What is Veklury (remdesivir), and how does it work? Veklury is indicated for adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older and weighing at least 40 kg) for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring hospitalization. Veklury should only be administered in a hospital or in a healthcare setting capable of providing...
Generic drug: methylphenidate HCI Brand name: Methylin What is Methylin (methylphenidate HCI), and how does it work? Methylin Oral Solution (methylphenidate HCI) is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy. Methylin Oral Solution may be used alone or with other medications. Methylin Oral Solution belongs to a...
What is pygeum (Pygeum africanum), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prunus africanum is a natural herbal supplement. Prunus africanum contains triterpenes, ferulic acid and phytosterols. Ferulic acid lowers prostatic cholesterol levels and phytosterols block prostaglandin synthesis, leading to reduced pain and inflammation. Triterpenes also blocks enzymes responsible for destruction of connective tissues,...
What is progesterone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Progesterone is a man-made medication derived from a plant source and is identical to the female hormone, progesterone produced in the ovaries. It promotes the development of the mammary glands, causes changes in the endometrium, which lines the uterus, relaxes uterine smooth muscles, blocks...
What is methadone? What is methadone used for? Methadone is a strong, synthetic (man-made) narcotic that acts on the central nervous system (brain) in a manner similar to other narcotics. It is used in the management of narcotic addiction and for pain control. Methadone was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration on August...
Ondansetron (Zofran) vs. promethazine (Phenergan): What’s the difference? Ondansetron and promethazine are used to prevent nausea and vomiting. Promethazine is also used as an antihistamine and sedative. Brand names for ondansetron include Zofran, Zofran ODT, and Zuplenz. Brand names for promethazine include Phenergan, Phenadoz, and Promethegan. Ondansetron and promethazine belong to different drug classes. Ondansetron...
Generic drug: darunavir and cobicistat Brand name: Prezcobix What is Prezcobix (darunavir and cobicistat), and how does it work? Prezcobix (darunavir and cobicistat) is a prescription medicine that is used with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults and in children who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg). What are the side...
What is mesalamine (Lialda), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mesalamine is an oral drug used for treating ulcerative colitis. Lialda is mesalamine in a form that is slowly released in the intestine so that it can be given just once-a-day. Other oral drugs containing mesalamine that are similar to Lialda include Asacol, Pentasa,...
Nitrofurantoin vs. amoxicillin: What’s the difference? Nitrofurantoin and amoxicillin are antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Amoxicillin is also used to treat bacterial infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), and skin. It is also used to treat gonorrhea. Brand names of nitrofurantoin include Macrobid, Macrodantin, and...
Who discovered penicillin? In 1928, Alexander Fleming noted that mold belonging to the genus Penicillium inhibited the growth of bacteria. Fleming called this unknown antibacterial substance penicillin. Ten years later, a group at Oxford University began to investigate penicillin in laboratory mice. Penicillin was hailed as a miracle drug and saved countless lives in World...