What are hypnotics? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Hypnotics are drugs that are used to help people fall asleep. There are many types of hypnotic drugs, and doctors recommend and prescribe them based on the type of sleep problem you have. Lifestyle and sleep habit changes also are effective for treating certain types...
What is cancer prevention? Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer in a group or population is lowered. Hopefully, this will lower the number of deaths caused by cancer. To prevent new cancers from starting, scientists look at risk factors...
What is urokinase-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Urokinase is a thrombolytic medication made from human neonatal kidney cells. Urokinase is an enzyme (protein) that disrupts the clotting cycle and breaks down blood clots lodged in the lungs in people with pulmonary embolism. The FDA approved urokinase under the brand name Kinlytic...
What is teriflunomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Teriflunomide is an oral immunomodulatory agent used for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme used to make pyrimidine which is used to build DNA. The exact mechanism of action of teriflunomide in the...
What is tacrine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tacrine is an oral medication used to treat patients with Alzheimer's disease. Tacrine is in a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that also includes rivastigmine (Exelon), donepezil (Aricept), and galantamine (Razadyne – formerly Reminyl). Cholinesterase inhibitors inhibit (block) the action of acetylcholinesterase, the...
What brand names are available for valdecoxib? This drug has been discontinued. Brand name: Bextra
What is damiana (Turnera diffusa)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Turnera diffusa is a natural herbal supplement. The exact mechanism of how Turnera diffusa works is not known. Turnera diffusa is believed to have stimulant, antidepressant, mood improving, libido enhancing, euphoric, and nervous system restorative properties. Individuals should consult their doctor before...
What is telaprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Telaprevir is a man-made antiviral medication that targets hepatitis C virus (HCV). Similar drugs include simeprevir (Olysio) and boceprevir (Victrelis). These drugs are called direct-acting antiviral agents because they act directly on hepatitis C virus. They block the replication of hepatitis C virus in...
What is zalcitabine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zalcitabine is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes lamivudine (Epivir), zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and stavudine (Zerit). During infection...
What brand names are available for terfenadine? Seldane