Throat cancer (larynx cancer) facts* Readers Comments 33 Share Your Story HPV infection, cigarette smoking, alcoholism, and asbestos exposure are risk factors for throat cancer. *Throat cancer (larynx cancer) facts author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD The larynx is the voice box located at the top of the windpipe (trachea). Cancer of the larynx occurs most …
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What is lenalidomide (Revlimid)? What is lenalidomide used for? Lenalidomide (Revlimid) is an oral anti-cancer medication. Lenalidomide is similar to thalidomide (Thalomid), an older cancer medicine that, although effective, was associated with serious side effects. The exact mechanism through which lenalidomide stops the growth of cancer cells is not understood. Lenalidomide stimulates or regulates the body’s immune system to attack …
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What is nizatidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nizatidine is an oral drug that blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells and reduces their production of acid. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid). Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that stimulates stomach cells …
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What is desloratadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Desloratadine is an oral, long-acting antihistamine that is similar chemically to loratadine (Claritin). It is used to treat the symptoms caused by histamine. Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, swelling of the lining of the nose, …
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What is pseudoephedrine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant used for reducing nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold. Pseudoephedrine causes blood vessels in the nasal passages to shrink (vasoconstrict). Vasoconstriction reduces nasal congestion by preventing fluid from draining from blood vessels into nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine also directly stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors and …
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What is sofosbuvir and velpatasvir? What is sofosbuvir and velpatasvir used for? Epclusa is an oral tablet containing two drugs used for the treatment of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), genotype 1,2,3,4, 5, or 6 in adults. The components belong to a class of drugs called direct-acting antiviral agents. Similar drugs include boceprevir (Victrelis), sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), simeprevir …
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What is gabapentin enacarbil? How is gabapentin enacarbil used? Gabapentin enacarbil is used for treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) and postherpetic neuralgia. It is a prodrug of the anticonvulsant gabapentin, which means it is first converted to gabapentin in the body before it can have its effects. The mechanism of action of gabapentin in treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) or …
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What is perphenazine? What is perphenazine used for? Perphenazine is an oral antipsychotic medication used for the management of schizophrenia. Perphenazine is one of the older, first-generation antipsychotic medications. Examples of other first-generation antipsychotics include: prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro, Procomp) chlorpromazine (Promapar, Thorazine) trifluoperazine (Stelazine) thioridazine (Mellaril) Although the exact mechanism of antipsychotics is unknown, scientists believe that they may work …
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What is cefaclor, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cefaclor is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made) oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil (Cefzil) as well as many injectable antibiotics. Like other cephalosporins, cefaclor stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls …
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What is progesterone vaginal gel? What is progesterone gel used for? Intravaginal progesterone gel is used for supplementing or replacing progesterone in infertile women with progesterone deficiency who are receiving treatment utilizing assisted reproductive technology (ART).Progesterone intravaginal gel is also used for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea (absence of menses). Progesterone is a female hormone and is the principal progestational …
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