What is spironolactone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Aldactone (spironolactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic that removes excess fluid from the body in congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease. It also can be used in combination with other drugs to treat diuretic-induced low potassium (hypokalemia) and high blood pressure. …
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What are anticoagulants? An anticoagulant is a drug (blood thinner) that treats, prevents, and reduces the risk of blood clots-breaking off and traveling to vital organs of the body, which can lead to life threatening situations. They work by preventing blood from coagulating to form a clot in the vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain. For example, …
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lovastatin vs. simvastatin comparison Both lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev) and simvastatin (Zocor) are members of the statin family of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Statins revolutionized the treatment and prevention of a host of cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease and other cholesterol-related problems that cause debilitating and fatal heart attacks and strokes. Lovastatin and simvastatin are chemically similar. The central difference between these …
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Simvastatin vs. Crestor comparison Zocor (simvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are both members of the family of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins, which revolutionized the management of cardiovascular diseases, many of which are caused by cholesterol plaque deposits in the arteries. Crestor is the more potent cholesterol-lowering drug, and it’s also newer than Zocor. Both simvastatin and rosuvastatin have similar side effects, …
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What is idarucizumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dabigatran prevents blood clots by binding to thrombin and preventing thrombin from combining with other proteins to form a blood clot. Dabigatran increases the risk of bleeding because it reduces the ability of blood to clot. Patients who are taking dabigatran may develop serious or life threatening bleeding or …
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What are the uses for bepridil? Bepridil is prescribed for patients with angina pectoris (heart pain) due to coronary artery disease. Vascor (bepridil hydrochloride) is indicated for the treatment of chronic stable angina (classic effort-associated angina). Because Vascor (bepridil) has caused serious ventricular arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes type ventricular tachycardia, and the occurrence of cases of agranulocytosis associated with its use (see WARNINGS), it should …
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What brand names are available for evening primrose oil? Evening primrose oil, Common Evening Primrose, Fever plant, Sun drops Is evening primrose oil available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for evening primrose oil? No What are the side effects of evening primrose oil? Side effects of Oenothera include: headache, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. Other side …
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What are oral potassium supplements, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Potassium preparations are used for supplementing potassium in order to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Potassium is a major mineral (electrolyte) that is important for the function of every cell in the body. For example, it is important in nerve conduction, muscle …
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What is lisinopril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor 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 (Accupril) captopril (Capoten) fosinopril (Monopril) benazepril (Lotensin) ramipril (Altace) moexipril (Univasc) trandolapril (Mavik) ACE …
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What are beta blockers? Beta blockers are a class of drugs that block beta-adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), a key agent in the "sympathetic" portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system and activation of heart muscle. By blocking the action of the involuntary nervous system on the heart, beta blockers slow the heartbeat and relieve stress on the heart. …
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