What is ribavirin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ribavirin is an antiviral drug. It is used in combination with interferon for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Although the exact mechanism of its action is unknown, it is thought to interfere with the production and/or action of viral DNA and RNA which are critical to the survival...
Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) for HIV: Dosage, Side Effects & Pregnancy Safety
What is Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) and how is it used? Biktarvy (bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide) is a prescription medicine that is used without other anti-HIV-1 medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds (25 kg): who have not received anti-HIV-1 medicines in the past, or to replace...
Corticosteroids: Drug List, Side Effects & Dosage
What are corticosteroids? What is the mechanism of action (how do they work)? Corticosteroids are steroid hormones that are either produced by the body or are man-made. Systemic corticosteroids refer to corticosteroids that are given orally or by injection and distribute throughout the body. It does not include corticosteroids used in the eyes, ears, or nose, on the skin or...
belimumab (Benlysta): Lupus Drug Facts, Side Effects & Dosage
What is belimumab? What is belimumab used for? Belimumab is a synthetic (man-made) injectable antibody that reduces the activity of immune cells called B-cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and causes inflammation. Parts of the body affected by SLE include the...
fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (Breo Ellipta): Uses & Side Effects
What is Breo Ellipta? What is Breo Ellipta used for? Breo Ellipta for oral inhalation is a combination of fluticasone and vilanterol and is used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fluticasone is a man-made steroid of the glucocorticoid family which is related to the naturally-occurring steroid hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone, produced by the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid steroids have...
Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) Generic, Side Effects, Dosage, Uses
What is clopidogrel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix) is an anti-platelet drug, that is, a drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot. Clopidogrel prevents blood clots by irreversibly binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. It belongs to...
Prednisone Side Effects, Dosage, Uses & Withdrawal Symptoms
What is prednisone, and how does it work? Prednisone is an oral, synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid (steroid) used for suppressing the immune system and inflammation. It has effects similar to other corticosteroids such as: triamcinolone (Kenacort) methylprednisolone (Medrol) prednisolone (Prelone) dexamethasone (Decadron) These synthetic corticosteroids mimic the action of cortisol (hydrocortisone), the naturally-occurring corticosteroid produced in the body by the adrenal...
Periactin (cyproheptadine, generic) for Migraine & Allergies: Side Effects & Dosage
What is cyproheptadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cyproheptadine (Periactin) is an oral antihistamine used for treating allergic reactions. It works by blocking the effects of histamine and is classified as a first generation antihistamine. Histamine is released by cells of the body during several types of allergic reactions and, to a lesser extent, during some viral...
Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol hfa inhaler): Uses & Side Effects
What is budesonide/formoterol? What is budesonide/formoterol used for? Symbicort is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In patients with asthma or COPD the smaller airways (bronchioles) through which air moves in and out of thelungs can be narrowed by accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that surround these...
Beta blockers vs. Xanax: Facts, Side Effects & Drug Interactions
Beta blockers vs. Xanax Beta blockers and Xanax (alprazolam) are drugs prescribed for anxiety. A difference is beta-blockers are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart problems, and they are prescribed off-label for anxiety. Xanax is a different kind of drug, a benzodiazepine that is a type of tranquilizer, widely prescribed for anxiety. Beta-blockers work best for short-term...