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 …
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What is Advair Diskus, Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler)? Advair is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma and chronic bronchitis. What brand names are available for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler? Advair Diskus and Advair HFA are the brand names available for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler in the US. …
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What is metaxalone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Metaxalone is an oral drug that relaxes skeletal muscle the muscles that control movement of the body. It does not act directly on skeletal muscle, and the exact mechanism of action of metaxalone is unknown. Metaxalone relaxes muscles possibly by affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) …
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What is midodrine? ProAmatine is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (OH). Because ProAmatine can cause marked elevation of supine blood pressure (BP>200 mmHg systolic), it should be used in patients whose lives are considerably impaired despite standard clinical care, including non-pharmacologic treatment (such as support stockings), fluid expansion, and lifestyle alterations. The indication is based on ProAmatine’s …
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What is glucagon? Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that, along with insulin, controls the level of glucose in the blood. Glucagon has the opposite effect of insulin. It increases the glucose levels in blood. Glucagon, the drug, is a synthetic (man-made) version of human glucagon and is manufactured by genetic engineering using the bacteria Escherichia coli. Is …
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Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Risperdal (risperidone): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Risperdal (risperidone) are different types of antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia. Haloperidol is also used to treat acute psychosis and for tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. Risperidone is also used to treat bipolar mania and autism. A brand name for haloperidol is Haldol. Side effects of haloperidol …
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What is abatacept? What is abatacept used for? Abatacept is an injectable, synthetic (man-made) protein produced by recombinant DNA technology that is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. It is an immunesuppressant, a drug that suppresses the immune system that is similar to alefacept (Amevive) and belatacept (Nulojix). The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against foreign invaders, for …
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What is lovastatin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lovastatin belongs to a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or, more commonly "statins." Other statins include simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Statins reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that is necessary for the production of cholesterol. In …
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What are the uses for orlistat? Orlistat is combined with a reduced-calorie diet to promote weight loss. Orlistat also may be used to prevent weight gain after weight has been lost. Candidates for treatment with orlistat are patients who are obese with a body mass index (a measure of obesity) of more than 30 kg/m2. Candidates also include patients with …
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What is Azulfidine? Sulfasalazine is a drug that is used primarily for treating ulcerative colitis. Why is Azulfidine prescribed to patients? Sulfasalazine is used for the treatment of mild to severe ulcerative colitis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been used “off label” (unapproved by the FDA) for Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis. Is Azulfidine available as a …
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