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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
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 …
Read More »
What is clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is a combination of an antibiotic, clindamycin, and benzoyl peroxide, another drug that has antibacterial effects. Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is used topically (applied to the skin) for the treatment of pimples (acne). Both agents are active against Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium which has been …
Read More »
What is calcitriol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Calcitriol is a synthetic (man-made) active form of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It is used to treat and prevent low levels of calcium in the blood of patients who have kidney disease or problems with their parathyroid gland, the gland that controls the amount of calcium in blood through its …
Read More »
What is brexpiprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Brexpiprazole is an oral atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. Other atypical antipsychotic drugs include olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), and aripiprazole (Abilify). Atypical antipsychotics differ from typical antipsychotics because they cause a lesser degree of movement (extrapyramidal) side effects and constipation. The exact mechanism of action of …
Read More »
What is ezetimibe and simvastatin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Vytorin is a combination of ezetimibe (Zetia) and simvastatin (Zocor) that is used for treating high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Vytorin reduces total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol while it increases high density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol. The ezetimibe component …
Read More »
What is atropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atropine belongs to a class of medications known as anticholinergics or antimuscarinics. Atropine occurs naturally and is extracted from the belladonna alkaloid plant. Atropine works by blocking the actions of a chemical called acetylcholine. Atropine has numerous uses in clinical medicine and is available in several dosage forms including …
Read More »
What is glycopyrrolate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glycopyrrolate is a synthetic anti-cholinergic medication. Glycopyrrolate works by blocking acetylcholine activity on smooth muscles and other tissues. Acetylcholine is neurotransmitter, a chemical that nerves use for communicating. Blocking of acetylcholine leads to decrease in volume and acidity of stomach secretions and decrease in pharyngeal, tracheal, and bronchial secretions. …
Read More »
What is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Lemon balm is a plant used as an herbal supplement. It may have antiviral activity against some viruses, for example, the herpes virus as well as calming effects. It active compounds in lemon balm are caffeic acid and tannins. What are the uses for lemon balm? Lemon …
Read More »