Browse Drug Topics

Converted to abiraterone, which inhibits CYP17, the enzyme required for androgen biosynthesis; androgen- sensitive prostate cancer responds to treatment that decreases androgens Therapeutic outcome: Decreases spread of malignancy

Exact mechanism unknown; relaxes smooth muscle of respiratory system by blocking phosphodiesterase, which increases cyclic AMP; increased cyclic AMP alters intracellular calcium ion movements; produces bronchodilatation, increased pulmonary blood flow, relaxation of respiratory tract Therapeutic outcome: Increased ability to breathe

Increases cell membrane permeability in susceptible fungi by binding to membrane sterols; alters cell membrane, thereby causing leakage of cell components, cell death Therapeutic outcome: Resolution of infection

Inhibits receptor tyrosine kinases including vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR)- 1, VEGFR- 2, and VEGFR- 3; inhibits tumor growth and phosphorylation of VEGFR- 2 and VEGF- mediated endothelial cell proliferation Therapeutic outcome: Decreased spread of malignancy

Activated T lymphocytes are the mediators of immunologic rejection, and this product is a selective T- cell costimulation blocker; blocks the CD28 mediated costimulation of T lymphocytes by binding to CD80 and CD86 on antigen- presenting cells; inhibits T lymphocyte proliferation and the production of the cytokines interleukin- 2, interferon- gamma, interleukin- 4, and TNF- alpha. Therapeutic outcome: Absence of kidney transplant rejection

Acts by inhibiting the action of serotonin (5- HT) by binding to serotonin and dopamine receptors; also increases norepinephrine metabolism; has shown little potential for abuse, a good choice in substance abuse Therapeutic outcome: Decreased anxiety

Inhibits abnormal tyrosine kinase associated with growth and development of metastatic medullary thyroid cancer Therapeutic outcome: Decrease in size, spread of tumor

Exact mechanism unknown; appears to decrease polysynaptic responses and block posttetanic potentiation Therapeutic outcome: Absence of seizures; decreased trigeminal neuralgia pain

Inhibits parasite replications, transcription of DNA to RNA by forming complexes with DNA of parasite Therapeutic outcome: Decreased symptoms of malaria, amebiasis

Depresses cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, limbic system, which control activity, aggression; blocks neurotransmission produced by dopamine at synapse; exhibits a strong a-adrenergic, anticholinergic blocking action; mechanism for antipsychotic effects is unclear Therapeutic outcome: Decreased signs and symptoms of psychosis; control of nausea, vomiting, intractable hiccups, decreased anxiety preoperatively

Inhibits transmission of nerve impulses by binding with cholinergic receptor sites, antagonizing action of acetylcholine Therapeutic outcome: Paralysis of body for administration of anesthesia

Competes with physiologic substrate of DNA synthesis, thus interfering with cell replication in the S phase of the cell cycle (before mitosis) Therapeutic outcome: Prevention of rapidly growing malignant cells

Competes with physiologic substrate of DNA synthesis, thus interfering with cell replication in the S phase of the cell cycle (before mitosis) Therapeutic outcome: Prevention of rapidly growing malignant cells

Stimulates erythropoiesis by the same mechanism as endogenous erythropoietin; in response to hypoxia, erythropoietin is produced in the kidney and released into the bloodstream, where it interacts with progenitor stem cells to increase red cell production Therapeutic outcome: Decreased anemia with increased RBCs

Inhibits gastric motility by acting on mucosal receptors responsible for peristalsis Therapeutic outcome: Decreased loose stools

Needed for adequate functioning of female reproductive system; affects release of pituitary gonadatropins, inhibits ovulation, promotes adequate calcium use in bone structure Therapeutic outcome: Decreased tumor size in prostatic cancer; increased estrogen levels in menopause, female hypogonadism

Binds to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which decreases inflammation and immune response Therapeutic outcome: Decreased pain, inflammation

Depresses cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, limbic system, which control activity and aggression; blocks neurotransmission produced by dopamine at synapse; exhibits strong a-adrenergic and anticholinergic blocking action; mechanism for antipsychotic effects is unclear Therapeutic outcome: Decreased signs and symptoms of psychosis

Inhibits factor Xa; interrupts blood coagulation and inhibits thrombin formation; does not inactivate thrombin (activated factor II) or affect platelets Therapeutic outcome: Prevention of deep vein thrombosis

Prodrug of amprenavir; inhibits human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease, which prevents maturation of the infectious virus Therapeutic outcome: Decreasing symptoms of HIV

Decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and fibroblasts and reversing increased capillary permeability and lysosomal stabilization (systemic); antipruritic, antiinflammatory (topical) Therapeutic outcome: Decreased inflammation

Acts by inhibiting DNA synthesis without interfering with RNA or protein synthesis; incorporates thymidine into DNA, causing direct damage to DNA strands; cell cycle specific (S phase) Therapeutic outcome: Prevention of rapidly growing malignant cells

Not cell cycle specific; topoisomerase II inhibitor, a vesicant; intercalating between DNA base pairs, causing shape change, low free radicals Therapeutic outcome: Prevention of rapidly growing malignant cells