What is lesinurad, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lesinurad is an oral medication that reduces uric acid levels in people who have too much uric acid in their blood (hyperuricemia) and have symptoms of gout. It is the first approved drug in a new class of drugs called selective uric acid reabsorption...
Ketoconazole cream vs. nystatin: What’s the difference? Ketoconazole cream and nystatin are antifungal medications prescribed to treat different types of fungal infections. Ketoconazole cream is a topical (for the skin) medication used to treat ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot, dandruff, and tinea versicolor. Nystatin is an oral anti-fungal medication used to treat intestinal candidiasis. Brand...
What is ketorolac-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ketorolac is a member of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used for treating inflammation and pain. Other drugs in this class include ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), but ketorolac is more effective than other NSAIDs in reducing...
What is cyclosporine-ophthalmic, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Restasis ophthalmic emulsion is a prescription eye drop that helps patients increase their eyes’ natural ability to produce tears. It is used to treat a type of chronic dry eye condition caused by inflammation. Cyclosporine, the medicine in Restasis, is also available in oral...
What is autism? Share Your Story Autism can be diagnosed in babies, children, tweens, teens, and adults. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that affects a person's behavior and impairs the ability to communicate and interact with others. Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can range from mild to severe. The cause is unknown....
Erythropoietin (EPO) definition and facts Measuring blood levels of erythripoietin, a hormone involved in red blood cell production, can diagnose some medical conditions. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidney. Erythropoietin promotes the formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow. The erythropoietin hormone level can be detected and measured in the...
What is upper endoscopy? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Endoscopy is a procedure in which a camera is inserted into an orifice or surgical incision to explore for abnormalities or cancers, or perform minimally invasive surgery. Upper endoscopy is a procedure that enables the examiner (usually a gastroenterologist) to examine the esophagus (swallowing tube),...
Hyponatremia (low blood sodium) definition and facts Hyponatremia is low blood sodium, or salt deficiency. Hyponatremia refers to a low level of sodium in the blood. Hyponatremia or low sodium blood levels may result from excess fluid in the body relative to a normal amount of sodium, or it may be due to a loss...
What is pramlintide? What is pramlintide used for? Pramlintide is an injectable drug that lowers the level of sugar (glucose) in blood. It is used for treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Pramlintide is a synthetic (man-made) hormone that resembles human amylin. Amylin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and released...
What is aluminum hydrochloride, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Aluminum hydrochloride is an astringent used in over-the-counter deodorants and antiperspirants. It is a powerful antiperspirant used for treating hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Aluminum hydrochloride works by reducing the activity of sweat glands and may also shrink sweat glands. What brand names are available...