What is feverfew (tanacetum parthenium)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tanacetum parthenium is an herb. The leaves are used as a natural herbal supplement. Tanacetum parthenium contains parthenolide, which works on serotonin receptors in the brain, giving relief from migraine headaches. Tanacetum parthenium is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and …
Read More »
What is becaplermin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Becaplermin is a gel applied topically to diabetic ulcers on the lower limbs (foot, ankle, and leg) to promote healing of the ulcers. It belongs to a class of man-made drugs called platelet-derived growth factors or PDGFs that are similar to naturally-occurring PDGFs. Becaplermin is made using recombinant DNA …
Read More »
What is Cylert (pemoline), and how does it work? Cylert (pemoline) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The brand name Cylert is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available. Cylert (pemoline) is a central nervous system stimulant. Pemoline is structurally dissimilar to the amphetamines and methylphenidate. It is …
Read More »
What is miglitol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Miglitol is an oral medication used to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors which also includes acarbose (Precose). Carbohydrates that are eaten are digested by enzymes in the intestine into smaller sugars which are absorbed into …
Read More »
What is procainamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Procainamide is an injectable antiarrhythmic drug that is used to correct disturbances in the heart's rhythm. Three actions are responsible for its ability to correct disturbances of rhythm and prevent their recurrence. Procainamide decreases the speed of electrical conduction through the heart muscle, prolongs the electrical phase during which …
Read More »
What is salsalate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Salsalate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Salsalate is converted in the body to salicylic acid which is its active form and is closely related to aspirin. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen …
Read More »
What is beclomethasone dipropionate inhaler, and how does it work? Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroid drug of the glucocorticoid family. The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid (cortisol or hydrocortisone) is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as an inhaler, the medication goes directly into the lungs, and very little finds its way into the rest of …
Read More »
What is methylphenidate patch, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylphenidate is a medication used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than amphetamines. Amphetamines stimulate the brain by increasing the level of neurotransmitters, dopamine and …
Read More »
What is granisetron transdermal system (patch), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sancuso is granisetron delivered via a transdermal patch system for the prevention of nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy for cancer. Other formulations of granisetron (for example, Kytril) are administered by mouth or injection. Certain chemotherapeutic agents used for treating cancer stimulate the release of a …
Read More »
What is simeprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Simeprevir is an oral, direct-acting an-tiviral agent used for treating infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Boceprevir (Victrelis), telaprevir (Incivek), and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) are other direct-acting drugs for treating HCV. Simeprevir blocks the effect of pro-teases which are enzymes that HCV needs for making new viruses, leading to …
Read More »