What is carbamazepine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Carbamazepine is an anti-seizure medication. Recurrent seizures (epilepsy) are divided into two main categories according to how much of the brain is involved, either partial or generalized epilepsy (which includes petit mal, grand mal, and myoclonic epilepsy). Seizures are called "simple" if there is no loss of consciousness and...
amoxicillin (Amoxil, Moxatag) Side Effects (UTI) & Alcohol Use
What is amoxicillin? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Amoxicillin belongs to a class of antibiotics called penicillins. Other members of this class include ampicillin (Unasyn), piperacillin (Pipracil), ticarcillin (Ticar), and several others. These antibiotics all have a similar mechanism of action. They do not directly kill bacteria, but they stop bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming...
Allergy Shots (Antihistamines) Side Effects, Safety & Types
What are antihistamine shots, and what are the medical uses for this type of drug? Antihistamine shots are prescription medications that are used for the rapid medical treatment of conditions such as: Allergic reactions (a severe allergy to a substance) Anxiety Nausea Vomiting Motion sickness To induce sedation when injected into a patient Antihistamine shots also are used to alleviate...
Anticoagulant Drug List: Blood Thinner Side Effects & Types
What are anticoagulants? An anticoagulant is a drug (blood thinner) that treats, prevents, and reduces the risk of blood clots-breaking off and traveling to vital organs of the body, which can lead to life threatening situations. They work by preventing blood from coagulating to form a clot in the vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain. For example,...
triamcinolone acetonide inhaler, Azmacort: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is triamcinolone acetonide inhaler, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Triamcinolone is a synthetic (man-made) steroid of the glucocorticoid family used for treating asthma. It is similar to beclomethasone (Vanceril, QVAR) and fluticasone (Flovent). The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid hormone is cortisol or hydrocortisone produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. Some symptoms of asthma are...
bicalutamide (Casodex) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is bicalutamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bicalutamide is an oral medication that is used for treating cancer of the prostate. It belongs to a class of drugs called anti-androgens which includes flutamide (Eulexin) and nilutamide (Nilandron). Androgens (an example of which is testosterone) are hormones that are produced and released by the adrenal glands. They...
Xanax (alprazolam) Side Effects, Dosage & Withdrawal
What is Xanax? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Alprazolam (Xanax XR, Niravam), is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine drug family, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others. Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical...
Antacids (Mylanta, Mylanta Maximum Strength): Side Effects
What is aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide? What is it used for? Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide act as antacids by neutralizing stomach acid that result in an increasing pH in the stomach. Simethicone is anti-gas medication that works by lowering surface tension of gas bubbles, which gives relief from gas. What brand names are available for aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide? Mylanta,...
Amoxicillin (Amoxil) vs. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin): Uses & Side Effects
Amoxicillin vs. ceftriaxone: What’s the difference? Amoxicillin and ceftriaxone are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin. Amoxicillin is also used to treat gonorrhea. Ceftriaxone is also used to treat pelvic inflammatory disease, bacterial septicemia, bone and joint infections, and meningitis. Brand names of amoxicillin include Moxatag and Amoxil....
Cangrelor (Kengreal) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is cangrelor, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cangrelor is an anti-platelet drug, that is, a drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot. Cangrelor prevents blood clots by reversibly binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. It belongs to a class...