What is lactulose, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lactulose is a man-made sugar that contains two naturally occurring sugars, galactose and fructose. It is not digested in the intestine like other sugars so that it reaches the colon where bacteria digest it and thereby alter the composition of the stool. Lactulose is …
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What is methylprednisolone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylprednisolone family of products include methylprednisolone, methylprednisolone acetate (Medrol, Depo-medrol), and methylprednisolone sodium acetate (Solu-medrol). They will be called methylprednisolone in this monograph. They are synthetic (man-made) corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are naturally-occurring chemicals produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids affect metabolism in various ways and …
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What are fibrates? Fibric acid derivatives (fibrates) are a class of medication that lowers blood triglyceride levels. Fibrates lower blood triglyceride levels by reducing the liver‘s production of VLDL (the triglyceride-carrying particle that circulates in the blood) and by speeding up the removal of triglycerides from the blood. Fibrates also are modestly effective in increasing blood HDL cholesterol levels; however, …
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What is the nicotine patch, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nicotine patches are used for smoking cessation. Nicotine is released from the patches and absorbed through the skin. Released nicotine binds to nicotine receptors in the body, reducing nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. The FDA approved the grit nicotine patch in November 1991. …
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What is phentermine? Phentermine is a drug that suppresses appetite. Why is phentermine prescribed to patients? Phentermine is combined with diet and exercise for the short-term treatment of obesity in individuals with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with risk factors for heart disease. Phentermine should not …
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Why is hydrochlorothiazide prescribed to patients? Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the body caused by heart failure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, corticosteroid medications, and nephrotic syndrome. It also is used alone or in conjunction with other blood pressure lowering medications to treat high blood pressure. Although hydrochlorothiazide is approved for treating edema in …
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What is amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)? Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Why is amlodipine besylate (Norvasc) prescribed to patients? Chest pain or heart pain (angina) occurs because of insufficient oxygen delivered to the heart muscles. Insufficient oxygen may be a result of coronary artery blockage or spasm, or because of exertion which increases the …
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What is montelukast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Montelukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for the treatment of asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Leukotrienes are a group of naturally occurring chemicals in the body that promote inflammation in asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis and in other diseases in which inflammation is …
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What is arnica (Arnica montana)-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Arnica montana is a homeopathic topical pain relief agent. Its mechanism of action is not well known. Arnica preparations have shown wound healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties. Arnica’s actions may be due to two chemicals called helenalin and dihyrdohelenalin. These chemicals may modify the action …
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What is captopril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Captopril is an oral drug and a member of a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril …
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