What is repaglinide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Repaglinide is an oral medication for lowering blood sugar (glucose) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of drugs for treating diabetes type 2 called meglitinides that are chemically unlike other anti-diabetic medications. Nateglinide (Starlix), is another currently available meglitinide. …
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What is terazosin? Terazosin belongs to a class of medications called alpha 1 blockers which relax the smooth muscles of the arteries, the prostate, and the bladder neck. Is terazosin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for terazosin? Yes Why is terazosin prescribed to patients? Terazosin is used to treat the symptoms of urinary obstruction …
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What is niacin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) is a part of the normal diet that is essential to various chemical reactions in the body. It is used medically to treat individuals with deficiency of niacin. Advanced deficiency of niacin can lead to a condition called pellagra in which individuals develop diarrhea, …
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What is albuterol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Albuterol sulphate dilates the airways of the lung and is used for treating asthma and other conditions of the lung. Asthma is a breathing problem due to narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes) that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. These airways can be narrowed …
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What is finasteride (Proscar)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? The prostate gland is located around the tube which empties urine from the bladder (urethra). As the prostate gland enlarges, usually after 50 years of age, it can obstruct or partially block the urine flow. This leads to symptoms which include dribbling of urine, narrow stream, problems starting urine …
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What is gemfibrozil? Gemfibrozil is a blood lipid and cholesterol-altering medicine. Why is gemfibrozil prescribed to patients? Gemfibrozil is used for reducing elevated triglyceride levels that are high enough to cause pancreatitis. Because gemfibrozil raises HDL and decreases triglycerides it is prescribed for preventing coronary heart disease in individuals without a history or symptoms of coronary heart disease who have …
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What is flurbiprofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Flurbiprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. It is similar to ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and others. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps, arthritis, …
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What is mometasone furoate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mometasone furoate is a synthetic (man-made) steroid hormone in the glucocorticoid family of steroid hormones that is used for the treatment of nasal allergy. The naturally occurring glucocorticoid hormone is cortisol or hydrocortisone which is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid hormones are potent reducers of inflammation (anti-inflammatory). …
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What is azathioprine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant, that is, a drug that is used to suppress the immune system. It is used to treat patients who have undergone kidney transplantation and for diseases in which modifying the activity of the immune system is important. Azathioprine is a prodrug (a precursor of a …
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What is carisoprodol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Carisoprodol is an oral muscle relaxant. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. It may work by altering communication among nerves in parts of the brain that control the sensation of pain and in the spinal cord. The FDA approved carisoprodol in April 1959. What are the uses for …
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