What is bupivicaine injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bupivacaine is a local anesthetic that is similar to lidocaine and mepivacaine (amide type). Bupivacaine, like other local anesthetics reduces the flow of sodium in and out of nerves. This decreases the initiation and transfer of nerve signals in the area in which …
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Nadolol (Corgard) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is nadolol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nadolol is a member of a class of drugs called beta-adrenergic receptor blockers that is used for treating high blood pressure and heart pain (angina). Examples of other beta-adrenergic blockers include propanolol (Inderal, Inderal LA), atenolol (Tenormin), and timolol (Blocadren). Norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) are chemicals released within the …
Read More »Rogaine (minoxidil) Hair-Loss Ointment Results for Men & Women
What is minoxidil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Minoxidil is a drug that is used for treating male-pattern baldness and hair loss in women. Oral minoxidil was originally used for treating high blood pressure, but patients and health care providers noticed that hair growth was a side effect of treatment. This led to the development of topical …
Read More »mannitol (Osmitrol) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is mannitol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mannitol is a naturally occurring substance that causes the body to lose water (diuresis) through osmosis. Mannitol promotes diuresis in kidneys by increasing the concentration of filtrates in the kidney and blocking reabsorption of water by kidney tubules. The FDA approved mannitol in June 1964. What brand names are …
Read More »Allegra (fexofenadine) Allergy Drug Side Effects & Uses
What is fexofenadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fexofenadine is an oral, "second generation" antihistamine that is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergy and hives. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and …
Read More »methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) Dosage & Side Effects
What is methylphenidate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylphenidate is a medication that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to the amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than those of the amphetamines. An additional difference is that methylphenidate produces more noticeable effects on mental activities than on motor activities. …
Read More »dopamine (Intropin) Shock Drug: Side Effects, Uses, and Dosage
Is dopamine-injection available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for dopamine-injection? Yes What are the uses for dopamine-injection? Dopamine is prescribed to correct hemodynamic status in patients with shock syndrome due to heart attack (myocardial infarction), trauma, open-heart surgery, renal failure, congestive heart failure, and other causes of shock syndrome. This means dopamine may …
Read More »Fenofibrate (Fibricor, Tricor) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is fenofibrate? Fenofibrate is a derivative of fibric acid that is used to treat lipid disorders. Why is fenofibrate prescribed to patients? Fenofibrate is used with dietary modifications for the treatment of lipid disorders. It helps reduce levels of LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, and increase HDL-C. It is prescribed to patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed …
Read More »loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is loratadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Loratadine is a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine that is used for the treatment of allergies. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the signs and symptoms of an allergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine on their …
Read More »Nicorette Gum (nicotine polacrilex, Habitrol) Side Effects, Addiction & Dosage
What brand names are available for nicotine gum? Nicorette Gum, Nicorelief, Nicorette, Thrive Is nicotine gum available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for nicotine gum? No What are the uses for nicotine gum? Nicotine gum is used to control nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with smoking cessation. What are the side effects …
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