What is buspirone (Buspar)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Buspirone is a medication that is used for the treatment of anxiety. Its mechanism of action is not clearly understood but may involve effects on neurotransmitters, chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. Serotonin and dopamine are two of these neurotransmitters. Buspirone may work by stimulating serotonin...
benzonatate (Tessalon Perles) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is benzonatate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benzonatate is a medication taken orally to suppress coughs. It has an anesthetic (numbing) action similar to that of benzocaine and numbs the stretch sensors in the lungs. It is the stretching of these sensors with breathing that causes the cough. Benzonatate begins to work within 15 to 20...
baclofen (Lioresal, Gablofen) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is baclofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Baclofen is an oral and injectable medication that relaxes skeletal muscles, the muscles that move the skeleton (and also called striated muscle). Chemically, baclofen is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. GABA...
Cyclosporine Eye Drops (Restasis) Side Effects & Dosage
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 and injectable formulations that are...
Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
What brand names are available for betamethasone dipropionate? Diprolene, Diprolene AF, Luxiq Is betamethasone dipropionate available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for betamethasone dipropionate? Yes What are the uses for betamethasone dipropionate? Betamethasone is used for the relief of itching and inflammation associated with a wide variety of skin conditions in patients 13...
Captopril (Capoten) Uses, Adverse Effects & Dosage
What is captopril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Captopril is an oral drug and a member of a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, and for preventing kidney failure due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril...
arnica montana (Arnicare, Arniflora) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is arnica (Arnica montana)-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Arnica montana is a homeopathic topical pain relief agent. Its mechanism of action is not well known. Arnica preparations have shown wound healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties. Arnica’s actions may be due to two chemicals called helenalin and dihyrdohelenalin. These chemicals may modify the action...
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) Side Effects, Alcohol Interactions & Dosage
What is cyclobenzaprine (Amrix, Fexmid, Flexeril)? Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant. Cyclobenzaprine relieves muscle spasm when the spasm is due to local problems, that is, in the muscle itself and not in the nerves controlling the muscles. Cyclobenzaprine has no effect on muscle function. Cyclobenzaprine seems to accomplish its beneficial effect through a complex mechanism within the nervous system, probably...
Diamox Brand (acetazolamide) Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
What is Diamox, Diamox Sequels (acetazolamide)? Acetazolamide is a strong carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Why is Diamox, Diamox Sequels (acetazolamide) prescribed to patients? Acetazolamide a prescription medicine used for the following conditions: To remove extra fluid from the body (diuresis) in people with heart failure. Prevention and treatment of mountain sickness (altitude sickness) Seizures Glaucoma What brand names are available for...
Pelvic Pain (Severe) During Pregnancy, Causes, and Chronic
What should I know about pelvic pain? Share Your Story The medical definition of pelvic pain is perceived pain in the pelvic area and the lower part of the abdomen located between the hip bones. Usually, the term pelvic pain is used to refer to pain in the reproductive organs (uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina) in women. What causes pelvic...