What is timolol ophthalmic solution, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Timolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Like other beta-adrenergic blocking agents, it mainly blocks the action of the sympathetic (adrenergic) nervous system, for example, on the heart. In addition to its effect on the heart, timolol causes a reduction of the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure)....
Malathion (Ovide): Lice Shampoo Side Effects & Interactions
What is malathion, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Malathion is a pesticide used for killing head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). It kills head lice and lice eggs by blocking the activity of enzymes (cholinesterase) that breaks-down and inactivates acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) in head lice. This causes high levels of acetylcholine which leads to death of lice. The...
Trental (Pentoxifylline, Pentoxil) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is Trental? Pentoxifylline is an oral drug used for treating symptoms of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Why is Trental prescribed to patients? Pentoxifylline is used for the treatment of intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease. Is Trental available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Trental? Yes What are the...
Metaxalone (Skelaxin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is metaxalone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Metaxalone is an oral drug that relaxes skeletal muscle the muscles that control movement of the body. It does not act directly on skeletal muscle, and the exact mechanism of action of metaxalone is unknown. Metaxalone relaxes muscles possibly by affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)...
trandolapril (Mavik) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is trandolapril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Trandolapril is an oral drug that is used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Zestril; Prinivil), benazepril (Lotensin), ramipril (Altace), and quinapril (Accupril). Blood pressure is dependent on...
repaglinide (Prandin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is repaglinide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Repaglinide is an oral medication for lowering blood sugar (glucose) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of drugs for treating diabetes type 2 called meglitinides that are chemically unlike other anti-diabetic medications. Nateglinide (Starlix), is another currently available meglitinide. Approximately 90% of patients with...
midodrine (ProAmatine) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is midodrine? ProAmatine is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (OH). Because ProAmatine can cause marked elevation of supine blood pressure (BP>200 mmHg systolic), it should be used in patients whose lives are considerably impaired despite standard clinical care, including non-pharmacologic treatment (such as support stockings), fluid expansion, and lifestyle alterations. The indication is based on ProAmatine’s...
Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Xanax (alprazolam) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Xanax (alprazolam): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat different types of psychiatric disorders. Haloperidol is used to treat schizophrenia, acute psychosis, and for tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. A brand name for haloperidol is Haldol. Haloperidol and Xanax belong to...
Gemfibrozil (Lopid) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is gemfibrozil? Gemfibrozil is a blood lipid and cholesterol-altering medicine. Why is gemfibrozil prescribed to patients? Gemfibrozil is used for reducing elevated triglyceride levels that are high enough to cause pancreatitis. Because gemfibrozil raises HDL and decreases triglycerides it is prescribed for preventing coronary heart disease in individuals without a history or symptoms of coronary heart disease who have...
Mometasone Furoate (Nasonex) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is mometasone furoate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mometasone furoate is a synthetic (man-made) steroid hormone in the glucocorticoid family of steroid hormones that is used for the treatment of nasal allergy. The naturally occurring glucocorticoid hormone is cortisol or hydrocortisone which is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid hormones are potent reducers of inflammation (anti-inflammatory)....