What is acyclovir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Acyclovir is an antiviral drug, a synthetic nucleoside analogue, that has inhibitory activity (interferes with viral replication) against the herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes), varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox), and Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis). Viruses take over living …
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What are thyroid replacement hormones and how do they work? Thyroid replacement hormones are medications used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the production of thyroid hormone in the body is abnormally low. Thyroid hormones increase cellular metabolism (activity of cells) that is responsible for growth, development of tissues, maintenance of brain function, body temperature regulation and several other …
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What is chlorhexidine gluconate? What are the uses for chlorhexidine gluconate? Chlorhexidine gluconate is an antiseptic and antimicrobial oral rinse. It provides protection against a wide range of bacteria. It kills bacteria by binding to bacteria cell walls. The FDA approved chlorhexidine in August 1986. What brand names are available for chlorhexidine gluconate? Peridex, Periogard, Periochip Is chlorhexidine gluconate available …
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What is metoclopramide, and how does it work? Metoclopramide is a "prokinetic" drug that stimulates the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract including the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, and small intestine by interacting with receptors for acetylcholine and dopamine on gastrointestinal muscles and nerves. The lower esophageal sphincter, located between the esophagus and the stomach, normally prevents reflux …
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What is oral passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)? What are the uses for oral passion flower? Passion flower is a plant used for making medicine to treat several conditions. Passion flower may have effects that are similar to benzodiazepines (for example diazepam [Valium]) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs (for example, selegiline). Passion flower has calming, sleep inducing, and muscle spasm …
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What is Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)? What are the uses of Adderall? Adderall contains amphetamine salts (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and is used for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Amphetamines stimulate the brain by increasing the level of neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals produced by nerves that are released and attach to other nearby …
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What is lithium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lithium is used for the treatment of manic/depressive (bipolar) and depressive disorders. Lithium is a positively charged element or particle that is similar to sodium and potassium. It interferes at several places inside cells and on the cell surface with other positively charged atoms such as sodium, potassium, calcium, …
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What is famciclovir? What are the uses for famciclovir? Famciclovir is an antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes) and varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox). It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside analogs that mimic one of the building blocks of DNA. It stops the spread …
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What are SGLT2 inhibitors? SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitors are prescription oral medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. What generic and brand names of SGLT2 inhibitors are available in the US? Brand and generic names of SGLT2 inhibitors and combination products that contain SGLT2 inhibitors include: canagliflozin (Invokana) canagliflozin/metformin (Invokamet) canagliflozin/metformin extended release (Invokamet XR) dapagliflozin (Farxiga) dapagliflozin/metformin extended …
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What is meclizine? What are the uses for meclizine? Meclizine is an antihistamine with antiemetic (anti-nausea) and antispasmodic (anti-muscle spasm) activity. It also suppresses the nervous system by blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use for communicating with each other.) Meclizine prevents nausea and vomiting by reducing the activity of the center in the …
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