cold and flu

What is oseltamivir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oseltamivir is an oral medication used for treating and preventing the “flu.” It is similar to zanamivir (Relenza). Oseltamivir suppresses and decreases the spread of influenza A and B viruses, the viruses responsible for the flu. It does this by blocking the action of …

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 …

What is sodium chloride-nasal spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Intranasal sodium chloride or saline solution is a purified salt solution used for wetting the nasal passages. It moisturizes the nose and helps dissolve and loosen thick mucus most often associated with the common cold. It is especially useful for clearing stuffy nasal passages in children who …

What is benzonatate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benzonatate is a medication taken orally to suppress coughs. It has an anesthetic (numbing) action similar to that of benzocaine and numbs the stretch sensors in the lungs. It is the stretching of these sensors with breathing that causes the cough. Benzonatate begins to work within 15 to 20 …

What is erythromycin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Erythromycin is an antibiotic in the class of antibiotics known as macrolide antibiotics which also includes azithromycin (Zithromax, Zmax) and clarithromycin (Biaxin). Erythromycin, like all macrolide antibiotics, prevents bacterial cells from growing and multiplying by interfering with their ability to make proteins while not affecting human cells. Bacteria such …

Cefdinir vs. cefixime (Suprax) quick comparison of the differences Cefdinir and cefixime (Suprax) are 3rd generation cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat a wide range of infections, for example: Middle ear infections Tonsillitis Strep Throat Laryngitis Sinusitis Bronchitis Pneumonia Skin and soft tissue infections Cefdinir and cefixime have similar side effects that include: Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Abdominal pain Headache Vaginitis Skin …

Introduction You’ve probably heard a lot about zinc for colds. But is zinc really effective for reducing the duration of cold symptoms? Here’s what you should know about zinc and colds. What is zinc? Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. Zinc has antioxidant effects and is vital to the body’s resistance to infection. It’s …

What is guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Guaifenesin/phenylephrine is a medication that contains two different drugs, an expectorant (guaifenesin) and a decongestant (phenylephrine). The expectorant effects of guaifenesin promote drainage of mucus from the lungs by thinning the mucus. It also lubricates the irritated respiratory tract. Phenylephrine relieves stuffy nose by constricting blood vessels in …

What is rimantadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rimantadine is a synthetic (man-made) anti-viral drug that can prevent viruses in cells from multiplying. Rimantadine is chemically related to amantadine (Symmetrel), but rimantadine has fewer side effects on the nervous system than amantadine. It is useful in treating and preventing influenza A virus in adults and in preventing …

What is influenza nasal vaccine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? FluMist is a nasal vaccine that protects against infection with the influenza virus or the “flu.” FluMist contains live influenza virus that has been weakened so that it causes minimal or no symptoms. When FluMist is inhaled, the body responds to the weakened viruses in FluMist by …