man-made) steroid hormone in the glucocorticoid family of steroid hormones that is used for the treatment of nasal allergy. The naturally occurring glucocorticoid hormone is cortisol or hydrocortisone which is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid hormones are potent reducers of inflammation (anti-inflammatory). …
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What is carisoprodol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Carisoprodol is an oral muscle relaxant. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. It may work by altering communication among nerves in parts of the brain that control the sensation of pain and in the spinal cord. The FDA approved carisoprodol in April 1959. What are the uses for …
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What are the uses for cefprozil? Cefprozil is effective against susceptible bacteria causing infections of: the middle ear, tonsils (tonsillitis), throat (pharyngitis), larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), skin and soft tissues, and lungs (pneumonia). What brand names are available for cefprozil? Cefzil Is cefprozil available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for cefprozil? Yes What are the …
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What is ziprasidone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ziprasidone is an oral and injectable drug that is used for treating psychoses, for example, schizophrenia. Although the mechanism of action of ziprasidone is not known, like other anti-psychotics, it inhibits communication between nerves of the brain. It does this by blocking receptors on the nerves for several neurotransmitters, …
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What are the uses for colchicine? Colchicine is used for the treatment of acute flares of gout. It also is used for treating FMF in adults and children 4 years of age or older. Other unapproved uses of colchicine include treatment of pseudogout, amyloidosis, and scleroderma. These unapproved uses of colchicine require further evaluation. What brand names are available for …
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Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Xanax (alprazolam): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat different types of psychiatric disorders. Haloperidol is used to treat schizophrenia, acute psychosis, and for tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. A brand name for haloperidol is Haldol. Haloperidol and Xanax belong to …
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