What is dextrose solution-intravenous, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dextrose monohydrate is sterile intravenous solution for fluid replenishment. Intravenous administration of dextrose solution provides a source of water and glucose ( sugar), giving patients fluid and energy. What brand names are available for dextrose solution-intravenous? N/A Is dextrose solution-intravenous available as a …
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mifepristone (Mifeprex) Side Effects & Interactions
What is mifepristone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mifepristone is a synthetic steroid with antiprogesterone and antiglucocorticoid effects. It is used for terminating pregnancy and treating people with Cushing syndrome. Progesterone is a female hormone and the principal progestational hormone. Progesterone prepares the uterus (the womb) to receive and sustain the fertilized egg andis an important hormone …
Read More »chlorpheniramine/hydrocodone (Tussionex) Side Effects & Dosage
What is chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tussionex is a combination of an antihistamine that blocks allergic reactions and reduces the production of mucus (chlorpheniramine), and a narcotic that relieves pain and cough (hydrocodone). Tussionex is a liquid that slowly releases the chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone after it is ingested. What brand names are available …
Read More »trimipramine (Surmontil) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is trimipramine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Trimipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) in the same family as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor; Aventyl), and desipramine (Norpramin). Trimipramine works by raising the brain's level of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter) to more normal levels. It also has anti-cholinergic actions (opposing the effects of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine) which …
Read More »leuprolide (Lupron) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is leuprolide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Leuprolide is an injectable, man-made hormone that is used for treating prostate cancer, endometriosis, central precocious puberty (early onset of puberty), and fibroids. It is similar to but stronger than human gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH is made in the hypothalamus (a part of the brain) and travels to …
Read More »Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) Uses, Side Effects & Drug Interactions
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 »atropine (Atreza) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
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 »glycopyrrolate (Robinul): Surgery Drug Uses & Side Effects
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 »Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (Vytorin) Side Effects & Dosage
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 »Potassium Iodide (SSKI, Pima Syrup) Uses & Side Effects
What is potassium iodide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Potassium iodide is a iodine-containing liquid that is used to protect the thyroid gland and to loosen secretions in the lungs (expectorant) so that they can be more easily coughed up (expectorated). Procedures that involve the use of radioactive iodine can damage the thyroid gland because the gland …
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