What is repaglinide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Repaglinide is an oral medication for lowering blood sugar (glucose) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of drugs for treating diabetes type 2 called meglitinides that are chemically unlike other anti-diabetic medications. Nateglinide (Starlix), is another currently available meglitinide. …
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What is albuterol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Albuterol sulphate dilates the airways of the lung and is used for treating asthma and other conditions of the lung. Asthma is a breathing problem due to narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes) that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. These airways can be narrowed …
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What is terazosin? Terazosin belongs to a class of medications called alpha 1 blockers which relax the smooth muscles of the arteries, the prostate, and the bladder neck. Is terazosin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for terazosin? Yes Why is terazosin prescribed to patients? Terazosin is used to treat the symptoms of urinary obstruction …
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What is niacin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) is a part of the normal diet that is essential to various chemical reactions in the body. It is used medically to treat individuals with deficiency of niacin. Advanced deficiency of niacin can lead to a condition called pellagra in which individuals develop diarrhea, …
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Stitches facts A picture of stitches or sutures Wounds or lacerations must be explored and thoroughly cleaned prior to closure. Stitching or suturing is considered a form of minor surgery. Suture materials vary in their composition and thickness, and the choice of the appropriate material depends upon the nature and location of the wound. Staples, Steri-Strips, Band-Aids, and skin glue …
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What is cetirizine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine that works by blocking histamine (H-1) receptors on cells. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, …
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What is tetanus toxoid? Tetanus toxoid is a vaccine used to provide active immunity against tetanus toxin. Tetanus or lockjaw is a serious disease that may result in death. Is tetanus toxoid available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for tetanus toxoid? No Why is tetanus toxoid prescribed to patients? The tetanus toxoid vaccine is used …
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What is testosterone undecanoate capsule, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Testosterone undecanoate is a long-acting man-made version of testosterone, the natural male sexual hormone. Testosterone is responsible for the normal growth and development of male sex organs and characteristics. It includes growth and development of male organs of penis, testicles, prostate, body hair, vocal cord thickening, and …
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What is liothyronine sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Liothyronine sodium is a synthetic (man-made) version of one of the two hormones made by the thyroid gland, triiodothyronine. It is used for treating individuals who are hypothyroid (do not produce enough thyroid hormones). Thyroid hormones increase the metabolism (activity) of all cells in the body. In the …
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Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Thorazine (chlorpromazine): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and chlorpromazine are antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia and acute psychosis. Haloperidol is also used to treat tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. Chlorpromazine is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder and severe behavioral problems in children. Chlorpromazine is also used to control nausea/vomiting, relieve …
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