What is timolol ophthalmic solution, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Timolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Like other beta-adrenergic blocking agents, it mainly blocks the action of the sympathetic (adrenergic) nervous system, for example, on the heart. In addition to its effect on the heart, timolol causes a reduction of the pressure …
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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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Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Zyprexa (olanzapine): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and olanzapine 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. Olanzapine is also used to treat acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and some types of depression. A brand name …
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Retinitis pigmentosa facts Genetic tests can identify genes associated with retinitis pigmentosa. Retinitis pigmentosa is a bilateral inherited condition that involves both eyes. It usually starts later in life and progresses to blindness. Low-vision rehabilitation provides some help in coping with the condition, but there is no treatment or cure at this time. What is retinitis pigmentosa? Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) …
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What is cromolyn? What are the uses for cromolyn? Cromolyn sodium is used for the management of mastocytosis and to improve the symptoms associated with it, including: diarrhea, flushing, headaches, vomiting, urticaria (hives), abdominal pain, nausea, itching, runny and stuffy nose, and sneezing. What brand names are available for cromolyn? Nasalcrom, Gastrocrom Is cromolyn available as a generic drug? GENERIC …
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What is efinaconazole Jublia, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Efinaconazole is a topical (applied to the skin) antifungal used for the local treatment of fungal infections of the toenails. Efinaconazole destroys fungal cells by inhibiting fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase, an enzyme required to make ergosterol, an important fungal cell wall component. Without cell walls fungus cannot survive. Efinaconazole …
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Digoxin vs. digitalis: What’s the difference? Digoxin and digitalis are cardiac glycosides that are derived from the same plant, the foxglove, used to treat adults with mild to moderate congestive heart failure and to treat abnormally rapid atrial rhythms (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia). Digoxin also is used for increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure. Brand …
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What is bismuth subsalicylate-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) is a commonly used over the counter medicine used to treat: diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, and heartburn. Bismuth subsalicylate is also used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection as part of a quadruple-drug therapy that also includes two …
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