breast cancer

Octreotide (Sandostatin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is octreotide injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Octreotide acetate is an injectable medicine that is very similar to the hormone somatostatin, which is naturally produced in the body that has several effects including inhibition of the release of hormones. Octreotide works in a similar fashion as somatostatin, but is degraded …

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budesonide (Entocort EC, Uceris) for IBD: Side Effects & Dosage

What is budesonide (Entocort EC, Uceris)? Budesonide is a synthetic (man-made) steroid of the glucocorticoid family that is used for treating Crohn’s disease. What brand names are available for budesonide? Entocort EC and Uceris are brand names for budesonide in the US. Why is budesonide (Entocort EC, Uceris) prescribed to patients? Budesonide is used for the treatment of mild-to-moderately-active Crohn’s …

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bupivacaine (Marcaine, Sensorcaine) Side Effects & Dosage

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 the drug is applied. This …

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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 …

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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 …

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clarithromycin (Biaxin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is clarithromycin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin and azithromycin (Zithromax). It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and mycobacterium avium, and many others. Like all macrolide antibiotics, clarithromycin prevents bacteria from growing by interfering …

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phenytoin (Dilantin) Drug Facts, Side Effects & Dosage

What is Dilantin? Phenytoin is an oral and injectable anti-seizure medication first synthesized in 1908. Why is Dilantin prescribed to patients? Phenytoin is an anti-seizure medication (anticonvulsant) used for preventing or treating generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, complex partial seizures (psychomotor seizures), and seizures occurring during or after neurosurgery. It may be used alone or with phenobarbital or other anticonvulsants. …

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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. …

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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 …

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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 …

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