What is tincture of opium liquid, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Opium tincture is an oral liquid medication used to control diarrhea. Opium tincture contains morphine which is an opioid pain reliever. Opioids can reduce gastrointestinal motility, propulsion, secretions, and increase gastrointestinal muscle tone. These effects help in controlling diarrhea. Opium tincture …
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What is glycopyrrolate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glycopyrrolate is a synthetic anti-cholinergic medication. Glycopyrrolate works by blocking acetylcholine activity on smooth muscles and other tissues. Acetylcholine is neurotransmitter, a chemical that nerves use for communicating. Blocking of acetylcholine leads to decrease in volume and acidity of stomach secretions and decrease in pharyngeal, tracheal, and bronchial secretions. …
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What is atropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atropine belongs to a class of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. Atropine occurs naturally and is extracted from the belladonna alkaloid plant. Atropine works by blocking the actions of a chemical called acetylcholine. Atropine has numerous uses in clinical medicine and is available in several dosage forms including …
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What is levocarnitine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Levocarnitine (Carnitor) is a naturally occurring substance that the cells of mammals need to produce energy. It is used to treat carnitine deficiency. Carnitine is a small protein that binds to and helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria, the site of energy production within cells. In the mitochondria, …
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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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What is mannitol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mannitol is a naturally occurring substance that causes the body to lose water (diuresis) through osmosis. Mannitol promotes diuresis in kidneys by increasing the concentration of filtrates in the kidney and blocking reabsorption of water by kidney tubules. The FDA approved mannitol in June 1964. What brand names are …
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What is nystatin? Nystatin is an oral anti-fungal medication. Why is nystatin used? Nystatin oral tablets and capsules are used for treating intestinal candidiasis. Is nystatin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for nystatin? Yes What brand names are available for nystatin? There are no brand names for nystatin available in the US. What are …
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What is famotidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Famotidine is an oral drug that blocks the production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 (histamine-2) blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac). Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that stimulates cells in the stomach …
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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 used as a laxative to …
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What is diphenoxylate and atropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lomotil is a combination of two drugs, diphenoxylate and atropine. It is used to treat acute diarrhea (diarrhea of limited duration). Diphenoxylate is a man-made narcotic chemically related to meperidine (Demerol). Like other narcotics, diphenoxylate reduces diarrhea by interfering with the propulsion of intestinal contents through the …
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