What is olsalazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Olsalazine is an oral medication that works as an anti-inflammatory drug for treating inflammatory diseases of the colon. It is a derivative of salicylic acid. Inactive itself, it is converted by the bacteria in the colon to its active form, mesalamine. Following oral administration …
Read More »
What is sage leaf? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Sage leaf is a spice that is used as herbal supplement for several conditions. The mechanism of action of Sage leaf is not known. It is believed to provide therapeutic effect through beta-thujone, which is a major component of Sage leaf oil extract. You do not need a prescription …
Read More »
What is rosiglitazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rosiglitazone is an oral drug that reduces the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It is used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes and is in a class of anti-diabetic drugs called thiazolidinediones. The other member of this class is pioglitazone (Actos). Insulin is a hormone produced …
Read More »
What is tocilizumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tocilizumab is an injectable synthetic (man-made) protein that binds to interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the body and blocks the effects of IL-6 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammation is the body's reaction to injury and is a necessary process for the repair of injury. IL-6 is a protein that the …
Read More »
Rhabdomyolysis facts What Is Rhabdomyolysis? Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid destruction of skeletal muscle resulting in leakage into the urine of the muscle protein myoglobin. Rhabdomyolysis has many causes. Medications can cause muscle injury and rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis can cause muscle pain and weakness. Blood levels of muscle enzymes, including CPK, SGOT, SGPT, and LDH, as well as blood and urine myoglobin …
Read More »
What are sexual problems in men? Sexual problems in men also affect their partners. Sexual health is an important part of a man's life, no matter his age, civil status, or sexual orientation. It is also an important part of a couple's foundation and contributes to the quality of life. Sexual problems in men are very common and impact sexual …
Read More »
Deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) and turbinectomy facts Picture of the anatomy of the sinuses The following information is provided to help patients and their families prepare for deviated septum surgery (septoplasty) and turbinectomy (nasal airway surgery), and to understand more clearly the associated benefits, risks, and complications. Patients are encouraged to ask their doctor any questions or concerns to help …
Read More »
Malaria facts Picture of Malaria Precautions by Sleeping Under Mosquito Nets Treated with Insecticide More than 215 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide in 2016. The World Health Organization estimates that 445,000 people died of malaria in 2016; the vast majority are young children in sub-Saharan Africa. Although this is a significant decrease in deaths since 2000 due to increased …
Read More »
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan definition and facts Readers Comments 17 Share Your Story Picture: A medical technician prepares a patient for an MRI to check for a possible brain tumor Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI scanning uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. MRI scanning is painless and does not involve x-ray radiation. …
Read More »
What is zonisamide-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Scientists do not known how exactly zonisamide works in the body. Zonisamide is presumed to work on the sodium and calcium channels in the brain cells where it controls electric-currents that are responsible for seizure activity. The FDA approved zonisamide in March 2000. The brand name for zonisamide is …
Read More »
