What is isotretinoin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Isotretinoin is an oral drug used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne. Acne is caused by inflammation of the skin. It primarily affects teenagers, but it also affects adults. Severe acne causes permanent scarring of the skin. The inflammation is caused in part by an increased secretion...
Wormwood: Supplement Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is wormwood? What is wormwood used for? Artemisia absinthium is shrubby plant; the flowers and leaves are used for medicine and flavoring for alcoholic drinks. Artemisia absinthium oil contains thujones which can stimulate the nervous system. Artemisia absinthium is promoted for treating digestive problems and worm infections. Individuals should consult their doctor before taking Artemisia absinthium compounds. Is wormwood...
passion flower (Passiflora incarnata): Herb Side Effects
What is oral passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)? What are the uses for oral passion flower? Passion flower is a plant used for making medicine to treat several conditions. Passion flower may have effects that are similar to benzodiazepines (for example diazepam [Valium]) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs (for example, selegiline). Passion flower has calming, sleep inducing, and muscle spasm...
telmisartan, Micardis: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is telmisartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Telmisartan is a member of a family of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which includes losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), irbesartan (Avapro), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors found in...
Ondansetron (Zofran): Anti-Nausea Drug Side Effects & Interactions
What is ondansetron oral disintegrating tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication most often used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy agents increase secretion of serotonin which stimulates serotonin (5-HT3) receptors in the brain, causing nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron works by selectively blocking serotonin (5-HT3) receptors, reducing the effect of...
metoclopramide, Reglan: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is metoclopramide, and how does it work? Metoclopramide is a "prokinetic" drug that stimulates the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract including the muscles of the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, and small intestine by interacting with receptors for acetylcholine and dopamine on gastrointestinal muscles and nerves. The lower esophageal sphincter, located between the esophagus and the stomach, normally prevents reflux...
SGLT2 Inhibitors
What are SGLT2 inhibitors? SGLT2 (sodium-glucose co-transporter 2) inhibitors are prescription oral medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. What generic and brand names of SGLT2 inhibitors are available in the US? Brand and generic names of SGLT2 inhibitors and combination products that contain SGLT2 inhibitors include: canagliflozin (Invokana) canagliflozin/metformin (Invokamet) canagliflozin/metformin extended release (Invokamet XR) dapagliflozin (Farxiga) dapagliflozin/metformin extended...
Lithium (Lithobid): Mood Stabilizing Medications, Side Effects & Dosage
What is lithium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lithium is used for the treatment of manic/depressive (bipolar) and depressive disorders. Lithium is a positively charged element or particle that is similar to sodium and potassium. It interferes at several places inside cells and on the cell surface with other positively charged atoms such as sodium, potassium, calcium,...
famciclovir, Famvir: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is famciclovir? What are the uses for famciclovir? Famciclovir is an antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes) and varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox). It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside analogs that mimic one of the building blocks of DNA. It stops the spread...
amiodarone (Cordarone): Arrhythmia Drug Side Effects & Intereactions
What is amiodarone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amiodarone is an oral and injectable drug that is used to correct abnormal rhythms of the heart. (It is an antiarrhythmic medication.) Although amiodarone has many side effects, some of which are severe and potentially fatal, it has been successful in treating many arrhythmias when other antiarrhythmic drugs have...