What is urokinase-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Urokinase is a thrombolytic medication made from human neonatal kidney cells. Urokinase is an enzyme (protein) that disrupts the clotting cycle and breaks down blood clots lodged in the lungs in people with pulmonary embolism. The FDA approved urokinase under the brand name Kinlytic in 2007. Is urokinase-injection available...
Dilaudid vs. Fentanyl Strength Comparison for Pain, Dosage & Uses
Dilaudid (hydromorphone) vs. fentanyl quick comparison of differences Dilaudid (hydromorphone hydrochloride) and fentanyl are opioid narcotic pain-relievers used to manage pain in individuals whose pain its severe enough that it requires 24/7, long-term opioid treatment. Side effects of Dilaudid and fentanyl that are similar include: Lightheadedness Dizziness Drowsiness Nausea Vomiting Constipation Itching Headache Rash Weight loss A serious side effect...
dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat, ProCentra): Dosing
What is dextroamphetamine-oral capsule, tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dextroamphetamine is a medication used for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. ADHD is a common disorder among children and teenagers that affects social, academic, and occupational functioning. Narcolepsy also is known as excessive daytime sleepiness, which is more common in adults. Dextroamphetamine is an amphetamine...
astemizole (Hismanal): Drug Side Effects and Dosing
What brand names are available for astemizole? Hismanal
rofecoxib (Vioxx): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is rofecoxib, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain, particularly the pain of osteoarthritis and menstrual cramps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important in promoting inflammation and its signs–pain, fever, swelling and tenderness. Rofecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase- 2) and thereby reduces...
methylphenidate (Quillivant XR): Side Effects and Dosage
What is methylphenidate hydrochloride, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylphenidate is a medication used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than amphetamines. Amphetamines stimulate the brain by increasing the level of neurotransmitters, dopamine and...
simeprevir, Olysio: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is simeprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Simeprevir is an oral, direct-acting an-tiviral agent used for treating infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Boceprevir (Victrelis), telaprevir (Incivek), and sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) are other direct-acting drugs for treating HCV. Simeprevir blocks the effect of pro-teases which are enzymes that HCV needs for making new viruses, leading to...
procainamide, Pronestyl; Procan-SR; Procanbid Side Effects
What is procainamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Procainamide is an injectable antiarrhythmic drug that is used to correct disturbances in the heart's rhythm. Three actions are responsible for its ability to correct disturbances of rhythm and prevent their recurrence. Procainamide decreases the speed of electrical conduction through the heart muscle, prolongs the electrical phase during which...
granisetron patch, Sancuso: Drug Facts and Side Effects
What is granisetron transdermal system (patch), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sancuso is granisetron delivered via a transdermal patch system for the prevention of nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy for cancer. Other formulations of granisetron (for example, Kytril) are administered by mouth or injection. Certain chemotherapeutic agents used for treating cancer stimulate the release of a...
miglitol, Glyset: Drug Facts, Side Effects, and Dosing
What is miglitol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Miglitol is an oral medication used to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors which also includes acarbose (Precose). Carbohydrates that are eaten are digested by enzymes in the intestine into smaller sugars which are absorbed into...