What is oral ephedrine? Ephedrine directly stimulates alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors and increases the release of norepinephrine. Its actions include relaxation of bronchioles, increased heart rate and contractility, and increased blood pressure. It also causes blood vessels in the nasal passages to shrink (vasoconstrict). Vasoconstriction reduces nasal congestion by preventing fluid from draining from blood …
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What is esomeprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Esomeprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Chemically, esomeprazole is very similar to omeprazole. Proton pump inhibitors are used …
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What facts should I know about drug interactions? Whenever two or more drugs are being taken, there is a chance that there will be an interaction among the drugs. The interaction may increase or decrease the effectiveness of the drugs or their side effects. The likelihood of drug interactions increases as the number of drugs being taken increases. Therefore, people …
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What is lidocaine patch-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine is an amide-type, local anesthetic medication available in a patch form. Lidocaine, like other local anesthetics causes a loss of sensation by reducing the flow of sodium in and out nerves to decrease the initiation and transfer of nerve signals. The FDA approved lidocaine patch in March …
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What is ezetimibe, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ezetimibe is an oral drug that is used for the treatment of elevated blood cholesterol. The most commonly used class of drugs for lowering cholesterol levels, the statins, act by preventing the production of cholesterol by the liver. Ezetimibe has a different mechanism of action and lowers blood cholesterol …
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What is Valtrex (valacyclovir)? What are its uses? Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an oral antiviral drug which is active against the herpes viruses. It is used to treat infections with: Shingles (herpes zoster) Genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis) Cold sores (herpes labialis) What are the side effects of Valtrex (valacyclovir)? The side effect profile of Valtrex is similar to that of …
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What is Haldol (haloperidol)? Haldol (haloperidol) is an antipsychotic medication. It also is used to control tics and vocal utterances that are part of Tourette’s syndrome. Is Haldol (haloperidol) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Haldol (haloperidol)? Yes Why is Haldol (haloperidol) prescribed to patients? Haldol is used for treating schizophrenia, acute psychosis, and …
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What is candesartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Candesartan cilexetil (candesartan) is a drug used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). It is in a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which includes losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), and irbesartan (Avapro). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a …
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What is sodium chloride solution-intravenous, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Our body cells are bathed in a watery fluid that contains primary sodium and chloride ions. These molecules play a vital role in maintaining proper fluid balance and keeping our tissues hydrated. Additionally, sodium is involved in many cell processes such as muscle contraction, transmission of nerve …
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What are nitrates (nitrate medications)? Nitrates are medications used for treating or preventing heart pain (angina, chest pain) caused by heart disease, usually of the arteries in the heart. What are examples of nitrates available in the United States? Examples of generic and brand names of nitrates include: nitroglycerin sublingual tablet (Nitrostat) nitroglycerin lingual aerosol (Nitromist) nitrolinglycerin pumpspray (Nitrolingual Pumpsprapy) …
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