What is bupivicaine injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bupivacaine is a local anesthetic that is similar to lidocaine and mepivacaine (amide type). Bupivacaine, like other local anesthetics reduces the flow of sodium in and out of nerves. This decreases the initiation and transfer of nerve signals in the area in which …
Read More »budesonide (Entocort EC, Uceris) for IBD: Side Effects & Dosage
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 …
Read More »Dexamethasone Injection (Baycadron, Dexamethasone Intensol)
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 …
Read More »Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) Uses Side Effects & Dosage
What is atovaquone-proguanil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atovaquone and proguanil is an anti-malarial medication. Atovaquone blocks mitochondrial electron transfer and thereby the production of energy for use by the parasites. Proguanil is metabolized into its active metabolite, cycloguanil, which blocks dihydrofolate reductase and enzymes required for making pyrimidine which is a chemical needed for production of …
Read More »Allegra (fexofenadine) Allergy Drug Side Effects & Uses
What is fexofenadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fexofenadine is an oral, "second generation" antihistamine that is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergy and hives. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and …
Read More »Nicorette Gum (nicotine polacrilex, Habitrol) Side Effects, Addiction & Dosage
What brand names are available for nicotine gum? Nicorette Gum, Nicorelief, Nicorette, Thrive Is nicotine gum available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for nicotine gum? No What are the uses for nicotine gum? Nicotine gum is used to control nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with smoking cessation. What are the side effects …
Read More »dopamine (Intropin) Shock Drug: Side Effects, Uses, and Dosage
Is dopamine-injection available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for dopamine-injection? Yes What are the uses for dopamine-injection? Dopamine is prescribed to correct hemodynamic status in patients with shock syndrome due to heart attack (myocardial infarction), trauma, open-heart surgery, renal failure, congestive heart failure, and other causes of shock syndrome. This means dopamine may …
Read More »phenytoin (Dilantin) Drug Facts, Side Effects & Dosage
What is Dilantin? Phenytoin is an oral and injectable anti-seizure medication first synthesized in 1908. Why is Dilantin prescribed to patients? Phenytoin is an anti-seizure medication (anticonvulsant) used for preventing or treating generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, complex partial seizures (psychomotor seizures), and seizures occurring during or after neurosurgery. It may be used alone or with phenobarbital or other anticonvulsants. …
Read More »Permethrin Cream (Elimite, Nix Cream) Uses & Side Effects
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 …
Read More »methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) Dosage & Side Effects
What is methylphenidate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylphenidate is a medication that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to the amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than those of the amphetamines. An additional difference is that methylphenidate produces more noticeable effects on mental activities than on motor activities. …
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