What is diclofenac, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Diclofenac belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve) and several others. NSAIDs …
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adalimumab (Humira): Arthritis Drug Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
What is adalimumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rheumatoid arthritis Humira is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. HUMIRA can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs …
Read More »Propoxyphene (Darvon): Opioid Uses Side Effects & Dosage
What is propoxyphene? What is propoxyphene used for? Propoxyphene is indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain. It is a narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant but is weaker than morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. The precise mechanism of action is not known but may involve stimulation of opioid (narcotic) receptors in the brain. Propoxyphene increases pain tolerance and decreases …
Read More »meloxicam (Mobic) Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, and Abuse
What is meloxicam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Meloxicam is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used to treat pain and/or inflammation. Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. Prostaglandins are chemicals that contribute to inflammation especially within joints, and it is the …
Read More »Etodolac: Osteoarthritis Drug Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
What is etodolac? What is etodolac used for? Etodolac belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, etc.), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and numerous others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing …
Read More »phenylbutazone (Butazolidine) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is phenylbutazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Phenylbutazone is prescribed to treat inflammation and pain that results from ankylosing spondylitits, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis. Phenylbutazone has been removed from the United States market due to the availability of newer drugs with less adverse effects. Phenylbutazone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, …
Read More »Diclofenac/Misoprostol (Arthrotec) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is diclofenac and misoprostol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac and misoprostol. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) similar to ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and others that is used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever. Diclofenac, like other NSAIDs works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are …
Read More »Prednisolone (Orapred, Pediapred) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is prednisolone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prednisolone is a synthetic adrenal corticosteroid (cortisone). Corticosteroids are natural substances produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory …
Read More »leflunomide (Arava) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is leflunomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Leflunomide is an oral, disease-modifying drug that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation in the joints that is responsible for both the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the destruction of joints. This reduces symptoms as well as the progressive deformities of the joints caused …
Read More »Sulindac (Clinoril) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is sulindac, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sulindac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) as well as others. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are produced by the body and are responsible for pain, …
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