What is amikacin injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amikacin is a man-made aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is similar to tobramycin and gentamicin. Amikacin binds to components of bacteria that produce important bacterial proteins, blocking protein synthesis which eventually leads to stopping further bacterial growth. Amikacin is used to treat infections caused by …
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What is cabergoline? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Cabergoline is a synthetic ergot derived medication that acts on dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland which is located at the base of the brain. Cabergoline stimulates D2 (a specific type of dopamine receptor) receptors in the anterior pituitary gland and prevents the production of the hormone prolactin. The approval …
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What are iron supplements (ferrous sulfate) used for? Ferrous sulfate is used for the treatment and prevention of iron-deficiency anemias. Iron supplements are available over-the-counter (OTC) in generic form. Other names for ferrous sulfate are the brand names Fer-In-Sol, Slow Fe, Feosol, Feratab, and many more. What are the side effects of iron supplements? The most common side effects associated …
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What are corticosteroids? What is the mechanism of action (how do they work)? Corticosteroids are steroid hormones that are either produced by the body or are man-made. Systemic corticosteroids refer to corticosteroids that are given orally or by injection and distribute throughout the body. It does not include corticosteroids used in the eyes, ears, or nose, on the skin or …
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What is nystatin oral suspension, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nystatin suspension is an oral, anti-fungal liquid medication. Nystatin works by binding to sterols in the walls of fungal cells, disturbing function of the cell wall. The fungal cells eventually lose their contents, leading to their death and improvement of the fungal infection. The FDA approved nystatin …
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What is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane ), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is also called dimethyl sulfone, DMSO2, methyl sulfone, and many other names. MSM is an organic sulfur found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and milk as well as the urine of animals. It is an oxidation product of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and a source of sulfur …
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What is gentamicin ointment? What is gentamicin used for? Topical gentamicin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic prescribed to treat a variety of skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria (for example, impetigo, folliculitis, eczema, psoriasis, and minor burns, cuts, or wounds). Is gentamicin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for gentamicin? Yes What are the side …
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What is iron dextran, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Iron dextran is an injectable form of iron used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, a condition in which the blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells because of a deficiency of available iron. It is only used to treat patients who cannot be adequately treated with oral iron …
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What is Brilinta? What is Brilinta used for? Brilinta is a P2Y12 platelet inhibitor indicated to reduce the rate of for cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or a history of myocardial infarction (MI). For at least the first 12 months following ACS, it is superior to clopidogrel. Brilinta also reduces the rate …
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What is lesinurad, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lesinurad is an oral medication that reduces uric acid levels in people who have too much uric acid in their blood (hyperuricemia) and have symptoms of gout. It is the first approved drug in a new class of drugs called selective uric acid reabsorption inhibitors (SURI). Uric acid is …
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