What is certolizumab? What is certolizumab used for? Certolizumab is an injectable synthetic (man-made) protein antibody that binds to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the body and blocks the effects of TNFα in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel) are two other injectable drugs that block TNFα. Inflammation …
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Trachoma facts Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Trachoma is a contagious and potentially blinding infectious eye disease. The World Health Organization classified trachoma as one of the neglected tropical diseases and the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Blindness from trachoma may be preventable by screening and treatment with antibiotics and surgery. …
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What is isotretinoin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Isotretinoin is an oral drug used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne. Acne is caused by inflammation of the skin. It primarily affects teenagers, but it also affects adults. Severe acne causes permanent scarring of the skin. The inflammation is caused in part by an increased secretion …
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Klonopin (clonazepam) vs. Xanax (alprazolam) review Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are medications that cause drowsiness (sedation) and inhibition of nerve signals within the brain (central nervous system or CNS). They also are used for sedation during surgery. Both Klonopin and Xanax are prescribed to treat anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety include: …
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What is topical clindamycin? Clindamycin is an antibiotic used for treating several infections. It is effective against several types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes. Why is topical clindamycin prescribed to patients? Clindamycin topical (for application to the skin) is available as gels, foam, lotion, solution, and swab for treating acne. What brand …
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What is hepatitis b vaccine-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hepatitis B vaccines (Recombivax HB, Engerix-B) are used to prevent hepatitis B infection, a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is easily spread through contact with blood or other fluids of an infected person. People may also become infected from touching …
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What are oral caffeine tablets, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Caffeine acts as a stimulant of the nervous system by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase, just like theophylline and aminophylline. Inhibiting this enzyme leads to increased formation of the proteins which causes release of stimulating chemical signals known as neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters bind to various sites in the …
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What is terbinafine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Terbinafine is an antifungal agent that is taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Terbinafine acts by interfering with the ability of fungi to make chemicals called sterols that are an important part of the membrane that surrounds fungal cells and holds them together. This weakens the cell …
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What is verapamil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Verapamil belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which includes amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) as well as others. These medications block the movement of calcium into the muscle cells of the coronary arteries (the arteries supplying the heart with blood) as …
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What is antipyrine and benzocaine otic (Auralgan, Aurodex – discontinued)? Antipyrine/benzocaine is a combination product used for cleaning the ear canal and for treating middle ear infections. It reduces pressure, congestion, inflammation, pain, and discomfort in the ear. What brand names are available for antipyrine and benzocaine otic (Auralgan, Aurodex – discontinued)? On July, 2, 2015 the FDA asked all …
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