What are vasodilators, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? A vasodilator is a drug that causes vasodilation, a widening (opening) of blood vessels that results from relaxation of the smooth muscle of the vessels. What widens in vasodilation actually is the diameter of the interior (lumen) of the vessel. The opposite of vasodilation …
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What kind of drug is Herceptin (trastuzumab), and how does it work? Herceptin is an intravenous drug that is part of a chemotherapy regimen that is used to prevent recurrence of breast cancer, and for the treatment breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast (metastasized). It belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Other monoclonal antibodies include …
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What is clomipramine? What is clomipramine used for? Clomipramine (Anafranil) is a psychotropic agent used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Clomipramine shares structural similarities with a class of antidepressants known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). The exact mechanism by which clomipramine exerts its therapeutic benefits is not fully understood. However, similar to other TCAs, clomipramine is thought to enhance the actions …
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What is anakinra? Anakinra (Kineret) is a synthetic (man-made), injectable, interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of human interleukin-1. It is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Is anakinra available as a generic drug? No Why is anakinra prescribed to patients? Anakinra is used for treating the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in …
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What is fenoprofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fenoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective for treating the fever, pain, and swelling caused by inflammation. Fenoprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of the NSAID class of drugs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve) …
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Retinal detachment facts Ophthalmologists treat retinal detachments. A retinal detachment is a separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying tissue within the eye. Most retinal detachments are a result of a retinal break, hole, or tear. Most retinal breaks, holes, or tears are not caused by trauma (injury) but are due to preexisting factors such as high …
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What is hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc, Synvisc One), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? What is hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc, Synvisc One)? Hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc, Synvisc One) is an injectable fluid that is used to treat osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis in which the joints of the body degenerate and become …
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What is ampicillin? Ampicillin is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections. Is ampicillin available as a generic drug? Yes Why is ampicillin prescribed to patients? Ampicillin is used for treating infections of the middle ear, sinuses, stomach and intestines, bladder, and kidney caused by susceptible bacteria. It also is used for treating uncomplicated gonorrhea, meningitis, endocarditis and other serious …
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What is benztropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benztropine is an oral and injectable synthetic medication. It is structurally similar to atropine (AtroPen) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Benztropine has anticholinergic effects. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter (chemical) that nerves use to communicate with other nerves. In Parkinson's there is an imbalance between levels of …
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What is levetiracetam? Brand name(s): Keppra, Keppra XR Levetiracetam (Keppra, Keppra XR) is an antiseizure medication used in combination with other antiseizure medications to treat myoclonic, partial onset, or tonic seizures in children and adults. (The safety and effectiveness in patients younger than 4 years of age has not been established.) Common side effects are: Headache Dizziness Sleepiness Pain Infection …
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