Source: iStock Laryngitis definition and facts Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice cords in the voice box (larynx). Causes of laryngitis include upper respiratory infection or the common cold; overuse of the vocal cords by talking, singing, or shouting; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causing reflux laryngitis; smoking; exposure to secondhand smoke; or exposure to...
What is esketamine (Spravato), and how is it used? Spravato is a prescription medicine, used along with an antidepressant taken by mouth, for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults. Spravato is not for use as a medicine to prevent or relieve pain (anesthetic). It is not known if Spravato is safe or effective as an anesthetic...
What is Xultophy and how is it used? Xultophy 100/3.6 is a combination of insulin degludec, a long-acting human insulin analog, and liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on basal insulin (less...
What is avanafil (Stendra), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Avanafil is an oral drug that is used for treating impotence (the inability to attain or maintain a penile erection), also known as erectile dysfunction (ED). It is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors that also includes tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil (Viagra)...
What is azelastine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Azelastine is an antihistamine, a chemical that blocks the effects of histamine, another chemical that is responsible for some of the symptoms in allergic reactions. Azelastine is chemically different from other antihistamines and is used only as a nasal inhaler for the treatment of...
What is levocarnitine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Levocarnitine (Carnitor) is a naturally occurring substance that the cells of mammals need to produce energy. It is used to treat carnitine deficiency. Carnitine is a small protein that binds to and helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria, the site of energy production...
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,...
What is griseofulvin tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Griseofulvin is an oral antibiotic that is used to treat fungal infections of the skin, body, hair/beard, or nails. Griseofulvin prevents fungal cells from dividing and multiplying. Griseofulvin also is deposited in keratin cells on the surface of the skin making it difficult...
What is tolterodine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tolterodine belongs to a class of drugs called cholinergic (acetylcholine) receptor blockers. It is used to treat disorders of the urinary bladder that affect urination. The urinary bladder is a muscular "bag." Urine coming from the kidneys fills the bladder and causes it to...
What is isosorbide dinitrate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Isosorbide dinitrate is in the class of drugs called nitrates, and it is used for treating and preventing angina or heart pain. Other nitrates include nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitroquick, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur and others) and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, Ismo, Monoket). Isosorbide dinitrate is converted in...