What is amitriptyline w/ perphenazine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Perphenazine/amitriptyline is a combination of an antipsychotic and an antidepressant. Perphenazine is an antipsychotic that works in the brain and nervous system. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters...
pramoxine (Itch-X and others) – Topical: Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions
What is pramoxine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pramoxine is a topical (used on the skin) anesthetic (numbing agent). Topical anesthetics are chemicals that interfere with the function of the nerves that sense pain. Pramoxine may be used in persons who are allergic to other local anesthetics such as lidocaine, procaine, or benzocaine. Is it available as...
salsalate, Disalcid: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is salsalate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Salsalate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Salsalate is converted in the body to salicylic acid which is its active form and is closely related to aspirin. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen...
atenolol/chlorthalidone, Tenoretic: Drug Facts and Side Effects
What is atenolol and chlorthalidone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atenolol/chlorthalidone is a combination of atenolol (Tenormin) and chlorthalidone (Hygroton) used for the treatment of high blood pressure. Atenolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent that blocks the effects of adrenergic drugs, for example, adrenaline or epinephrine, on nerves of the sympathetic nervous system. Atenolol reduces the heart...
bromfenac (Duract): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What brand names are available for bromfenac? Duract
cosyntropin (Cortrosyn): Facts About Drug Side Effects
What is cosyntropin-injectable, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cosyntropin is a manufactured version of the body's natural adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It stimulates the adrenal gland to release steroids including hydrocortisone and cortisone, androgens, as well as aldosterone. Cosyntropin has the same activity as ACTH. The FDA approved...
boceprevir (Victrelis) Hepatitis C Drug Side Effects
What is boceprevir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Boceprevir is a man-made antiviral medication that targets hepatitis C virus (HCV). Similar drugs include simeprevir (Olysio) and telaprevir (Incivek). These drugs are called direct-acting antiviral agents because they act directly on hepatitis C virus. They block the replication of hepatitis C virus in human cells by binding to...
blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria, Spirulina) Side Effects
What is blue green algae (Spirulina sp.)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Blue-green algae is a natural herbal supplement. Blue-green algae has high amounts of protein, iron, and other minerals and claims have been made that it has beneficial effects on the immune system, inflammation, and against viral infections. Individuals should check with their physicians before using...
beclomethasone dipropionate nasal (Vancenase, Beconase) Side Effects
What is beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler-spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Beclomethasone is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family. (The naturally-occurring glucocorticoid that is produced by the adrenal gland is cortisol or hydrocortisone.) Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, the medication goes directly to the lining of the...
apremilast (Otezla): Click for Side Effects and Dosing
What is apremilast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Apremilast is an oral medication used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis (a form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis). It is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. Apremilast works by reducing production...