What is benzonatate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benzonatate is a medication taken orally to suppress coughs. It has an anesthetic (numbing) action similar to that of benzocaine and numbs the stretch sensors in the lungs. It is the stretching of these sensors with breathing that causes the cough. Benzonatate begins to …
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What is baclofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Baclofen is an oral and injectable medication that relaxes skeletal muscles, the muscles that move the skeleton (and also called striated muscle). Chemically, baclofen is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. GABA …
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What is arnica (Arnica montana)-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Arnica montana is a homeopathic topical pain relief agent. Its mechanism of action is not well known. Arnica preparations have shown wound healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties. Arnica’s actions may be due to two chemicals called helenalin and dihyrdohelenalin. These chemicals may modify the action …
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What is cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid, Flexeril)? Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. Cyclobenzaprine relieves muscle spasm when the spasm is due to local problems, that is, in the muscle itself and not in the nerves controlling the muscles. Cyclobenzaprine has no effect on muscle function. Cyclobenzaprine seems to accomplish its beneficial effect through a complex mechanism within the nervous system, probably …
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What is Diamox, Diamox Sequels (acetazolamide)? Acetazolamide is a strong carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Why is Diamox, Diamox Sequels (acetazolamide) prescribed to patients? Acetazolamide a prescription medicine used for the following conditions: To remove extra fluid from the body (diuresis) in people with heart failure. Prevention and treatment of mountain sickness (altitude sickness) Seizures Glaucoma What brand names are available for …
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What is Valtrex (valacyclovir)? What are its uses? Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an oral antiviral drug which is active against the herpes viruses. It is used to treat infections with: Shingles (herpes zoster) Genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis) Cold sores (herpes labialis) What are the side effects of Valtrex (valacyclovir)? The side effect profile of Valtrex is similar to that of …
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What are tobramycin (Tobrex) eye drops? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Tobramycin (Tobrex) is an antibiotic eye drop. Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that kills susceptible bacteria by blocking bacterial protein synthesis. Death of susceptible bacteria occurs because of the lack of functional proteins. Tobramycin treats only bacterial eye infections and does not work for other types of …
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What is temazepam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Temazepam is a drug that is used for treating anxiety. It is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), and others. Temazepam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) …
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What is tacrolimus ointment, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tacrolimus ointment is a topical drug (a drug that is applied to the skin) that is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Atopic dermatitis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease of skin in which the skin becomes inflamed, causing itchiness, redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting, and scaling. …
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What is nabumetone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nabumetone belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the levels of …
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