What are vasodilators, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? A vasodilator is a drug that causes vasodilation, a widening (opening) of blood vessels that results from relaxation of the smooth muscle of the vessels. What widens in vasodilation actually is the diameter of the interior (lumen) of the vessel. The opposite of vasodilation...
Generic drug: bendamustine hydrochloride Brand name: Treanda What is Treanda (bendamustine hydrochloride), and how does it work? Treanda (bendamustine hydrochloride) injection is an antineoplastic (anticancer) medication used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Treanda is also used to treat indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of this condition. What...
Generic drug: neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone Brand name: Maxitrol What is Maxitrol (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone), and how does it work? Maxitrol (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone) is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of inflammatory ocular conditions/infections. Maxitrol may be used alone or with...
Generic drug: pomalidomide Brand name: Pomalyst What is Pomalyst (pomalidomide), and how does it work? Pomalyst is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with: Multiple myeloma. Pomalyst is taken along with the medicine dexamethasone, in people who: have received at least 2 prior medicines to treat multiple myeloma, including a type of medicine known...
What is meclofenamate, and what is it used for? Meclofenamate sodium is indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain. Meclofenamate sodium is also indicated for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (menopause) and for the treatment of idiopathic heavy menstrual blood loss. Meclofenamate sodium is also indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms...
Metoprolol vs. propranolol: What’s the difference? Metoprolol and propranolol are beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart pain (angina), abnormal heart rhythms, and some neurologic conditions. Metoprolol is also used to treat congestive heart failure and hyperthyroidism, and to prevent migraine headaches. Brand names for metoprolol include Lopressor and Toprol XL. Brand names...
What is oxycodone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oxycodone is a strong narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. The precise mechanism of action (how it works) is not known, but it may involve stimulation of opioid receptors in the brain. Oxycodone does not eliminate the sensation of...
Metronidazole vs. Fluconazole Metronidazole and fluconazole are used to treat different types of vaginal infections. Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas vaginal infections, and fluconazole is an antifungal used to treat vaginal fungal infections caused by Candida. Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER and a brand name...
What is omalizumab? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Omalizumab is an injectable drug that is used for treating asthma. Omalizumab is a protein that resembles one type of human antibody. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body that recognize foreign substances such as bacteria (that cause infection) and pollens (that cause allergies). Once...
What is zidovudine? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Zidovudine (formerly called azidothymidine [AZT]), a pyrimidine nucleoside analogue active against HIV. RETROVIR IV Infusion is a sterile solutionfor intravenous infusion only. Each mL contains 10 mg zidovudine in Water for Injection. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may have been added to adjust the pH to approximately...