What is feverfew (tanacetum parthenium)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tanacetum parthenium is an herb. The leaves are used as a natural herbal supplement. Tanacetum parthenium contains parthenolide, which works on serotonin receptors in the brain, giving relief from migraine headaches. Tanacetum parthenium is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and …
Read More »flu vaccine live, FluMist & Quadrivalent: Drug Side Effects
What is influenza nasal vaccine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? FluMist is a nasal vaccine that protects against infection with the influenza virus or the “flu.” FluMist contains live influenza virus that has been weakened so that it causes minimal or no symptoms. When FluMist is inhaled, the body responds to the weakened viruses in FluMist by …
Read More »astemizole (Hismanal): Drug Side Effects and Dosing
What brand names are available for astemizole? Hismanal
Read More »pramoxine (Itch-X and others) – Topical: Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions
What is pramoxine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pramoxine is a topical (used on the skin) anesthetic (numbing agent). Topical anesthetics are chemicals that interfere with the function of the nerves that sense pain. Pramoxine may be used in persons who are allergic to other local anesthetics such as lidocaine, procaine, or benzocaine. Is it available as …
Read More »dalfampridine, Ampyra: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is dalfampridine, Ampyra, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ampyra is an oral medication used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Its exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it is known to block movement of potassium between nerve cells. In animal studies Ampyra increased the conduction of nerve signals. The FDA approved Ampyra in December 1987. What …
Read More »perphenazine and amitriptyline (Etrafon): Drug Side Effects
What is amitriptyline w/ perphenazine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Perphenazine/amitriptyline is a combination of an antipsychotic and an antidepressant. Perphenazine is an antipsychotic that works in the brain and nervous system. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters …
Read More »salsalate, Disalcid: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is salsalate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Salsalate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Salsalate is converted in the body to salicylic acid which is its active form and is closely related to aspirin. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen …
Read More »cosyntropin (Cortrosyn): Facts About Drug Side Effects
What is cosyntropin-injectable, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cosyntropin is a manufactured version of the body's natural adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It stimulates the adrenal gland to release steroids including hydrocortisone and cortisone, androgens, as well as aldosterone. Cosyntropin has the same activity as ACTH. The FDA approved …
Read More »choline magnesium salicylate, Trilisate: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is choline magnesium salicylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Choline magnesium salicylate (or trisalicylate) is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), referred to as a salicylate, which is effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Other drugs within the same class are aspirin, diflunisal (Dolobid) and salsalate (Disalcid). They work by reducing …
Read More »Conjugated Estrogens (Cenestin, Enjuvia, Estrace, and Others)
What are conjugated estrogens? Conjugated estrogens are mixtures of man-made or natural estrogens used as an external source and replacement for the natural female hormone. Estrogens have widespread effects on many tissues in the body. Estrogens cause growth and development of the female sexual organs and maintain female sexual characteristics such as the growth of underarm and pubic hair, body …
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