What is atovaquone-proguanil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atovaquone and proguanil is an anti-malarial medication. Atovaquone blocks mitochondrial electron transfer and thereby the production of energy for use by the parasites. Proguanil is metabolized into its active metabolite, cycloguanil, which blocks dihydrofolate reductase and enzymes required for making pyrimidine which is a …
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triamcinolone acetonide nasal (Nasacort) Use, Side Effects & Dosage
What is triamcinolone acetonide nasal inhaler-spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Triamcinolone acetonide is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. It is administered either as an oral metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma (Azmacort), as a topical preparation for the skin (Kenalog; Aristocort) or as a nasal spray (Nasacort AQ) for relieving symptoms of rhinitis. Corticosteroids are naturally …
Read More »vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn ODT) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is vardenafil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Vardenafil is an oral drug that is used to treat impotence, the inability to attain or maintain a penile erection. It has a mechanism of action that is similar to sildenafil (Viagra), and tadalafil (Cialis). Penile erection is caused by the engorgement of the penis with blood. This engorgement …
Read More »Sulindac (Clinoril) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is sulindac, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sulindac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) as well as others. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals that are produced by the body and are responsible for pain, …
Read More »Allegra (fexofenadine) Allergy Drug Side Effects & Uses
What is fexofenadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fexofenadine is an oral, "second generation" antihistamine that is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergy and hives. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and …
Read More »loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is loratadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Loratadine is a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine that is used for the treatment of allergies. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the signs and symptoms of an allergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have receptors for histamine on their …
Read More »Nicorette Gum (nicotine polacrilex, Habitrol) Side Effects, Addiction & Dosage
What brand names are available for nicotine gum? Nicorette Gum, Nicorelief, Nicorette, Thrive Is nicotine gum available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for nicotine gum? No What are the uses for nicotine gum? Nicotine gum is used to control nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with smoking cessation. What are the side effects …
Read More »Chlorthalidone Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What brand names are available for chlorthalidone? Hygroton, Thalitone (both discontinued in U.S.A.) Is chlorthalidone available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for chlorthalidone? Yes What are the uses for chlorthalidone? Chlorthalidone is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and edema (fluid retention). What are the side effects of …
Read More »clarithromycin (Biaxin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is clarithromycin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clarithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin and azithromycin (Zithromax). It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria, such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and mycobacterium avium, and many others. Like all macrolide antibiotics, clarithromycin prevents bacteria from growing by interfering …
Read More »phenytoin (Dilantin) Drug Facts, Side Effects & Dosage
What is Dilantin? Phenytoin is an oral and injectable anti-seizure medication first synthesized in 1908. Why is Dilantin prescribed to patients? Phenytoin is an anti-seizure medication (anticonvulsant) used for preventing or treating generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, complex partial seizures (psychomotor seizures), and seizures occurring during or after neurosurgery. It may be used alone or with phenobarbital or other anticonvulsants. …
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