breast cancer

What is procainamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Procainamide is an injectable antiarrhythmic drug that is used to correct disturbances in the heart's rhythm. Three actions are responsible for its ability to correct disturbances of rhythm and prevent their recurrence. Procainamide decreases the speed of electrical conduction through the heart muscle, prolongs …

What is salsalate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Salsalate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Salsalate is converted in the body to salicylic acid which is its active form and is closely related to aspirin. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen …

What is beclomethasone dipropionate inhaler, and how does it work? Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroid drug of the glucocorticoid family. The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid (cortisol or hydrocortisone) is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as an inhaler, the medication goes directly into the lungs, and very little finds its way into the rest of …

What is methylphenidate patch, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylphenidate is a medication used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than amphetamines. Amphetamines stimulate the brain by increasing the level of neurotransmitters, dopamine and …

What is granisetron transdermal system (patch), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sancuso is granisetron delivered via a transdermal patch system for the prevention of nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy for cancer. Other formulations of granisetron (for example, Kytril) are administered by mouth or injection. Certain chemotherapeutic agents used for treating cancer stimulate the release of a …

What is simeprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Simeprevir is an oral, direct-acting an-tiviral agent used for treating infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Boceprevir (Victrelis), telaprevir (Incivek), and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) are other direct-acting drugs for treating HCV. Simeprevir blocks the effect of pro-teases which are enzymes that HCV needs for making new viruses, leading to …

What is bitolterol mesylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bitolterol is a bronchodilator used in the treatment of asthma. It is similar to albuterol (Ventolin). Asthma is a disorder of breathing in which there is narrowing of the airways that carry air to the lungs including the bronchi. This narrowing is caused by muscle spasm and inflammation …

What is amitriptyline w/ perphenazine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Perphenazine/amitriptyline is a combination of an antipsychotic and an antidepressant. Perphenazine is an antipsychotic that works in the brain and nervous system. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters …

What is dalfampridine, Ampyra, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ampyra is an oral medication used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Its exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it is known to block movement of potassium between nerve cells. In animal studies Ampyra increased the conduction of nerve signals. The FDA approved Ampyra in December 1987. What …

What is conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesteron, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prempro and Premphase are combinations of conjugated estrogens (Premarin) and medroxyprogesterone (Provera). Estrogens and progestins are the two major classes of female hormones. Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of several different estrogens (estrogen salts) that are derived from natural sources and blended to approximate the …