What is torsemide, and how does it work? Torsemide (Demadex) is a potent drug that's a diuretic (water pill). This medicine causes a profound increase in urine output (diuresis) by preventing the kidney from retaining water. Specifically, it blocks the reabsorption back into the blood of sodium and water that has been filtered out of …
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What is fosinopril sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fosinopril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are 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), ramipril (Altace), …
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What are vasodilators, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? A vasodilator is a drug that causes vasodilation, a widening (opening) of blood vessels that results from relaxation of the smooth muscle of the vessels. What widens in vasodilation actually is the diameter of the interior (lumen) of the vessel. The opposite of vasodilation is vasoconstriction. This type of …
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What is isosorbide mononitrate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Isosorbide mononitrate is in the class of drugs called nitrates that are used for treating and preventing angina. Other nitrates include nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, NitroQuick, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur and others) and isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil Titradose, Dilatrate-SR, Isochron). Nitrates are vasodilators (dilators of blood vessels). Blood returning from the body in …
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Atorvastatin vs. simvastatin comparison Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor) are parts of a group of drugs called statins that revolutionized cholesterol management and heart disease prevention. Atorvastatin and simvastatin both target the same chemical in the body to reduce drastically the bloodstream levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad cholesterol”), which lowers the risk it will clog up arteries, a …
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Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) definition and facts Readers Comments 49 Share Your Story Peripheral artery disease occurs when blood vessels in the limbs get clogged. The term peripheral vascular disease is commonly used to refer to peripheral artery disease or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), meaning narrowing or occlusion by atherosclerotic plaques of arteries outside of the heart and brain. Peripheral …
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What is timolol and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Timolol GFS 0.25% and 0.5% are indicated for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Timolol maleate is a beta1 and beta2 (nonselective) adrenergic receptor inhibitor that does not have significant intrinsic sympathomimetic, direct myocardial depressant, or local anesthetic (membrane-stabilizing) activity. Timolol …
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What is dabigatran? How does dabigatran work? Dabigatran is an oral drug used to treat and prevent blood clots (an anticoagulant or blood thinner) in the hearts of patients with atrial fibrillation. These clots are likely to break into pieces and travel to the brain to cause strokes. Similarly, it is used to treat and prevent blood clots in the …
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What is cangrelor, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cangrelor is an anti-platelet drug, that is, a drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot. Cangrelor prevents blood clots by reversibly binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. It belongs to a class …
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What is valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medications that is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which also includes: irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of …
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