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 …
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What is calcium carbonate? Why is it used? Most people know that calcium is needed for strong bones, but it's also needed to help blood vessels and muscles contract and expand, to send messages through the nervous system, and to secrete hormones and enzymes. This is the most abundant mineral in your body and makes up 1%-2% of adult human …
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What is prochlorperazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prochlorperazine is an antiemetic (to control nausea and vomiting) and first generation antipsychotic agent. Prochlorperazine is one of the older first-generation piperazine phenothiazine antipsychotic medications. Examples of other phenothiazines include: fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin) chlorpromazine (Promapar, Thorazine) fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin) perphenazine, trifluoperazine (Stelazine) thioridazine (Mellaril) Although, the exact mechanism of …
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What is cetirizine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine that works by blocking histamine (H-1) receptors on cells. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, …
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What is tetanus toxoid? Tetanus toxoid is a vaccine used to provide active immunity against tetanus toxin. Tetanus or lockjaw is a serious disease that may result in death. Is tetanus toxoid available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for tetanus toxoid? No Why is tetanus toxoid prescribed to patients? The tetanus toxoid vaccine is used …
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Stitches facts A picture of stitches or sutures Wounds or lacerations must be explored and thoroughly cleaned prior to closure. Stitching or suturing is considered a form of minor surgery. Suture materials vary in their composition and thickness, and the choice of the appropriate material depends upon the nature and location of the wound. Staples, Steri-Strips, Band-Aids, and skin glue …
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What is testosterone undecanoate capsule, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Testosterone undecanoate is a long-acting man-made version of testosterone, the natural male sexual hormone. Testosterone is responsible for the normal growth and development of male sex organs and characteristics. It includes growth and development of male organs of penis, testicles, prostate, body hair, vocal cord thickening, and …
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What is liothyronine sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Liothyronine sodium is a synthetic (man-made) version of one of the two hormones made by the thyroid gland, triiodothyronine. It is used for treating individuals who are hypothyroid (do not produce enough thyroid hormones). Thyroid hormones increase the metabolism (activity) of all cells in the body. In the …
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What is albuterol and ipratropium inhaler, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Albuterol/ipratropium is a combination product consisting of two bronchodilators, albuterol (Proventil; Ventolin) and ipratropium (Atrovent) that is used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (bronchitis and emphysema) when there is evidence of spasm (narrowing) of the airways (bronchi). Bronchodilators dilate or enlarge the airways …
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What is clopidogrel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix) is an anti-platelet drug, that is, a drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot. Clopidogrel prevents blood clots by irreversibly binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. It belongs to …
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