What is amlodipine and valsartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Exforge is a combination of two drugs used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension), amlodipine and valsartan. The FDA approved Exforge in June 2007. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium …
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Enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is enalapril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Enalapril is a drug that is used for treating high blood pressure. It is in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes the arteries in the body to narrow, …
Read More »Bumetanide (Bumex) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is bumetanide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bumetanide is a potent diuretic (water pill) that causes a profound increase in urine output (diuresis) by preventing the kidney from retaining fluid. Specifically, it blocks the reabsorption of sodium and fluid from the kidney's tubules. It is in a class of diuretics called "loop" diuretics which also includes …
Read More »Lotrel (amlodipine/benazepril) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What are the uses for amlodipine and benazepril? Lotrel is used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension) when blood pressure is not adequately controlled with either of its constituent drugs alone. What brand names are available for amlodipine and benazepril? Lotrel Is amlodipine and benazepril available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for amlodipine and benazepril? …
Read More »metolazone (Zaroxolyn) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is metolazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Metolazone is a diuretic ("water pill") used in the treatment of high blood pressure and fluid accumulation. It works by blocking salt and fluid retention by the kidneys, thereby increasing urinary output of salt and water (diuresis). Although it is not a true thiazide, metolazone is chemically related to …
Read More »Chlorthalidone Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What brand names are available for chlorthalidone? Hygroton, Thalitone (both discontinued in U.S.A.) Is chlorthalidone available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for chlorthalidone? Yes What are the uses for chlorthalidone? Chlorthalidone is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and edema (fluid retention). What are the side effects of …
Read More »Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide Diuretic) Side Effects & Dosage
Why is hydrochlorothiazide prescribed to patients? Hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat excessive fluid accumulation and swelling (edema) of the body caused by heart failure, cirrhosis, chronic kidney failure, corticosteroid medications, and nephrotic syndrome. It also is used alone or in conjunction with other blood pressure lowering medications to treat high blood pressure. Although hydrochlorothiazide is approved for treating edema in …
Read More »losartan & hydrochlorothiazide (Hyzaar) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is losartan and hydrochlorothiazide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hyzaar is a combination of losartan (Cozaar) and hydrochlorothiazide and is used for treating high blood pressure. Losartan is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Other ARBs include irbesartan (Avapro), valsartan (Diovan), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in …
Read More »Prazosin (Minipress) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is prazosin-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prazosin (Minipress) is an oral medicine used to treat high blood pressure. Prazosin is a competitive alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker. By blocking alpha-1 receptors on muscle cesll that surround blood vessels, prazosin causes vasodilation (widening) of the blood vessels, and consequently decreases the resistance of blood flow. The overall …
Read More »Captopril (Capoten) Uses, Adverse Effects & Dosage
What is captopril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Captopril is an oral drug and a member of a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril …
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