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What is clindamycin phosphate-vaginal cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clindamycin is an antibiotic used for treating serious infections. It is effective against several types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes. It reduces growth of bacteria by interfering with their ability to make proteins. …

What is typhoid vaccine-oral enteric-coated capsule, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Typhoid vaccine is a live attenuated (weakened) oral typhoid vaccine. Typhoid disease is caused by ingestion of Salmonella typhi strains from contaminated food or water. Active immunity from vaccine is occurs when the body produces antibodies to typhoid in response to the weakened typhoid bacteria in …

What is guaifenesin with codeine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Guaifenesin with codeine is an oral, liquid cough medicine. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, which works by thinning and increasing the volume of mucus. Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant that works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, eventually reducing the frequency of cough. What brand …

What is tolterodine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tolterodine belongs to a class of drugs called cholinergic (acetylcholine) receptor blockers. It is used to treat disorders of the urinary bladder that affect urination. The urinary bladder is a muscular "bag." Urine coming from the kidneys fills the bladder and causes it to stretch like a balloon. As …

What is dexamethasone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dexamethasone is a synthetic (created by a chemical processes) corticosteroid hormone like prednisone, betamethasone, and triamcinolone. More specifically, dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid hormone, which means that it has anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the ability to affect blood glucose use, fat breakdown, and bone development depending on where it …

What is permethrin-topical cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Permethrin is a topical cream used to treat scabies. Permethrin is a neurotoxin that works by paralyzing nerves in respiratory muscles of scabies, causing their death. The FDA approved permethrin in August 1989. What brand names are available for permethrin-topical cream? Elimite, Nix Cream Is permethrin-topical cream available …

What is sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bactrim is a combination of two synthetic (man-made) antibiotics, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Both drugs reduce the ability of some bacteria to utilize folic acid for growing. Sulfamethoxazole is an anti-bacterial sulfonamide, a "sulfa" drug. It disrupts the production of dihydrofolic acid while trimethoprim disrupts the production of …

What is lidocaine injection? Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic agent (affects heart rhythm) as well as a local anesthetic (amide type). Why is lidocaine injection prescribed to patients? Lidocaine is prescribed for local or regional anesthesia (loss of sensation) during surgical procedures as well as for control of ventricular arrhythmias associated with heart attack or cardiac surgery. Do I need a …

What is cyclosporine-ophthalmic, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Restasis ophthalmic emulsion is a prescription eye drop that helps patients increase their eyes’ natural ability to produce tears. It is used to treat a type of chronic dry eye condition caused by inflammation. Cyclosporine, the medicine in Restasis, is also available in oral and injectable formulations that are …

What is ketorolac-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ketorolac is a member of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used for treating inflammation and pain. Other drugs in this class include ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), but ketorolac is more effective than other NSAIDs in reducing pain from both inflammatory and …