What is fluvastatin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fluvastatin is an oral, cholesterol-lowering drug. It belongs to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly called "statins." Other statins include lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Statins reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) …
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What is zaleplon, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zaleplon is a hypnotic (a medication that induces sleep) that is used for treating insomnia. It is chemically unrelated to the benzodiazepine class of medications for sleep, for example, lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), flurazepam (Dalmane), triazolam (Halcion), and temazepam (Restoril), but it has similar effects because it attaches to …
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What is aurothiomalate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Gold sodium thiomalate is a gold-containing chemical (salt) used in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Other gold salts available include injectable aurothioglucose (Solganal) and oral auranofin (Ridaura). It is not well understood exactly how gold salts work. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gold salts …
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What is betaxolol ophthalmic, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Betaxolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that is used for the treatment of glaucoma. When taken by mouth, betaxolol and other beta-adrenergic blocking agents act mainly by blocking the action of the sympathetic (adrenergic) nervous system, for example, on the heart. In addition to its effect on the …
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What is quinidine? Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic agent and antimalarial drug. Is quinidine available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for quinidine? Yes What are the uses for quinidine? Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic drug used in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular arrhythmias such as paroxysmal …
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Spina bifida in babies and adults facts* Spina bifida (anencephaly) can be diagnosed in-utero. *Spina bifida facts medical author: Melissa Stöppler, MD Spina bifida is a form of birth defect known as a neural tube defect. Spina bifida results from an incomplete formation of the brain, spinal cord, and/or meninges in an infant. Spina bifida occurs in 1,500 to 2,000 …
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What is colesevelam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Colesevelam is an oral drug that lowers cholesterol levels in the blood. It also improves control of blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol made by the liver or from the food we eat can be converted into bile acids by the liver. The bile acids are secreted by …
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What is mometasone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mometasone is a synthetic (man-made) glucocorticoid (steroid) that is used on the skin to relieve itching and inflammation of eczema, dermatitis, allergy and other skin rashes. The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid is cortisol or hydrocortisone which is produced in the body by the adrenal glands. Drugs within the same class as …
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Rabies facts The bite of a rabid animal can transmit the rabies virus to a human. The rabies virus causes rabies. Rabid animals transmit the virus via a bite or saliva exposure. Early signs and symptoms of rabies mimic those of a viral flu-like infection. People should start post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment as soon as they suspect an exposure. In …
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What is megestrol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Megestrol is a synthetic female hormone belonging to the progesterone group. It is used for stimulating appetite and treating breast cancer. Progesterone is a hormone produced by the body, especially in women, that helps control the menstrual period as well as other body functions. How megestrol stimulates appetite or …
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