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 …
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Lactated Ringer’s Solution: IV Fluids Replenish Electrolytes
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 …
Read More »Boniva (ibandronate): Osteoporosis Drug Uses & Side Effects
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 …
Read More »adalimumab (Humira): Arthritis Drug Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
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 …
Read More »promethazine, Promethegan: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
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. …
Read More »Mirapex (pramipexole): Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is Mirapex? What is Mirapex used for? Pramipexole (Mirapex) is used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Is Mirapex available as a generic drug? Generics are available for the immediate release tablets. Generics of the extended release tablets are not available. Do I need a prescription for Mirapex? Yes What are the side …
Read More »Olanzapine (Zyprexa): Schizophrenia Drug Uses & Side Effects
What is olanzapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Olanzapine is a drug that is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Olanzapine belongs to a drug class known as atypical antipsychotics. Other members of this class include clozapine (Clozaril), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify) and ziprasidone (Geodon). The exact mechanism of action …
Read More »promethazine, Phenergan with Codeine: Drug Facts and Side Effects
What is promethazine and codeine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Promethazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines which also includes chlorpromazine, and trifluoperazine; however, unlike the other drugs in this class, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic but rather as an anti-histamine, sedative, antiemetic (anti-nausea), and cough suppressant. Cells in the body release histamine …
Read More »Sitagliptin (Januvia) Diabetes Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is sitagliptin? What is sitagliptin used for? Sitagliptin is an oral drug that reduces blood sugar (glucose) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Sitagliptin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Sitagliptin should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in …
Read More »Nitrofurantoin vs. Bactrim: Antibiotics, Side Effects, Dosage, Uses
Nitrofurantoin vs. Bactrim: What’s the difference? Nitrofurantoin and Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) are antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bactrim is also used to treat other types of bacterial infections including flares of chronic bronchitis due to bacteria, middle ear infections, for prevention of infections due to pneumococcus in organ transplant recipients, for the treatment or prevention of …
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