What is dornase alpha, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dornase alpha is an inhaled drug for treating cystic fibrosis, a lung disease which is the most common fatal genetic disease in developed countries. The lungs continually secrete fluid into the airways to keep them moist. In cystic fibrosis, the fluid becomes thick …
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Orkambi (lumacaftor & ivacaftor): Cystic Fibrosis Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is Orkambi? What is Orkambi used for? Orkambi is a combination of two drugs, lumacaftor and ivacaftor (Kalydeco) and is used for treating cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the secretory glands, including the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis mostly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs. Cystic fibrosis is …
Read More »cefaclor, Raniclor: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is cefaclor, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cefaclor is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made) oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil (Cefzil) as well as many injectable antibiotics. Like other cephalosporins, cefaclor stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls …
Read More »Pirfenidone (Esbriet) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is pirfenidone (Esbriet)? What is pirfenidone used for? Pirfenidone (Esbriet) is a prescription medicine used to prevent and improve lung function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a type of serious lung disease in which the lung progressively develops scar tissue. The mechanism of action of pirfenidone is not understood. Scientists believe that pirfenidone prevents lung damage by inhibiting the production …
Read More »varenicline (Chantix): Quit Smoking Medication Side Effects & Dosage
What is varenicline (Chantix)? What is Chantix used for? Varenicline is an oral drug that is used to promote cessation of smoking. It competes with nicotine from cigarettes for binding to nicotine receptors in the brain. Although varenicline stimulates nicotine receptors like nicotine, it blocks the stronger stimulation by nicotine. Therefore, smokers do not experience the full effect of smoking …
Read More »fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (Breo Ellipta): Uses & Side Effects
What is Breo Ellipta? What is Breo Ellipta used for? Breo Ellipta for oral inhalation is a combination of fluticasone and vilanterol and is used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fluticasone is a man-made steroid of the glucocorticoid family which is related to the naturally-occurring steroid hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone, produced by the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid steroids have …
Read More »Nicorette Gum (nicotine polacrilex, Habitrol) Side Effects, Addiction & Dosage
What brand names are available for nicotine gum? Nicorette Gum, Nicorelief, Nicorette, Thrive Is nicotine gum available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for nicotine gum? No What are the uses for nicotine gum? Nicotine gum is used to control nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with smoking cessation. What are the side effects …
Read More »Nicotine Patch (Nicoderm CQ, Habitrol) Uses & Side Effects
What is the nicotine patch, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nicotine patches are used for smoking cessation. Nicotine is released from the patches and absorbed through the skin. Released nicotine binds to nicotine receptors in the body, reducing nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. The FDA approved the grit nicotine patch in November 1991. …
Read More »Cefdinir Antibiotic Side Effects, Uses (Strep, Middle Ear) & Dosage
What is cefdinir? Cefdinir is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made) oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes: cephalexin (Keflex) cefaclor (Ceclor) cefuroxime (Zinacef) cefpodoxime (Vantin) cefixime (Suprax), cefprozil (Cefzil) Many injectable antibiotics What brand names are available for cefdinir? Omnicef brand has been discontinued and there are no other brand names available for cefdinir available in …
Read More »What Is Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis? Radiology & Treatment
What is hypersensitivity pneumonitis and what are its causes? Readers Comments 8 Share Your Story Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inflammation of the lung (usually of the very small airways) caused by the body’s immune reaction to small air-borne particles. These particles can be bacteria, mold, fungi, or even inorganic matter. What is acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis? Acute hypersensitivity pneumonitis tends …
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