What is sulfinpyrazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sulfinpyrazone is an oral drug that is used to treat gout. Gout is caused by elevated blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia). Sulfinpyrazone works by increasing the excretion of uric acid in the urine thereby lowering the elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that are responsible for...
tazarotene (Tazorac): Psoriasis Drug Side Effects
What is tazarotene-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? This medication was withdrawn from the US market on March 30, 2007, but it available on a very limited basis for restricted use. Women who would like to be considered for this medication should contact their doctor for an evaluation. Tazarotene is a topical acne and psoriasis medication. The...
Zinc for Colds: Lozenges & Nasal Sprays: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
Introduction You’ve probably heard a lot about zinc for colds. But is zinc really effective for reducing the duration of cold symptoms? Here’s what you should know about zinc and colds. What is zinc? Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. Zinc has antioxidant effects and is vital to the body’s resistance to infection. It’s...
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) Side Effects, Dosage & Off-Label Uses
What is tranexamic acid (Lysteda), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) promotes the clotting of blood and thereby reduces bleeding due to heavy menstruation. Tranexamic acid is a man-made amino acid derivative that increases blood clotting by preventing the breakdown of fibrin. Fibrin is a protein and an important component of blood clots. It is...
sofosbuvir, Sovaldi to Cure Hep C: Side Effects and Dosing
What is sofosbuvir, and how does it work? Sofosbuvir is an oral, direct-acting antiviral agent used for treating infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Other direct-acting hepatitis C treatments include: boceprevir (Victrelis) telaprevir (Incivek) simeprevir (Olysio) After administration sofosbuvir is first converted to an active form. The active form of sofosbuvir interferes with multiplication of the ribonucleic acid (RNA)...
tobramycin ophthalmic solution (Tobrex) Side Effects
What is tobramycin-ophthalmic ointment, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that interferes with bacterial production of proteins, ultimately leading to bacterial death. Tobramycin, like other aminoglycoside antibiotics, targets various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Targeted organisms include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, Morganella morganii,...
trovafloxacin mesylate, Trovan: Drug Side Effects and Dosing
What is trovafloxacin mesylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Many common infections in humans are caused by single cell organisms, called bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Medicines that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Trovafloxacin is an antibiotic that stops multiplication of bacteria by preventing the reproduction and...
tegaserod, Zelnorm: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What brand names are available for tegaserod? Zelnorm
terfenadine (Seldane): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What brand names are available for terfenadine? Seldane
zalcitabine, Hivid – discontinued: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is zalcitabine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zalcitabine is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes lamivudine (Epivir), zidovudine (Retrovir), didanosine (Videx), and stavudine (Zerit). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus...