Welcome to the tag category page for Drug class!
Rosuvastatin is a medication used to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood while increasing good cholesterol (HDL). It belongs to a class of drugs called statins and is available by prescription only. Common side effects include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, and muscle pain. Rosuvastatin has been shown to be a potent statin, with favorable effects on HDL and reducing cardiovascular events in low-risk patients. Patients should avoid eating high-fat or high-cholesterol foods or drinking alcohol while taking this medication. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking Rosuvastatin to determine if it is the right choice for treating high cholesterol levels.
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, menstrual symptoms, and to reduce polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis. It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. However, NSAIDs, including celecoxib, may cause ulcers, bleeding, or holes in the stomach or intestine, and may raise the risk of having a heart attack or stroke, especially in people who already have heart disease. Celecoxib has been compared to ibuprofen and found to be similarly effective for many types of pain. It is not a narcotic and does not work as a muscle relaxer. The brand name for celecoxib is Celebrex. Merck withdrew the drug Vioxx, which is similar to Celebrex, from the market in 2004 after a clinical trial revealed it increased the risk of heart attacks. However, the question of whether Celecoxib also causes heart attacks remains uncertain.
Fosfomycin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat infections of the urinary tract, specifically bladder infections or lower urinary tract infections in women. It works by fighting bacterial infections caused by certain types of bacteria. Fosfomycin is usually taken as a single dose, making it a convenient treatment option compared to other antibiotics that may require a longer regimen. Patients can expect improvement in their urinary tract infection symptoms within a few days of taking fosfomycin. It is important to note that fosfomycin is not effective for treating more severe infections such as bacteraemia or upper urinary tract infections like pyelonephritis. The use of fosfomycin is associated with certain side effects, including gastrointestinal events. Overall, fosfomycin is considered a strong antibiotic with a unique mechanism of action, making it an effective choice for outpatient treatment of urinary tract infections.
Dulaglutide, also known as Trulicity, is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a once-weekly injectable prescription medicine that improves blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Dulaglutide is used together with diet and exercise to control blood sugar. It is a subcutaneous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist designed using recombinant DNA technology. It is similar to a natural hormone in the body known as incretin, and it works by causing insulin release in response to high blood sugar levels. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, indigestion, and fatigue. Dulaglutide should only be used under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare provider.
Formoterol is a long-acting bronchodilator used to treat asthma and prevent bronchospasm in patients. It is often used together with other medicines, such as inhaled corticosteroids. It is also used to prevent or decrease wheezing and trouble breathing caused by asthma or COPD. Formoterol works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, allowing more air to flow into and out of the lungs. It is available in inhalation form and is known by brand names such as Perforomist and Symbicort. It is not a steroid but is often used in conjunction with steroids.
Common brands: Parafon Forte DSC, Lorzone
Vibegron is a medication used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as urgency, frequency, and urinary incontinence. It belongs to a class of medications called beta-3 adrenergic agonists. Vibegron works by relaxing the muscles of the bladder, thereby increasing bladder capacity. It is available as oral tablets under the brand name Gemtesa. Vibegron is highly selective and does not interact with CYPs, making it a second-generation β3AR agonist. It is effective in reducing urinary urgency incontinence episodes. The cost of Gemtesa tablets can vary depending on the pharmacy and insurance coverage. Vibegron and myrbetriq are two different medications, although both are used for the treatment of overactive bladder. While direct comparisons are not available, vibegron may be more effective than mirabegron in reducing mean voided volume. Overall, vibegron is a prescription medication that provides relief for individuals with overactive bladder symptoms.
Brivaracetam is a medication used to treat partial-onset seizures in individuals of various ages, including infants. It is known to act by binding to the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) in the brain, similar to another anticonvulsant medication called levetiracetam. However, Brivaracetam has a higher affinity for this receptor. It is believed to be more selective and has a 20-fold greater affinity for SV2A. Brivaracetam is available only with a doctor's prescription and is used as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults, adolescents aged 16 and above, and infants aged one month and older. It is important to note that Brivaracetam cannot cure epilepsy but can help control seizures as long as it is continuously used. Common side effects of Brivaracetam include irritability, anxiety, and potentially severe psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. It is classified as a Schedule V Controlled Substance due to the potential for euphoria at high doses.
SGLT, or sodium-glucose transport proteins, are a family of glucose transporters found in the intestinal mucosa and renal proximal convoluted tubules. SGLT2 inhibitors are a class of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys and promoting its excretion in the urine. Common examples of SGLT2 inhibitors include Invokana, Farxiga, Jardiance, and Steglatro. SGLT1 is responsible for glucose absorption in the small intestine and reabsorbing about 3% of the filtered glucose load in the renal proximal tubule segment 3. SGLT2, on the other hand, is responsible for the majority of glucose reuptake in the tubular system of the kidney. SGLT2 inhibitors are versatile medications with glycemic and nonglycemic benefits that help lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Thiocolchicoside is a muscle relaxant with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, used in the treatment of orthopedic, traumatic, and rheumatologic disorders. Its mechanism of action is unclear, but it is believed to act via antagonism of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, as well as GABAA and glycine receptors. It is safe for adolescents and adults, but caution should be exercised in patients with certain medical conditions. Its combination with Aceclofenac is used to reduce and relieve pain due to muscle spasms associated with various conditions. Thiocolchicoside has long been used as a muscle relaxant, despite a lack of proven efficacy beyond the placebo effect. There are some known side effects of thiocolchicoside, but it is generally considered safe when used as directed under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Starting dose refers to the initial amount of medication or therapeutic treatment given to a patient. It is an important aspect of clinical trials, as the maximum safe starting dose needs to be determined before administering the treatment to patients. The determination of the starting dose is based on various factors including the severity of symptoms, history of previous medication use, and the specific condition being treated. In cancer treatment, defining the starting dose of new anticancer drugs is critical. In addition, the starting dose of medication for hypothyroidism varies depending on the patient's condition. The Buprenorphine Quick Start Guide suggests a dosage based on the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the patient's recent history of opioid use.