What is chaste tree (Vitexagnus castus), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chaste tree is shrub. The dried ripe fruit is used as a natural herbal supplement. Although exact mechanism is not known, Chaste tree presumably works by decreasing follicle-stimulating hormone release. Lowering of follicle-stimulating hormones increases progesterone-to-estrogen ratio, giving relief from menstrual and menopausal symptoms. What brand...
Armodafinil (Nuvigil) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is armodafinil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Armodafinil is an oral drug that is used to promote wakefulness. It is similar to modafinil (Provigil). Like amphetamines, armodafinil promotes wakefulness by stimuatIng the brain; however, the exact mechanism of action of armodafinil is unknown. Armodafinil may work by increasing the amount of dopamine (a chemical neurotransmitter that...
Can Botulinum Toxin Be Used for Pain Relief?
What is botulinum toxin? Botox and its analogs, widely administered for cosmetic purposes, can also reduce chronic pain by deadening nerves and/or releasing the pressure on the nerves from adjacent spasming muscles. Botulinum toxin is one of the most toxic biological substances found on earth, produced by anaerobic bacteria known as Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin excreted by...
Altabax (retapamulin)
What is Altabax, and how does it work? Altabax is indicated for use in adults and pediatric patients aged 9 months and older for the topical treatment of impetigo (up to 100 cm2 in total area in adults or 2% total body surface area in pediatric patients aged 9 months or older) due to Staphylococcus aureus (methicillinsusceptible isolates only) or...
Alprazolam (Xanax) vs. Sertraline (Zoloft): Uses & Side Effects
Alprazolam (Xanax) vs. sertraline (Zoloft): What’s the difference? Alprazolam and Sertraline are used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Sertraline is also used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Brand names for alprazolam include Xanax and Niravam. A brand name for sertraline is Zoloft. Alprazolam and sertraline belong to...
Hydrocortisone Suppository Dosage & Side Effects
What is hydrocortisone-rectal cream, ointment, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hydrocortisone is a natural corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands that are located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as: arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory conditions of...
atezolizumab (Tecentriq): Chemotherapy Drug Uses & Side Effects
What is atezolizumab, and how is it used? Tecentriq is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with: a type of bladder and urinary tract cancer called urothelial carcinoma. Tecentriq may be used when your bladder cancer has spread or cannot be removed by surgery, and if you have any one of the following conditions: you are not able to...
Avsola (infliximab-axxq): Side Effects, Dosage & Warnings
Generic drug: infliximab-axxq Brand name: Avsola What is Avsola (infliximab-axxq), and how does it work? Avsola (infliximab-axxq) is a prescription medicine that is approved for patients with: Rheumatoid Arthritis — adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, along with the medicine methotrexate. Crohn's Disease — children 6 years and older and adults with Crohn's disease who have not responded...
zolpidem, Ambien, Zolpimist, Edluar Side Effects & Dosing
What is zolpidem, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zolpidem belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or hypnotics. Zolpidem shares some characteristics of a family of sedatives called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines cause sedation, muscle relaxation, act as anti-convulsants (anti-seizure medications), and reduce anxiety. Zolpidem has selectivity in that it has little of the muscle relaxant and anti-seizure...
Phenothiazine Antipsychotic Drug Facts, Side Effects, Dosage
What are phenothiazine antipsychotics? Phenothiazine antipsychotics are medications used to treat schizophrenia and manifestations of psychotic disorders. Some phenothiazine antipsychotics, like prochlorperazine and chlorpromazine, are used for nausea, vomiting, and hiccups. Although, the exact mechanism of phenothiazine antipsychotics is unknown, scientists believe that they may work by blocking the action of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical)...