What is becaplermin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Becaplermin is a gel applied topically to diabetic ulcers on the lower limbs (foot, ankle, and leg) to promote healing of the ulcers. It belongs to a class of man-made drugs called platelet-derived growth factors or PDGFs that are similar to naturally-occurring PDGFs. Becaplermin is made using recombinant DNA...
conjugated equine estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate, Prempro, Premphase: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesteron, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prempro and Premphase are combinations of conjugated estrogens (Premarin) and medroxyprogesterone (Provera). Estrogens and progestins are the two major classes of female hormones. Conjugated estrogens are a mixture of several different estrogens (estrogen salts) that are derived from natural sources and blended to approximate the...
PEG/ELECTROLYTE – ORAL (Colyte, Golytely, Nulytely) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.
What are PEG and electrolytes? PEG and electrolytes are oral solutions used prior to colonoscopy and other examinations or procedures to cleanse the intestines, in particular, the large bowel or colon. The PEG remains in the intestines where it retains water by producing an osmotic effect. This causes a watery stool, in fact, diarrhea, which rapidly cleanses the bowel within...
flu vaccine live, FluMist & Quadrivalent: Drug Side Effects
What is influenza nasal vaccine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? FluMist is a nasal vaccine that protects against infection with the influenza virus or the “flu.” FluMist contains live influenza virus that has been weakened so that it causes minimal or no symptoms. When FluMist is inhaled, the body responds to the weakened viruses in FluMist by...
dalfampridine, Ampyra: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is dalfampridine, Ampyra, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ampyra is an oral medication used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Its exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it is known to block movement of potassium between nerve cells. In animal studies Ampyra increased the conduction of nerve signals. The FDA approved Ampyra in December 1987. What...
perphenazine and amitriptyline (Etrafon): Drug Side Effects
What is amitriptyline w/ perphenazine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Perphenazine/amitriptyline is a combination of an antipsychotic and an antidepressant. Perphenazine is an antipsychotic that works in the brain and nervous system. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters...
pramoxine (Itch-X and others) – Topical: Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions
What is pramoxine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pramoxine is a topical (used on the skin) anesthetic (numbing agent). Topical anesthetics are chemicals that interfere with the function of the nerves that sense pain. Pramoxine may be used in persons who are allergic to other local anesthetics such as lidocaine, procaine, or benzocaine. Is it available as...
salsalate, Disalcid: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is salsalate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Salsalate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Salsalate is converted in the body to salicylic acid which is its active form and is closely related to aspirin. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen...
atenolol/chlorthalidone, Tenoretic: Drug Facts and Side Effects
What is atenolol and chlorthalidone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atenolol/chlorthalidone is a combination of atenolol (Tenormin) and chlorthalidone (Hygroton) used for the treatment of high blood pressure. Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that blocks the effects of adrenergic drugs, for example, adrenaline or epinephrine, on nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. Atenolol reduces the heart...
bromfenac (Duract): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What brand names are available for bromfenac? Duract