What is rofecoxib, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain, particularly the pain of osteoarthritis and menstrual cramps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important in promoting inflammation and its signs–pain, fever, swelling and tenderness. Rofecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins …
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What is dextroamphetamine-oral capsule, tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dextroamphetamine is a medication used for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. ADHD is a common disorder among children and teenagers that affects social, academic, and occupational functioning. Narcolepsy also is known as excessive daytime sleepiness, which is more common in adults. Dextroamphetamine is an amphetamine …
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What is dimethyl fumarate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dimethyl fumarate is an oral disease-modifying agent used for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Teriflunomide (Aubagio), Interferon beta-1a (Avonex), interferon beta-1b (Betaseron), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), interferon beta-1b (Extavia), fingolimod (Gilenya), mitoxantrone (Novantrone), interferon beta-1a (Rebif), and natalizumab (Tysabri) are other disease modifying agents for multiple sclerosis. …
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What is loracarbef, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Loracarbef is a synthetic oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefprozil (Cefzil), and many injectable antibiotics. Like other cephalosporins, loracarbef stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The …
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What is clonidine (Kapvay extended-release), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Kapvay is an oral medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. This drug has been used to reduce blood pressure in adults for many years but has been approved for another indication by the FDA. Kapvay works by stimulating alpha-2 receptors …
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What is methylphenidate hydrochloride, 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 …
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What is influenza nasal vaccine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? FluMist is a nasal vaccine that protects against infection with the influenza virus or the “flu.” FluMist contains live influenza virus that has been weakened so that it causes minimal or no symptoms. When FluMist is inhaled, the body responds to the weakened viruses in FluMist by …
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What is guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Guaifenesin/phenylephrine is a medication that contains two different drugs, an expectorant (guaifenesin) and a decongestant (phenylephrine). The expectorant effects of guaifenesin promote drainage of mucus from the lungs by thinning the mucus. It also lubricates the irritated respiratory tract. Phenylephrine relieves stuffy nose by constricting blood vessels in …
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What is dapagliflozin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) is an oral medication used to improve glycemia (blood glucose) control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitor. It is similar to canagliflozin (Invokana) and empagliflozin (Jardiance). SGLT2 is found in the kidney tubules and is responsible for reabsorbing the majority …
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What is aurothioglucose, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Aurothioglucose is a gold-containing chemical (salt) used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Other gold salts available include injectable gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine), and capsules, auranofin (Ridaura). It is not well understood exactly how gold salts work. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gold salts …
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