What is sofosbuvir and velpatasvir? What is sofosbuvir and velpatasvir used for? Epclusa is an oral tablet containing two drugs used for the treatment of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), genotype 1,2,3,4, 5, or 6 in adults. The components belong to a class of drugs called direct-acting antiviral agents. Similar drugs include …
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What is lubiprostone? What is lubiprostone? Lubiprostone is an oral medication used for the treatment of idiopathic (due to an unknown cause) chronic constipation. Chronic constipation most commonly occurs because of slow transit of stool through the colon that allows too much fluid to be removed from the stool, leading to hard or lumpy stools, abdominal pain or discomfort, and …
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What are the uses for hydrocortisone enema? Hydrocortisone enema is used rectally for the treatment of ulcerative proctitis, inflamed hemorrhoids, and anal itching, burning, and inflammation caused by several conditions that affect the anal area. What brand names are available for hydrocortisone enema? Cortenema Is hydrocortisone enema available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for hydrocortisone …
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What is ribavirin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ribavirin is an antiviral drug. It is used in combination with interferon for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Although the exact mechanism of its action is unknown, it is thought to interfere with the production and/or action of viral DNA and RNA which are critical to the survival …
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What is alosetron, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alosetron is used to treat diarrhea and abdominal discomfort that occurs in some women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It works in a similar fashion as granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran) and dolasetron (Anzemet) that are used for preventing nausea and vomiting. The discomfort and diarrhea of IBS is believed …
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What is hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine, phenobarbital, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Belladonna/phenobarbital is an oral medication which combines naturally occurring belladonna alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine [Transderm-Scop], and hyoscyamine) with phenobarbital. It is used for treating abdominal discomfort that is thought to be due to muscular spasm of the intestinal muscles. Belladonna alkaloids block the action of acetylcholine, a …
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What is chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide (Librax) combines the anti-anxiety action of chlordiazepoxide and the antispasmodic effects of clidinium. It also blocks the acid secretion of the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits the action of nerves that are very active in certain diseases. The FDA classifies the …
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What is balsalazide disodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Balsalazide disodium is an oral anti-inflammatory drug that is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It is a form of mesalamine (5-aminosalicyclic acid) that is activated by colonic bacteria when it reaches the colon. The exact mechanism of action of mesalamine is not known but is believed …
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What is glycerin suppository? What is glycerin used for? Glycerin suppositories are hyperosmotic laxatives. Glycerin suppositories work by increasing water volume in intestines and softening stool, causing the intestines to contract and produce bowel movements. What brand names are available for glycerin suppository? Fleet Suppository, Pedia-Lax Suppository, Colace Suppository Is glycerin suppository available as a generic drug? Yes Do I …
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What is hepatitis b vaccine-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hepatitis B vaccines (Recombivax HB, Engerix-B) are used to prevent hepatitis B infection, a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is easily spread through contact with blood or other fluids of an infected person. People may also become infected from touching …
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