Hdkino Health and Medical Information

What is guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Guaifenesin/phenylephrine is a medication that contains two different drugs, an expectorant (guaifenesin) and a decongestant (phenylephrine). The expectorant effects of guaifenesin promote drainage of mucus from the lungs by thinning the mucus. It also lubricates the irritated respiratory tract. Phenylephrine relieves stuffy nose …

What is efalizumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Efalizumab is a synthetic (man-made) antibody that is used for the treatment of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a disease of the skin in which the cells of the skin reproduce more rapidly than normal. This increased reproduction is thought to be stimulated by activation of the immune system, in particular, …

What is Cylert (pemoline), and how does it work? Cylert (pemoline) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The brand name Cylert is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available. Cylert (pemoline) is a central nervous system stimulant. Pemoline is structurally dissimilar to the amphetamines and methylphenidate. It is …

What is conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesteron, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prempro and Premphase are combinations of conjugated estrogens (Premarin) and medroxyprogesterone (Provera). Estrogens and progestins are the two major classes of female hormones. Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of several different estrogens (estrogen salts) that are derived from natural sources and blended to approximate the …

What are PEG and electrolytes? PEG and electrolytes are oral solutions used prior to colonoscopy and other examinations or procedures to cleanse the intestines, in particular, the large bowel or colon. The PEG remains in the intestines where it retains water by producing an osmotic effect. This causes a watery stool, in fact, diarrhea, which rapidly cleanses the bowel within …

What is clonidine (Kapvay extended-release), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Kapvay is an oral medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. This drug has been used to reduce blood pressure in adults for many years but has been approved for another indication by the FDA. Kapvay works by stimulating alpha-2 receptors …

What is guarana (Paullinia cupana)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Guarana is a natural herbal supplement. The exact mechanism of how guarana works is not known. Guarana contains more than 2.5% to 5% caffeine by weight. Caffeine is a stimulant and is most likely responsible for most of guarana's effects. There is no scientific evidence that guarana …

What is bitolterol mesylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bitolterol is a bronchodilator used in the treatment of asthma. It is similar to albuterol (Ventolin). Asthma is a disorder of breathing in which there is narrowing of the airways that carry air to the lungs including the bronchi. This narrowing is caused by muscle spasm and inflammation …

What is beclomethasone dipropionate inhaler, and how does it work? Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroid drug of the glucocorticoid family. The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid (cortisol or hydrocortisone) is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as an inhaler, the medication goes directly into the lungs, and very little finds its way into the rest of …

What is becaplermin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Becaplermin is a gel applied topically to diabetic ulcers on the lower limbs (foot, ankle, and leg) to promote healing of the ulcers. It belongs to a class of man-made drugs called platelet-derived growth factors or PDGFs that are similar to naturally-occurring PDGFs. Becaplermin is made using recombinant DNA …