What is fluticasone? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Fluticasone is a man-made corticosteroid. The exact mechanism of action of fluticasone is not known; however, it stimulates glucocorticoid receptors in humans that produces a potent anti-inflammatory response. Fluticasone also works on multiple cells and mediators that are responsible for the inflammatory symptoms of allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, etc)....
Amoxicillin vs. Augmentin Comparison of Side Effects (Alcohol), Dosage, Uses
Amoxicillin (amox-clav) vs. Augmentin comparison of differences Amoxicillin and Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate, amox-clav) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections including sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin. Amoxicillin and Augmentin both belong to the penicillin drug class. A difference is that Augmentin is a combination medication that also contains clavulanic acid in addition to...
Aspirin vs. NSAIDS for Pain: Side Effects Differences, Uses & Interactions
Aspirin vs. NSAIDs side effects differences Aspirin is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are non-narcotic pain relievers. Aspirin and other NSAIDs are used to treat pain and reduce inflammation from a variety of causes, such as headaches, injuries, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches. NSAIDs also are used as fever reducers. Aspirin also prevents blood clots (i.e.,...
Hypnotics for Sleep: Side Effects, Sedatives, Addiction & Withdrawal
What are hypnotics? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Hypnotics are drugs that are used to help people fall asleep. There are many types of hypnotic drugs, and doctors recommend and prescribe them based on the type of sleep problem you have. Lifestyle and sleep habit changes also are effective for treating certain types of sleep problems. If you...
Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, and Primary Peritoneal Cancer Prevention & Risk
What is cancer prevention? Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the chance of getting cancer. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases of cancer in a group or population is lowered. Hopefully, this will lower the number of deaths caused by cancer. To prevent new cancers from starting, scientists look at risk factors and protective factors. Anything that...
sulfinpyrazone (Anturane – discontinued in the US): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is sulfinpyrazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sulfinpyrazone is an oral drug that is used to treat gout. Gout is caused by elevated blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia). Sulfinpyrazone works by increasing the excretion of uric acid in the urine thereby lowering the elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that are responsible for...
tazarotene (Tazorac): Psoriasis Drug Side Effects
What is tazarotene-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? This medication was withdrawn from the US market on March 30, 2007, but it available on a very limited basis for restricted use. Women who would like to be considered for this medication should contact their doctor for an evaluation. Tazarotene is a topical acne and psoriasis medication. The...
Zinc for Colds: Lozenges & Nasal Sprays: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
Introduction You’ve probably heard a lot about zinc for colds. But is zinc really effective for reducing the duration of cold symptoms? Here’s what you should know about zinc and colds. What is zinc? Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. Zinc has antioxidant effects and is vital to the body’s resistance to infection. It’s...
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) Side Effects, Dosage & Off-Label Uses
What is tranexamic acid (Lysteda), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tranexamic acid (Lysteda) promotes the clotting of blood and thereby reduces bleeding due to heavy menstruation. Tranexamic acid is a man-made amino acid derivative that increases blood clotting by preventing the breakdown of fibrin. Fibrin is a protein and an important component of blood clots. It is...
sofosbuvir, Sovaldi to Cure Hep C: Side Effects and Dosing
What is sofosbuvir, and how does it work? Sofosbuvir is an oral, direct-acting antiviral agent used for treating infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Other direct-acting hepatitis C treatments include: boceprevir (Victrelis) telaprevir (Incivek) simeprevir (Olysio) After administration sofosbuvir is first converted to an active form. The active form of sofosbuvir interferes with multiplication of the ribonucleic acid (RNA)...