What is certolizumab? What is certolizumab used for? Certolizumab is an injectable synthetic (man-made) protein antibody that binds to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the body and blocks the effects of TNFα in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel) are two other injectable drugs that block TNFα. Inflammation is the body's reaction to...
Trachoma Definition, Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention
Trachoma facts Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Trachoma is a contagious and potentially blinding infectious eye disease. The World Health Organization classified trachoma as one of the neglected tropical diseases and the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Blindness from trachoma may be preventable by screening and treatment with antibiotics and surgery....
Is Ringworm Contagious? How Does It Spread?
What is ringworm? Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection. Ringworm is a rash caused by a fungus in the skin. Ringworm is caused by various genera and species of fungi (for examples, Trichophyton species, Epidermophyton species). The term ringworm is used because the rash often occurs in a ringlike, circular pattern. Ringworm is...
glipizide, Glipizide XL, Glucotrol: Drug Side Effects
What is glipizide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glipizide is an oral drug that is used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the sulfonylurea class of drugs which also includes glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase), tolbutamide and tolazamide. Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas that when released into the...
fluticasone nasal spray (Veramyst): Side Effects & Dosage
What is fluticasone nasal spray? What is fluticasone nasal spray used for? Fluticasone is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family of drugs that is used for treating allergic conditions involving the nose. Fluticasone mimics the naturally-occurring hormone produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol or hydrocortisone. The exact mechanism of action of fluticasone is unknown. Fluticasone has potent anti-inflammatory actions....
Vancomycin (Vancocin): Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
What is oral vancomycin? What are the uses for oral vancomycin? Oral vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that is used for the treatment of Clostridium difficile diarrhea and staphylococcal enterocolitis. Vancomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic (it kills bacteria) that exerts its effects by preventing bacteria from forming cell walls, which they need to survive. Vancomycin is only effective against gram-positive...
Oral pyridostigmine bromide (Mestinon): Side effects, Dosage
What is oral pyridostigmine? What are the uses for oral pyridostigmine? Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) is an oral cholinesterase inhibitor. Acetylcholine is one of many neurotransmitters in our bodies. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help our cells communicate with each other. Depending on the organ that it acts upon, acetylcholine produces different effects. One important function of acetylcholine is to produce muscle contractions...
Seroquel (quetiapine): Antipsychotic Side Effects & Dosage
What is quetiapine (Seroquel)? What is quietiapine used for? Quetiapine is an oral atypical antipsychotic drug. What brand names are available for quetiapine? Seroquel and Seroquel XR are the brand names available for quetiapine in the US. Is quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR)? Yes Why...
Sorbitol, Oral Sweetener, Laxative: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage
What is oral sorbitol? What are the uses for oral sorbitol? Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in fruits. Its chemical properties allow it to have multiple actions within the body. Its sweetening properties allow it to be used as a low-calorie sweetener in medicinal solutions. Its hyperosmotic properties allow it to work as a laxative, drawing water into...
polymyxin B sulfate-trimethoprim (Polytrim) Eyedrops: Dosage & Side Effects
What is polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is an antibiotic eye drop composed of two drugs. Polymyxin B sulfate works by altering bacterial cell wall structure that causes the leaking out of cellular contents that can result in cell death. Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that interferes with the production of tetrahydrofolic acid,...