What is ibandronate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ibandronate is an oral and intravenous drug that is used for treating osteoporosis. It is a member of the bisphosphonate class of drugs which includes etidronate (Didronel), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), and tiludronate (Skelid). Bone is in a constant state of remodeling. New bone...
What is promethazine and codeine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Promethazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines which also includes chlorpromazine, and trifluoperazine; however, unlike the other drugs in this class, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic but rather as an anti-histamine, sedative, antiemetic (anti-nausea), and cough suppressant. Cells...
What is guanfacine? What is guanfacine used for? Guanfacine is an oral, centrally-acting alpha 2A adrenergic receptor agonist. It is available in two different formulations, Tenex immediate release tablets and Intuniv extended release tablets. Tenex is used alone or in combination with other medications for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Guanfacine reduces blood...
What is Lactated Ringer’s solution, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lactated Ringer's is a sterile solution for fluid and electrolyte replenishment. It restores fluid and electrolyte balances, produces diuresis, and acts as alkalizing agent (reduces acidity). The FDA approved Ringer's solution in plastic containers in 1971. What brand names are available for...
What is lidocaine viscous? What is Lidocaine used for? Lidocaine viscous solution is a local anesthetic that is applied topically to treat painful mucous membranes or throat pain associated with oral diseases and for procedures involving the mouth or throat. Lidocaine provides pain relief by inhibiting the influx of sodium ions involved in the initiation...
What is sumatriptan? What are the uses for sumatriptan? Sumatriptan is a drug that is used for treating migraine headaches. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. Other members of this class include naratriptan (Amerge), zolmitriptan (Zomig), rizatriptan (Maxalt), frovatriptan (Frova), eletriptan (Relpax), and almotriptan (Axert). Migraine headaches are believed...
What is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? What are the uses for lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? Vyvanse is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used for the treatment of: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. What are the side effects of lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? Common side effects of Vyvanse include: upper abdominal pain, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness,...
What is insulin glargine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Insulin glargine is a bioengineered (man-made) injectable form of long-acting insulin that is used to regulate sugar (glucose) levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin on their own; and individuals with type 2...
What is promethazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Promethazine is a phenothiazine in the same drug class as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and trifluoperazine (Stelazine). However, unlike the other drugs in this class, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic. It used as an anti-histamine, sedative, and antiemetic (anti-nausea). The body releases histamine during...
What is olanzapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Olanzapine is a drug that is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Olanzapine belongs to a drug class known as atypical antipsychotics. Other members of this class include clozapine (Clozaril), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify) and ziprasidone (Geodon)....