What is midodrine? ProAmatine is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (OH). Because ProAmatine can cause marked elevation of supine blood pressure (BP>200 mmHg systolic), it should be used in patients whose lives are considerably impaired despite standard clinical care, including non-pharmacologic treatment (such as support stockings), fluid expansion, and lifestyle alterations. The …
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What is metaxalone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Metaxalone is an oral drug that relaxes skeletal muscle the muscles that control movement of the body. It does not act directly on skeletal muscle, and the exact mechanism of action of metaxalone is unknown. Metaxalone relaxes muscles possibly by affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) …
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What is trandolapril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Trandolapril is an oral drug that is used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Zestril; Prinivil), benazepril (Lotensin), ramipril (Altace), and quinapril (Accupril). Blood pressure is dependent on …
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What is malathion, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Malathion is a pesticide used for killing head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). It kills head lice and lice eggs by blocking the activity of enzymes (cholinesterase) that breaks-down and inactivates acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) in head lice. This causes high levels of acetylcholine which leads to death of lice. The …
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What is terazosin? Terazosin belongs to a class of medications called alpha 1 blockers which relax the smooth muscles of the arteries, the prostate, and the bladder neck. Is terazosin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for terazosin? Yes Why is terazosin prescribed to patients? Terazosin is used to treat the symptoms of urinary obstruction …
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Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Risperdal (risperidone): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Risperdal (risperidone) are different types of antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia. Haloperidol is also used to treat acute psychosis and for tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. Risperidone is also used to treat bipolar mania and autism. A brand name for haloperidol is Haldol. Side effects of haloperidol …
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Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Xanax (alprazolam): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat different types of psychiatric disorders. Haloperidol is used to treat schizophrenia, acute psychosis, and for tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. A brand name for haloperidol is Haldol. Haloperidol and Xanax belong to …
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What is glucagon? Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that, along with insulin, controls the level of glucose in the blood. Glucagon has the opposite effect of insulin. It increases the glucose levels in blood. Glucagon, the drug, is a synthetic (man-made) version of human glucagon and is manufactured by genetic engineering using the bacteria Escherichia coli. Is …
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What is ziprasidone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ziprasidone is an oral and injectable drug that is used for treating psychoses, for example, schizophrenia. Although the mechanism of action of ziprasidone is not known, like other anti-psychotics, it inhibits communication between nerves of the brain. It does this by blocking receptors on the nerves for several neurotransmitters, …
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What is gemfibrozil? Gemfibrozil is a blood lipid and cholesterol-altering medicine. Why is gemfibrozil prescribed to patients? Gemfibrozil is used for reducing elevated triglyceride levels that are high enough to cause pancreatitis. Because gemfibrozil raises HDL and decreases triglycerides it is prescribed for preventing coronary heart disease in individuals without a history or symptoms of coronary heart disease who have …
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