Tag Archives: arthritis

What is methylprednisolone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylprednisolone family of products include methylprednisolone, methylprednisolone acetate (Medrol, Depo-medrol), and methylprednisolone sodium acetate (Solu-medrol). They will be called methylprednisolone in this monograph. They are synthetic (man-made) corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are naturally-occurring chemicals produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids affect …

What is febuxostat, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Febuxostat is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for treating gout caused by excessive levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). Uric acid is formed from the breakdown of certain chemicals (purines) in the body. Hyperuricemia occurs when the body produces more uric acid than it can eliminate. The …

What is nabumetone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nabumetone belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the levels of …

What are Cox-2 inhibitors? Prostaglandins are made by two different enzymes, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The prostaglandins made by the two different enzymes have slightly different effects on the body. COX-2 inhibitors are NSAIDs that selectively block the COX-2 enzyme and not the COX-1 enzyme. Blocking this enzyme impedes the production of prostaglandins by the COX-2 which is more …

What is potassium citrate-oral tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Potassium citrate is a urinary alkalinizing medication. It makes urine less acidic. Potassium citrate works by crystallizing stone-forming salts such as calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid within the urinary bladder by increasing the urinary pH and urine citrate levels. Urocit-k was approved in August 1985. …

What is prednisone, and how does it work? Prednisone is an oral, synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid (steroid) used for suppressing the immune system and inflammation. It has effects similar to other corticosteroids such as: triamcinolone (Kenacort) methylprednisolone (Medrol) prednisolone (Prelone) dexamethasone (Decadron) These synthetic corticosteroids mimic the action of cortisol (hydrocortisone), the naturally-occurring corticosteroid produced in the body by the adrenal …

What are bone spurs? A bone spur is a small, sharp outgrowth of bone. They can come from local trauma to the bone, cartilage or tendon near where a bone spur has formed. Inflammation, like that caused by arthritis, can also cause the formation of bone spurs. Often, bone spurs are not painful or uncomfortable. They only require treatment when …

What is celecoxib? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for example, ibuprofen (Motrin), aspirin, and naproxen (Naprosyn) used to treat arthritis, pain, menstrual cramps, and colonic polyps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important contributors to the inflammation of arthritis that causes pain, fever, swelling and tenderness. Celecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes …

Osteochondritis dissecans facts Osteochondritis dissecans is a joint condition whereby a variable amount of bone and its adjacent cartilage loses its blood supply. Osteochondritis dissecans causes irregularity and fragility of affected cartilage. As a result, it is possible for portions of cartilage to become lodged within the joint, leading to limitation in motion. The cause of osteochondritis dissecans is often …

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) facts Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a particular form of blood vessel inflammation called vasculitis. Henoch-Schonlein purpura frequently follows an infection of the throat or breathing passages, but it can be induced by certain medications. Henoch-Schonlein purpura causes skin rash, pain in the abdomen, and joint inflammation (arthritis). The treatment of Henoch-Schonlein purpura is directed toward the most significant …