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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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What is bitolterol mesylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bitolterol is a bronchodilator used in the treatment of asthma. It is similar to albuterol (Ventolin). Asthma is a disorder of breathing in which there is narrowing of the airways that carry air to the lungs including the bronchi. This narrowing is caused by muscle spasm and inflammation …
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What is amitriptyline w/ perphenazine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Perphenazine/amitriptyline is a combination of an antipsychotic and an antidepressant. Perphenazine is an antipsychotic that works in the brain and nervous system. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters …
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What is dalfampridine, Ampyra, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ampyra is an oral medication used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Its exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it is known to block movement of potassium between nerve cells. In animal studies Ampyra increased the conduction of nerve signals. The FDA approved Ampyra in December 1987. What …
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What is conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesteron, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prempro and Premphase are combinations of conjugated estrogens (Premarin) and medroxyprogesterone (Provera). Estrogens and progestins are the two major classes of female hormones. Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of several different estrogens (estrogen salts) that are derived from natural sources and blended to approximate the …
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What brand names are available for estropipate? Ogen, ORTHO-EST Is estropipate available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for estropipate? Yes What are the side effects of estropipate? Common side effects include break-through vaginal bleeding or spotting, loss of periods or excessively prolonged periods, breast pain, breast enlargement, and changes in sexuality (increased or …
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What is rimantadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rimantadine is a synthetic (man-made) anti-viral drug that can prevent viruses in cells from multiplying. Rimantadine is chemically related to amantadine (Symmetrel), but rimantadine has fewer side effects on the nervous system than amantadine. It is useful in treating and preventing influenza A virus in adults and in preventing …
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What is pramoxine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pramoxine is a topical (used on the skin) anesthetic (numbing agent). Topical anesthetics are chemicals that interfere with the function of the nerves that sense pain. Pramoxine may be used in persons who are allergic to other local anesthetics such as lidocaine, procaine, or benzocaine. Is it available as …
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