What are beta blockers? Beta blockers are a class of drugs that block beta-adrenergic substances such as adrenaline (epinephrine), a key agent in the "sympathetic" portion of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system and activation of heart muscle. By blocking the action of the involuntary nervous system on the heart, beta blockers slow the heartbeat and …
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Male breast cancer facts Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancers. Male breast cancer is rare and accounts for only about 1% of all breast cancers. Breast cancer risk in men is increased by elevated blood levels of estrogen, previous radiation exposure, and a family history of breast cancer. Mutations in specific genes, including BRCA2 mutations, …
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What is torsemide, and how does it work? Torsemide (Demadex) is a potent drug that's a diuretic (water pill). This medicine causes a profound increase in urine output (diuresis) by preventing the kidney from retaining water. Specifically, it blocks the reabsorption back into the blood of sodium and water that has been filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. …
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What are topical corticosteroids? Corticosteroid hormones are naturally occurring hormones produced by the adrenal glands within the body. Topical corticosteroids are synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid medications used for treating skin conditions such as rash, dermatitis, itching, eczema, and psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions and also suppress the immune response. Topical corticosteroids are used based on their potency, the area …
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Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Abreva (docosanol): What’s the difference? Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Abreva (docosanol) are antiviral drugs used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis). Valtrex is also used to treat shingles (herpes zoster) and genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis) infections. Abreva is available over-the-counter (OTC) and as a generic. Valtrex is an oral drug and Abreva is a topical (for the …
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Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Valcyte (valganciclovir): What’s the difference? Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Valcyte (valganciclovir) are antiviral drugs used to treat different conditions. Valtrex is used to treat infections with shingles (herpes zoster), genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis), and cold sores (herpes labialis). Valcyte is used to prevent disease caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) in people who have received organ …
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What is calcitonin? What is calcitonin used for? Miacalcin nasal spray is a calcitonin, indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women greater than 5 years postmenopause when alternative treatments are not suitable. Fracture reduction efficacy has not been demonstrated. Limitations of Use: Due to the possible association between malignancy and calcitonin use, the need for continued therapy should be …
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What is fosinopril sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fosinopril is in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), captopril (Capoten), ramipril (Altace), …
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What is carboprost tromethamine? Carboprost (Hemabate) is a man-made oxytocic medication that mimics the action of a naturally occurring chemical called prostaglandin F2 alpha. It treats bleeding in new mothers immediately after delivery. Is carboprost tromethamine available as a generic drug? No What is carboprost tromethamine used for? Carboprost is used to abort pregnancy during the second trimester and to …
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What is an abdominal hernia? Picture of a woman with hernia pain An abdominal hernia occurs when an organ or other piece of tissue protrudes through a weakening in one of the muscle walls that enclose the abdominal cavity. The sac that bulges through the weak area may contain a piece of intestine or fatty lining of the colon (omentum) …
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