What is Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil), and what is it used for? Xofluza is indicated for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients 12 years of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours. Limitations of Use: Influenza viruses change over time, and factors such as the virus type or...
Generic drug: fesoterodine fumarate Brand name: Toviaz What is Toviaz (fesoterodine fumarate), and how does it work? Toviaz (fesoterodine fumarate) is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat symptoms of a condition called overactive bladder, including: Urge urinary incontinence — leaking or wetting accidents due to a strong need to urinate, Urinary urgency —...
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...
Cefdinir vs. Cefpodoxime: What’s the difference? Cefdinir and cefpodoxime are cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat a variety of infections. The brand name for cefdinir called Omnicef and the brand name for cefpodoxime called Vantin are discontinued in the U.S. Side effects of cefdinir and cefpodoxime that are similar include diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, vomiting,...
What is mitoxantrone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mitoxantrone is a synthetic (man-made) anticancer drug. It kills cancer cells by disrupting the action of deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) in human cells by causing abnormal cross-links and breaks in the DNA. It also interferes with ribonucleic acid (RNA) and inhibits the activity of topoisomerase...
What is nystatin oral suspension, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nystatin suspension is an oral, anti-fungal liquid medication. Nystatin works by binding to sterols in the walls of fungal cells, disturbing function of the cell wall. The fungal cells eventually lose their contents, leading to their death and improvement of the fungal...
What is suvorexant (Belsomra)? What is suvorexant used for? Belsomra belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. It is used for treating insomnia. Belsomra has a unique mechanism of action different from other sleep medications, for example, from benzodiazepine type of sleep medicines like diazepam (Valium). Belsomra causes sleep by blocking receptors...
What is interferon beta-1b (Betaseron, Extavia), and how is it used? Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features...
What is nalbuphine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nalbuphine is a man-made opioid (narcotic) painkiller. Nalbuphine provides pain relief in a similar way as morphine (MS Contin), oxycodone (Oxycontin), and other narcotic analgesics. Narcotic painkillers stimulate the brain to increase the threshold to pain (the amount of stimulation it takes to feel...
What is phenylephrine-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Phenylephrine is a man-made drug that stimulates receptors (alpha1 receptors) on blood vessels and cause blood vessels to constrict (vasoconstriction). It is a vasoconstrictor medication, structurally similar to epinephrine and ephedrine. Vasoconstriction increases blood pressure. Phenylephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate without affecting...