What is guaifenesin with codeine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Guaifenesin with codeine is an oral, liquid cough medicine. Guaifenesin is an expectorant, which works by thinning and increasing the volume of mucus. Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant that works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, eventually reducing the frequency of cough. What brand...
norethindrone (Aygestin): Birth Control Uses & Side Effects
What is oral norethindrone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Norethindrone is a man-made progestin used for treating abnormal uterine bleeding and related condtions (such as amenorrhea and endometriosis). Progestins are steroid hormones that have the same effect as progesterone. Norethindrone works by stopping gonadotropin production from the pituitary gland, leading to prevention of ovulation in females. The...
Auryxia (ferric citrate) for Kidney Disease: Drug Warnings
Generic drug: ferric citrate Brand name: Auryxia What is Auryxia (ferric citrate), and how does it work? Auryxia (ferric citrate) is a phosphate binder used for the control of serum phosphorus levels in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. What are the side effects of Auryxia? Common side effects of Auryxia include: diarrhea, nausea, constipation, vomiting, cough, and dark...
Zyrtec (cetirizine): Allergy Drug Side Effects, Dosage, Generic
What is cetirizine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine that works by blocking histamine (H-1) receptors on cells. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example,...
Amikacin Sulfate: Antibiotic Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is amikacin injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amikacin is a man-made aminoglycoside antibiotic. It is similar to tobramycin and gentamicin. Amikacin binds to components of bacteria that produce important bacterial proteins, blocking protein synthesis which eventually leads to stopping further bacterial growth. Amikacin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to...
leflunomide (Arava) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is leflunomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Leflunomide is an oral, disease-modifying drug that is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Leflunomide reduces inflammation in the joints that is responsible for both the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and the destruction of joints. This reduces symptoms as well as the progressive deformities of the joints caused...
Cabometyx (cabozantinib) Cancer Medication Side Effects, Dosage
Generic drug: cabozantinib Brand name: Cabometyx What is Cabometyx (cabozantinib), and how does it work? Cabometyx (cabozantinib) is a prescription medicine used to treat people with: advanced kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) who have been previously treated with the medicine sorafenib. It is not known if Cabometyx is safe and effective in children. What are the...
Retin A (tretinoin) Side Effects, Uses, Benefits, and Dosage
What is tretinoin (Retn-A)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. It is used on the skin (topically) in the treatment of mild to moderate acne and on skin that has been damaged by excessive exposure to the sun. Tretinoin irritates the skin and causes the cells of the skin to grow (divide)...
Antizol (fomepizole) Antifreeze Antidote Side Effects & Dosage
What is Antizol, and how does it work? Generic drug: fomepizole Brand name: Antizol What is Antizol and how is it used? Antizol (fomepizole) is an antidote used to treat poisoning with ethylene glycol (antifreeze) or methanol (contained in solvents, fuels, and other household or automotive chemicals). Antizol is sometimes used together with hemodialysis to rid the body of a...
Cholbam (cholic acid)
What is Cholbam, and how does it work? Cholbam (cholic acid) is a bile acid used to treat bile acid synthesis disorders due to single enzyme defects (SEDs). It is also used for adjunctive treatment of peroxisomal disorders (PDs) including Zellweger spectrum disorders in patients who exhibit manifestations of liver disease, steatorrhea or complications from decreased fat-soluble vitamin absorption. What...