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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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What is eflornithine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Eflornithine is the first topical drug (used on the skin) for the treatment of unwanted facial and chin hair. It does not remove the hair but rather slows its growth. The cells surrounding the base of each hair (called the hair follicle) undergo rapid growth and maturation as they …
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What is imipramine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Imipramine is an antidepressant medication of the tricyclic class. Medications in this class are often referred to as tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs. Depression is defined as an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. In patients with depression, abnormal levels of chemicals in the brain (called neurotransmitters) may be the …
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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 …
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What is pimecrolimus, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pimecrolimus is a chemical that is used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by redness, itching, scaling, and inflammation of the skin. The cause of atopic dermatitis is not known; however, scientists believe that it may be due to activation of the immune …
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What is letrozole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Letrozole is an oral, anti-estrogen drug that is used for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The growth of some breast cancers in postmenopausal women is promoted by estrogens that circulate in the blood, and the adrenal glands are the main source of these circulating estrogens. Letrozole inhibits the …
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What is tincture of opium liquid, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Opium tincture is an oral liquid medication used to control diarrhea. Opium tincture contains morphine which is an opioid pain reliever. Opioids can reduce gastrointestinal motility, propulsion, secretions, and increase gastrointestinal muscle tone. These effects help in controlling diarrhea. Opium tincture is a controlled substance. What …
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What is dutaseride? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Dutasteride is a medication used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as an enlarged prostate. Dutasteride belongs to a class of medication called 5-alpa reductase inhibitors. Male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is primarily responsible for development and enlargement of the prostate gland. Testosterone is converted into DHT …
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