What is oral norethindrone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Norethindrone is a man-made progestin used for treating abnormal uterine bleeding and related condtions (such as amenorrhea and endometriosis). Progestins are steroid hormones that have the same effect as progesterone. Norethindrone works by stopping gonadotropin production from the pituitary gland, leading to prevention …
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What is amikacin injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amikacin is a man-made aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is similar to tobramycin and gentamicin. Amikacin binds to components of bacteria that produce important bacterial proteins, blocking protein synthesis which eventually leads to stopping further bacterial growth. Amikacin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to …
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What are protease inhibitors (PIs), and how do they work? Protease inhibitors (PIs) are antiviral drugs used for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. During infection with HIV or hepatitis C, the HIV or HCV multiply within the body’s cells. Viruses are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect …
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Claritin vs. Zyrtec comparison Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are part of a family of second-generation antihistamines used for treatment of hay fever allergies and hives. This group of drugs also includes fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin) The advantage of Claritin and Zyrtec is they cause less drowsiness than older anti-allergy drugs like Benadryl or hydroxyzine. Cetirizine and loratadine are …
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What are the common types of high blood pressure (hypertension) medications? There are a number of types and classes of drugs available for the management and treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Your doctor or other health care professional will prescribe a drug that fits your specific needs based on your medical condition, and any other existing health problems you …
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What is a biologic drug (biologics)? A biologic drug (biologics) is a product that is produced from living organisms or contain components of living organisms. Biologic drugs include a wide variety of products derived from human, animal, or microorganisms by using biotechnology. Types of biologic drugs include vaccines, blood, blood components, cells, allergens, genes, tissues, and recombinant proteins. Biologic products …
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What is diabetes? Diabetes is a set of related diseases in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar (specifically, glucose) in the blood. What are the types of diabetes? The related diseases of diabetes include: Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Gestational diabetes Prediabetes Metabolic syndrome (syndrome X) Insulin resistance (a condition that precedes the development of type …
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What are bronchodilators, and how do they work? Bronchodilators are medications that open (dilate) the airways (bronchial tubes) of the lung by relaxing bronchial muscles and allow people who have difficulty breathing to breath better. Bronchodilators are used for treating: Asthma Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD Allergic reactions Related conditions that cause breathing problems Asthma is a breathing problem resulting …
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What is tardive dyskinesia? Share Your Story Tardive dyskinesia symptoms include involuntary movements of the face and extremities. Dyskinesias are involuntary movements of the face (including lips, tongue, eyes), trunk, and extremities, which are identified in patients who have been treated with certain (dopamine-antagonist) medications. Dyskinesias are difficult to control. Many different conditions can lead to dyskinetic movements, including rheumatic …
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Stroke vs. mini-stroke (TIA) comparison of differences Readers Comments 12 Share Your Story A stroke and mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) have similarities and differences. Mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack, TIA) and stroke usually are caused by blockage of an artery in the brain, and less often by bleeding into the brain tissue. Strokes usually are classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic. …
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