What is Savella (milnacipran)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Milnacipran is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for treating pain associated with fibromyalgia. It is similar to duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Milnacipran affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain make and release in order to …
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What is syphilis? Illustration of a syphilis bacterium. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by an infection with bacteria known as Treponema pallidum. Like other STDs, syphilis can be spread by any type of sexual contact. Syphilis can also be spread from an infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy or to the baby at the time of …
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What is codeine? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Codeine is a narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine and hydrocodone. Moreover, a small amount of codeine is converted to morphine in the body. The precise mechanism of action of codeine is not known; however, like morphine, codeine binds to receptors in the brain (opioid receptors) that are …
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What is mesalamine (Lialda), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mesalamine is an oral drug used for treating ulcerative colitis. Lialda is mesalamine in a form that is slowly released in the intestine so that it can be given just once-a-day. Other oral drugs containing mesalamine that are similar to Lialda include Asacol, Pentasa, and Apriso. Asacol and Pentasa, …
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Heel spurs (calcaneal spurs) facts Heel spurs are pointed, bony outgrowths of the heel that cause soft-tissue inflammation. A heel spur is a pointed bony outgrowth of the heel bone (the calcaneus bone). The build-up of calcium deposits under the heel bone causes heel spurs. Heel spurs under the sole of the foot (plantar area) are associated with plantar fasciitis (inflammation …
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Chondromalacia patella facts Patellofemoral syndrome, or chondromalacia patella, can cause knee pain. Chondromalacia patella is the most common cause of chronic knee pain. Chondromalacia patella has also been called patellofemoral syndrome. The pain of chondromalacia patella is aggravated by activity or prolonged sitting with bent knees. Abnormal "tracking" allows the kneecap (patella) to grate over the lower end of the …
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What is pyrimethamine? What is its mechanism of action? Pyrimethamine prevents parasites from producing important proteins by blocking the use of folic acid which is necessary for the production of proteins. Preventing parasites from producing important proteins prevents growth and development of new parasites. The FDA approved pyrimethamine in January 1953. What brand names are available for pyrimethamine? The brand …
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What are benzodiazepines, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Benzodiazepines are man-made medications that cause mild to severe depression of the nerves within the brain (central nervous system) and sedation (drowsiness). Seizures, anxiety, and other diseases that require benzodiazepine treatment may be caused by excessive activity of nerves in the brain. These drugs may work by enhancing the …
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Vaginal pain and vulvodynia definitions and facts Illustration of Vagina Vulvodynia (vaginal pain) refers to pain in the area of the vulva and vaginal opening for which no cause can be identified. Vulvodynia is not related to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The exact cause of vulvodynia is not known. Symptoms include a burning, throbbing, or aching pain that can be …
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Meningococcemia facts This photo depicts purple necrotic lesions on the legs of a person who has meningococcemia. Meningococcemia is a bloodstream infection cause by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, also called meningococcus. N. meningitidis is a contagious bacterium that spreads from person to person via respiratory secretions. Initially, patients present with fever and general body aches. A rash is often present. …
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