What is sumatriptan? What are the uses for sumatriptan? Sumatriptan is a drug that is used for treating migraine headaches. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. Other members of this class include naratriptan (Amerge), zolmitriptan (Zomig), rizatriptan (Maxalt), frovatriptan (Frova), eletriptan (Relpax), and almotriptan (Axert). Migraine headaches are believed to result from dilatation of...
Lidocaine Viscous: Anesthetic Uses, Dosage & Interactions
What is lidocaine viscous? What is Lidocaine used for? Lidocaine viscous solution is a local anesthetic that is applied topically to treat painful mucous membranes or throat pain associated with oral diseases and for procedures involving the mouth or throat. Lidocaine provides pain relief by inhibiting the influx of sodium ions involved in the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses...
Lactated Ringer’s Solution: IV Fluids Replenish Electrolytes
What is Lactated Ringer’s solution, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lactated Ringer's is a sterile solution for fluid and electrolyte replenishment. It restores fluid and electrolyte balances, produces diuresis, and acts as alkalizing agent (reduces acidity). The FDA approved Ringer's solution in plastic containers in 1971. What brand names are available for Lactated Ringer's solution? Lactated Ringer's...
Guanfacine (Intuniv for ADHD, Tenex for Hypertension) Dosage & Side Effects
What is guanfacine? What is guanfacine used for? Guanfacine is an oral, centrally-acting alpha 2A adrenergic receptor agonist. It is available in two different formulations, Tenex immediate release tablets and Intuniv extended release tablets. Tenex is used alone or in combination with other medications for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Guanfacine reduces blood pressure by reducing the resistance...
promethazine, Phenergan with Codeine: Drug Facts and Side Effects
What is promethazine and codeine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Promethazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines which also includes chlorpromazine, and trifluoperazine; however, unlike the other drugs in this class, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic but rather as an anti-histamine, sedative, antiemetic (anti-nausea), and cough suppressant. Cells in the body release histamine...
Boniva (ibandronate): Osteoporosis Drug Uses & Side Effects
What is ibandronate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ibandronate is an oral and intravenous drug that is used for treating osteoporosis. It is a member of the bisphosphonate class of drugs which includes etidronate (Didronel), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), and tiludronate (Skelid). Bone is in a constant state of remodeling. New bone is laid down by cells...
apixaban, Eliquis: Side Effects, Dosing, Reversal, Indications
What is Eliquis (apixaban) and how does it work? Eliquis (apixaban) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used for reducing the risk of blood clots in the heart and strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation who have no problems with their heart valves (nonvalvular atrial fibrillation). Eliquis is also used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism...
adalimumab (Humira): Arthritis Drug Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
What is adalimumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rheumatoid arthritis Humira is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. HUMIRA can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs...
Fever: 102 Temperature, Severe, Causes, Treatment, Symptoms & Home Remedies
Fever facts Picture of a child with fever and high temperature Although a fever (pyrexia) could be considered any body temperature above the normal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (98.6 F or 37 C), medically, a person is not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 F (38.0 C). Most fever is beneficial, causes no...
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & Prognosis
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) facts Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition characterized by destruction of red blood cells, low platelet count, and kidney failure. In medicine, a syndrome is defined as a collection of symptoms (patient complaints), signs (findings on physical examination), and laboratory or imaging findings that tend to group together and be associated with a specific disease...