What is oxaprozin? What is oxaprozin used for? Oxaprozin belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever and inflammation. Oxaprozin is indicated: For relief of the signs and symptoms...
dicyclomine, Bentyl: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is dicyclomine? What are the uses for dicyclomine? Dicyclomine is a drug that is used for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine is in a class of drugs called anticholinergics. Anticholinergic drugs block the effects of acetylcholine, the chemical transmitter that nerves release in order to cause muscles to contract. They prevent contraction of muscles by blocking the acetylcholine...
methylsalicylate & menthol (Bengay, Icy Hot): Uses & Side Effects
What is methyl salicylate and menthol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Menthol/methylsalicylate is used as a topical analgesic. It works by first cooling the skin then warming it up, providing a topical anesthetic and analgesic action on the affected area. The cooling and warning action may interfere with transmission of pain signals through nerves. What brand names...
clomiphene (Clomid): Fertility Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is clomiphene, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clomiphene is an oral medication used for stimulating ovulation. It binds to estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovary, endometrium, vagina, and cervix. It causes production of hormones (gonadotropins) by the pituitary which stimulates ovulation. The FDA approved clomiphene in February 1967. What brand names are available for...
aminophylline (Norphyl) Asthma Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is aminophylline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Aminophylline is a methylxanthine bronchodilator composed of theophylline (Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-24, Theolair) and ethylenediamine. The mechanism of action of aminophylline is not completely understood. Theophylline relaxes smooth muscle in the respiratory tract and suppresses airway stimuli. Theophylline also increases contraction of diaphragm muscles by increasing calcium uptake through chemical...
bisacodyl suppository, Dulcolax, Correctol Side Effects
What is bisacodyl-rectal suppository, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It stimulates the muscles in the wall of the small intestine and colon to generate a bowel movement. It also alters water and electrolyte levels in intestines, increasing the level of fluids which also produce a laxative-like effect. What brand names are available...
clonidine (Catapres) Side Effects, Dosage, Uses & Withdrawal Symptoms
What is clonidine, and how does it work? Clonidine (Catapres, Catapres-TTS) is an oral and topical (applied to the skin) medication prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It acts by stimulating receptors on nerves in the brain that reduces the transmission of messages from nerves in the brain to nerves in other areas of...
Azelaic Acid (Finacea, Azelex) Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is azelaic acid gel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Azelaic acid is a topical (applied to the skin) medication used for treating acne. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Azelaic acid may work as an antibacterial agent that blocks protein synthesis and therefore growth of Propionibacterium acnes and other bacteria on the surface of the...
nortriptyline (Pamelor): Antidepressant Side Effects & Dosage
What is nortriptyline? What is nortriptyline used for? Nortriptyline is in the class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and is used for treating depression. Other drugs in the same class include: amitriptyline (Endep, Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), trimipramine (Surmontil), amoxapine (Amoxapine), desipramine (Norpramin), and protriptyline (Vivactil). Individuals with depression may have an imbalance in neurotransmitters, chemicals...
Quinapril (Accupril): Hypertension Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is quinapril? What is quinapril used for? Quinapril belongs in a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure and heart failure and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other drugs in this class are enalapril (Vasotec), ramipril (Altace), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), benazepril...