Hdkino Health and Medical Information

What is telaprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Telaprevir is a man-made antiviral medication that targets hepatitis C virus (HCV). Similar drugs include simeprevir (Olysio) and boceprevir (Victrelis). These drugs are called direct-acting antiviral agents because they act directly on hepatitis C virus. They block the replication of hepatitis C virus in …

What is damiana (Turnera diffusa)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Turnera diffusa is a natural herbal supplement. The exact mechanism of how Turnera diffusa works is not known. Turnera diffusa is believed to have stimulant, antidepressant, mood improving, libido enhancing, euphoric, and nervous system restorative properties. Individuals should consult their doctor before taking Turnera diffusa compounds. What …

What is tacrine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tacrine is an oral medication used to treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. Tacrine is in a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that also includes rivastigmine (Exelon), donepezil (Aricept), and galantamine (Razadyne – formerly Reminyl). Cholinesterase inhibitors inhibit (block) the action of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the destruction …

What brand names are available for valdecoxib? This drug has been discontinued.  Brand name: Bextra

What is teriflunomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Teriflunomide is an oral immunomodulatory agent used for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme used to make pyrimidine which is used to build DNA. The exact mechanism of action of teriflunomide in the treatment of MS is unknown. …

What is sulfinpyrazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sulfinpyrazone is an oral drug that is used to treat gout. Gout is caused by elevated blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia). Sulfinpyrazone works by increasing the excretion of uric acid in the urine thereby lowering the elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that are responsible for …

What is urokinase-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Urokinase is a thrombolytic medication made from human neonatal kidney cells. Urokinase is an enzyme (protein) that disrupts the clotting cycle and breaks down blood clots lodged in the lungs in people with pulmonary embolism. The FDA approved urokinase under the brand name Kinlytic in 2007. Is urokinase-injection available …

What is rofecoxib, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain, particularly the pain of osteoarthritis and menstrual cramps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important in promoting inflammation and its signs–pain, fever, swelling and tenderness. Rofecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase- 2) and thereby reduces …

What is simeprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Simeprevir is an oral, direct-acting an-tiviral agent used for treating infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Boceprevir (Victrelis), telaprevir (Incivek), and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) are other direct-acting drugs for treating HCV. Simeprevir blocks the effect of pro-teases which are enzymes that HCV needs for making new viruses, leading to …

What is procainamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Procainamide is an injectable antiarrhythmic drug that is used to correct disturbances in the heart's rhythm. Three actions are responsible for its ability to correct disturbances of rhythm and prevent their recurrence. Procainamide decreases the speed of electrical conduction through the heart muscle, prolongs the electrical phase during which …