What is benzonatate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benzonatate is a medication taken orally to suppress coughs. It has an anesthetic (numbing) action similar to that of benzocaine and numbs the stretch sensors in the lungs. It is the stretching of these sensors with breathing that causes the cough. Benzonatate begins to …
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What is arnica (Arnica montana)-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Arnica montana is a homeopathic topical pain relief agent. Its mechanism of action is not well known. Arnica preparations have shown wound healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties. Arnica’s actions may be due to two chemicals called helenalin and dihyrdohelenalin. These chemicals may modify the action …
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What is montelukast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Montelukast is an oral leukotriene receptor antagonist that is used for the treatment of asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Leukotrienes are a group of naturally occurring chemicals in the body that promote inflammation in asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis and in other diseases in which inflammation is …
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What is captopril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Captopril is an oral drug and a member of a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril …
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What is Diamox, Diamox Sequels (acetazolamide)? Acetazolamide is a strong carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Why is Diamox, Diamox Sequels (acetazolamide) prescribed to patients? Acetazolamide a prescription medicine used for the following conditions: To remove extra fluid from the body (diuresis) in people with heart failure. Prevention and treatment of mountain sickness (altitude sickness) Seizures Glaucoma What brand names are available for …
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What is prazosin-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prazosin (Minipress) is an oral medicine used to treat high blood pressure. Prazosin is a competitive alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker. By blocking alpha-1 receptors on muscle cesll that surround blood vessels, prazosin causes vasodilation (widening) of the blood vessels, and consequently decreases the resistance of blood flow. The overall …
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What is buspirone (Buspar)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Buspirone is a medication that is used for the treatment of anxiety. Its mechanism of action is not clearly understood but may involve effects on neurotransmitters, chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. Serotonin and dopamine are two of these neurotransmitters. Buspirone may work by stimulating serotonin …
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What is Flomax (tamsulosin) drug? Flomax (tamsulosin) is an oral drug for the treatment of men who are having difficulty urinating because of enlarged prostates from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Why is Flomax (tamsulosin) prescribed to patients? Flomax is used to treat men who are having problems urinating because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Flomax is not approved for the …
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What is baclofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Baclofen is an oral and injectable medication that relaxes skeletal muscles, the muscles that move the skeleton (and also called striated muscle). Chemically, baclofen is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. GABA …
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What is paroxetine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Paroxetine is an oral drug that is used for treating depression. It is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class that also contains fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft). Paroxetine affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain use to communicate …
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