What is gentamicin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Gentamicin is a broad spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic that is most effective against aerobic gram-negative rods. Gentamicin is also used in combination with other antibiotics to treat infections caused by gram positive organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and certain species of streptococci. Additionally, gentamicin is …
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What is enalapril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Enalapril is a drug that is used for treating high blood pressure. It is in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes the arteries in the body to narrow, …
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What is hydroxyurea, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hydroxyurea (Hydrea) is an oral medication used to treat several types of cancers including chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), head and neck cancer, malignant melanoma, ovarian cancer, and polycythemia vera (a disorder of the bone marrow). The exact mechanism by which hydroxyurea works to treat cancer …
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What are the uses for finasteride-oral (hair growth)? : Finasteride (Propecia) is used for the treatment of male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia in males only. What brand names are available for finasteride-oral (hair growth)? Propecia (for male hair growth) Is finasteride-oral (hair growth) available as a generic drug? Is finasteride-oral (hair growth) available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: …
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What is lidocaine w/prilocaine cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine and prilocaine is a topical anesthetic cream. Lidocaine and prilocaine enter through the skin and block pain receptors in nerve endings. Lidocaine and prilocaine reduce conduction of nerve impulses by interrupting the transfer of sodium ions across the membranes of nerve cells. This results in a …
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What is lidocaine injection (local), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine injection is a local anesthetic. This means that it reduces sensation or pain in the area of the body where it is injected and does not affect other areas. It is similar to bupivacaine (Marcaine), articaine (Zorcaine), and Mepivacaine (Carbocaine). These drugs reduce sensation or pain …
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What is Rozerem, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ramelteon is an oral drug that promotes falling asleep and is used for treating insomnia. It acts by stimulating receptors for melatonin in the brain. Melatonin and its receptors control the circadian rhythm of the body which controls the sleep/wake cycle. Unlike many drugs used for treating insomnia, ramelteon …
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What is pneumococcal vaccine-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pneumococcal vaccine is used for prevention of pneumonia. This pneumococcal vaccine contains chemicals (polysaccharides) extracted from 23 types of Streptococcus pneumonia bacteria. Upon injecting pneumococcal vaccine, our body recognizes these chemical as foreign and produces antibodies to destroy the chemicals. Antibodies are blood protein that help the body …
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What is bumetanide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bumetanide is a potent diuretic (water pill) that causes a profound increase in urine output (diuresis) by preventing the kidney from retaining fluid. Specifically, it blocks the reabsorption of sodium and fluid from the kidney's tubules. It is in a class of diuretics called "loop" diuretics which also includes …
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What is ketoprofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ketoprofen is an oral drug that belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve) and many others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work …
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