bromfenac (Duract): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing

What brand names are available for bromfenac? Duract

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boceprevir (Victrelis) Hepatitis C Drug Side Effects

What is boceprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Boceprevir is a man-made antiviral medication that targets hepatitis C virus (HCV). Similar drugs include simeprevir (Olysio) and telaprevir (Incivek). 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 human cells by binding to …

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blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria, Spirulina) Side Effects

What is blue green algae (Spirulina sp.)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Blue-green algae is a natural herbal supplement. Blue-green algae has high amounts of protein, iron, and other minerals and claims have been made that it has beneficial effects on the immune system, inflammation, and against viral infections. Individuals should check with their physicians before using …

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beclomethasone dipropionate nasal (Vancenase, Beconase) Side Effects

What is beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler-spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family. (The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid that is produced by the adrenal gland is cortisol or hydrocortisone.) Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, the medication goes directly to the lining of the …

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cerivastatin (Baycol): Drug Side Effects and Dosing

What is cerivastatin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cerivastatin is a drug that lowers cholesterol in the blood by blocking the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. It lowers total cholesterol as well as the LDL subfraction of cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is believed to be the “bad” cholesterol that is …

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aurothioglucose (Solganal) Drug Side Effects and Dosing

What is aurothioglucose, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Aurothioglucose is a gold-containing chemical (salt) used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Other gold salts available include injectable gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine), and capsules, auranofin (Ridaura). It is not well understood exactly how gold salts work. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gold salts …

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atenolol/chlorthalidone, Tenoretic: Drug Facts and Side Effects

What is atenolol and chlorthalidone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atenolol/chlorthalidone is a combination of atenolol (Tenormin) and chlorthalidone (Hygroton) used for the treatment of high blood pressure. Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that blocks the effects of adrenergic drugs, for example, adrenaline or epinephrine, on nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. Atenolol reduces the heart …

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apremilast (Otezla): Click for Side Effects and Dosing

What is apremilast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Apremilast is an oral medication used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis (a form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis). It is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. Apremilast works by reducing production …

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amprenavir, Agenerase: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing

What is amprenavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? This drug was discontinued as of October of 2007.  Amprenavir is an oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which, among others, includes indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir) and saquinavir (Invirase, …

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chlorpropamide (Diabinese): Drug Side Effects and Dosing

What is chlorpropamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chlorpropamide is an oral blood sugar-lowering drug in a class of medications for diabetes treatment called sulfonylureas. It is one of the first four sulfonylureas to be used to manage type II diabetes and it is commonly referred to as a first generation sulfonylurea. The second generation sulfonylureas are …

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