What are calcium channel blockers and how do they work? In order to pump blood, the heart needs oxygen. The harder the heart works, the more oxygen it requires. Angina (heart pain) occurs when the supply of oxygen to the heart is inadequate for the amount of work that the heart must do. By dilating …
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What is amiodarone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amiodarone is an oral and injectable drug that is used to correct abnormal rhythms of the heart. (It is an antiarrhythmic medication.) Although amiodarone has many side effects, some of which are severe and potentially fatal, it has been successful in treating many arrhythmias when other antiarrhythmic drugs have …
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What is ursodiol? What are the uses for ursodiol? Ursodiol is a naturally-occurring bile acid that is made by the liver in humans and is secreted in small quantities into bile. It is used to dissolve and prevent cholesterol gallstones and to treat primary biliary cirrhosis, a disease of the liver. Ursodiol blocks the enzyme in the liver that produces …
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What is amitriptyline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amitriptyline is in the class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and is used for treating depression. Other drugs in the same class include: clomipramine (Anafranil), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), trimipramine (Surmontil), amoxapine (Amoxapine), desipramine (Norpramin), and protriptyline (Vivactil). Individuals with depression may have an imbalance in neurotransmitters, chemicals …
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What is ondansetron oral disintegrating tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication most often used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy agents increase secretion of serotonin which stimulates serotonin (5-HT3) receptors in the brain, causing nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron works by selectively blocking serotonin (5-HT3) receptors, reducing the effect of …
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What is insulin glargine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Insulin glargine is a bioengineered (man-made) injectable form of long-acting insulin that is used to regulate sugar (glucose) levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin on their own; and individuals with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough …
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What is Lactated Ringer’s solution, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lactated Ringer's is a sterile solution for fluid and electrolyte replenishment. It restores fluid and electrolyte balances, produces diuresis, and acts as alkalizing agent (reduces acidity). The FDA approved Ringer's solution in plastic containers in 1971. What brand names are available for Lactated Ringer's solution? Lactated Ringer's …
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What is ibandronate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ibandronate is an oral and intravenous drug that is used for treating osteoporosis. It is a member of the bisphosphonate class of drugs which includes etidronate (Didronel), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), and tiludronate (Skelid). Bone is in a constant state of remodeling. New bone is laid down by cells …
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What is adalimumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rheumatoid arthritis Humira is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. HUMIRA can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs …
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What is promethazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Promethazine is a phenothiazine in the same drug class as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and trifluoperazine (Stelazine). However, unlike the other drugs in this class, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic. It used as an anti-histamine, sedative, and antiemetic (anti-nausea). The body releases histamine during several types of allergic reactions. …
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