Atorvastatin vs. simvastatin comparison Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor) are parts of a group of drugs called statins that revolutionized cholesterol management and heart disease prevention. Atorvastatin and simvastatin both target the same chemical in the body to reduce drastically the bloodstream levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad cholesterol”), which lowers the risk it …
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Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) definition and facts Readers Comments 49 Share Your Story Peripheral artery disease occurs when blood vessels in the limbs get clogged. The term peripheral vascular disease is commonly used to refer to peripheral artery disease or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), meaning narrowing or occlusion by atherosclerotic plaques of arteries outside of the heart and brain. Peripheral …
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What is timolol and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Timolol GFS 0.25% and 0.5% are indicated for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. Timolol maleate is a beta1 and beta2 (nonselective) adrenergic receptor inhibitor that does not have significant intrinsic sympathomimetic, direct myocardial depressant, or local anesthetic (membrane-stabilizing) activity. Timolol …
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What is dabigatran? How does dabigatran work? Dabigatran is an oral drug used to treat and prevent blood clots (an anticoagulant or blood thinner) in the hearts of patients with atrial fibrillation. These clots are likely to break into pieces and travel to the brain to cause strokes. Similarly, it is used to treat and prevent blood clots in the …
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What is cangrelor, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cangrelor is an anti-platelet drug, that is, a drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot. Cangrelor prevents blood clots by reversibly binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. It belongs to a class …
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What is valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medications that is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which also includes: irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of …
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What are the uses for sacubitril and valsartan? Entresto is used for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA Class II-IV). Entresto is combined with other heart failure medications and in place of an ACE inhibitor or other ARBs. What brand names are available for sacubitril and valsartan? Entresto …
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What is ticlopidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ticlopidine is an oral drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump and form blood clots. It prevents blood clots by binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. It belongs to a class of drugs called P2Y12 inhibitors. Other drugs in …
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What is quinidine? Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic agent and antimalarial drug. Is quinidine available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for quinidine? Yes What are the uses for quinidine? Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic drug used in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular arrhythmias such as paroxysmal …
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What are omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza)? What is Lovaza used for? Lovaza is an fat-regulating (antilipemic) drug that is used in addition to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG, a fat-carrying particle in the blood) levels in adult patients with severe elevations in blood levels of TG (≥mg/dL). It is similar to Epanova (omega-3 carboxylic acid). TG is composed of three …
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