What is amprenavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? This drug was discontinued as of October of 2007. Amprenavir is an oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which, among others, includes indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept),...
What is chlorpropamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chlorpropamide is an oral blood sugar-lowering drug in a class of medications for diabetes treatment called sulfonylureas. It is one of the first four sulfonylureas to be used to manage type II diabetes and it is commonly referred to as a first generation sulfonylurea....
What is choline magnesium salicylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Choline magnesium salicylate (or trisalicylate) is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), referred to as a salicylate, which is effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Other drugs within the same class are aspirin, diflunisal (Dolobid) and salsalate...
What is cerivastatin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cerivastatin is a drug that lowers cholesterol in the blood by blocking the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. It lowers total cholesterol as well as the LDL subfraction of cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is believed to be...
What is aurothioglucose, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Aurothioglucose is a gold-containing chemical (salt) used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Other gold salts available include injectable gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine), and capsules, auranofin (Ridaura). It is not well understood exactly how gold salts work. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as adult and...
What are conjugated estrogens? Conjugated estrogens are mixtures of man-made or natural estrogens used as an external source and replacement for the natural female hormone. Estrogens have widespread effects on many tissues in the body. Estrogens cause growth and development of the female sexual organs and maintain female sexual characteristics such as the growth of...
What is apremilast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Apremilast is an oral medication used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis (a form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis). It is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy....
What is beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler-spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family. (The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid that is produced by the adrenal gland is cortisol or hydrocortisone.) Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, the medication goes directly...
What is blue green algae (Spirulina sp.)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Blue-green algae is a natural herbal supplement. Blue-green algae has high amounts of protein, iron, and other minerals and claims have been made that it has beneficial effects on the immune system, inflammation, and against viral infections. Individuals should check...
What is boceprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Boceprevir is a man-made antiviral medication that targets hepatitis C virus (HCV). Similar drugs include simeprevir (Olysio) and telaprevir (Incivek). 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...