What is gentamicin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Gentamicin is a broad spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic that is most effective against aerobic gram-negative rods. Gentamicin is also used in combination with other antibiotics to treat infections caused by gram positive organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and certain species of streptococci. Additionally, gentamicin is …
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Enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is enalapril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Enalapril is a drug that is used for treating high blood pressure. It is in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes the arteries in the body to narrow, …
Read More »hydroxyurea (Hydrea, Droxia) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is hydroxyurea, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hydroxyurea (Hydrea) is an oral medication used to treat several types of cancers including chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), head and neck cancer, malignant melanoma, ovarian cancer, and polycythemia vera (a disorder of the bone marrow). The exact mechanism by which hydroxyurea works to treat cancer …
Read More »EMLA Cream (lidocaine & prilocaine) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is lidocaine w/prilocaine cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine and prilocaine is a topical anesthetic cream. Lidocaine and prilocaine enter through the skin and block pain receptors in nerve endings. Lidocaine and prilocaine reduce conduction of nerve impulses by interrupting the transfer of sodium ions across the membranes of nerve cells. This results in a …
Read More »finasteride (Propecia): Hair Growth Drug Side Effects & Results
What are the uses for finasteride-oral (hair growth)? : Finasteride (Propecia) is used for the treatment of male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia in males only. What brand names are available for finasteride-oral (hair growth)? Propecia (for male hair growth) Is finasteride-oral (hair growth) available as a generic drug? Is finasteride-oral (hair growth) available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: …
Read More »Lidocaine Injection (Xylocaine) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is lidocaine injection (local), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine injection is a local anesthetic. This means that it reduces sensation or pain in the area of the body where it is injected and does not affect other areas. It is similar to bupivacaine (Marcaine), articaine (Zorcaine), and Mepivacaine (Carbocaine). These drugs reduce sensation or pain …
Read More »pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax 23) Uses & Side Effects
What is pneumococcal vaccine-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pneumococcal vaccine is used for prevention of pneumonia. This pneumococcal vaccine contains chemicals (polysaccharides) extracted from 23 types of Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. Upon injecting pneumococcal vaccine, our body recognizes these chemical as foreign and produces antibodies to destroy the chemicals. Antibodies are blood protein that help the body …
Read More »ketoprofen (Orudis) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is ketoprofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ketoprofen is an oral drug that belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve) and many others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work …
Read More »Bumetanide (Bumex) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is bumetanide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bumetanide is a potent diuretic (water pill) that causes a profound increase in urine output (diuresis) by preventing the kidney from retaining fluid. Specifically, it blocks the reabsorption of sodium and fluid from the kidney's tubules. It is in a class of diuretics called "loop" diuretics which also includes …
Read More »clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel (Benzaclin) Uses & Side Effects
What is clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is a combination of an antibiotic, clindamycin, and benzoyl peroxide, another drug that has antibacterial effects. Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is used topically (applied to the skin) for the treatment of pimples (acne). Both agents are active against Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium which has been …
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