How phenylalanine works For the body to function, it needs proteins. They build up the muscles, for example, but are also found in every cell of the body, where they transport substances, regulate chemical reactions and form docking sites (receptors) for a large number of messenger substances. The building blocks of proteins are the so-called … Phenylalanine: Effects, Uses, Side Effects
How loperamide works Loperamide acts on the so-called opioid receptors in the intestine, which are docking sites for certain hormones (endorphins) that slow down intestinal transit. The dampened movements of the colon result in increased absorption of water from the digestive pulp, thickening it – stopping diarrhea. Many other opioids, such as fentanyl, as well … Loperamide: Effects, Uses, Side Effects
How oxytocin works The hormone oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus (section of the diencephalon) and released by the pituitary gland (hypophysis). It acts both in the brain and in the rest of the body, where it reaches via the blood system. According to scientific studies, oxytocin causes sexual arousal, bonding behavior and (after birth) … Oxytocin: Effects, uses, side effects
How oxazepam works Oxazepam is a drug from the benzodiazepine group. As such, it has a dose-dependent calming (sedative), anxiolytic, sleep-promoting, muscle-relaxing and anticonvulsant effect. The effect is mediated by binding to an important docking site (receptor) for nerve cells, the so-called GABA receptor (gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor). The human nervous system has various messenger substances … Oxazepam: Effects, Uses, Side Effects
How azelastine works In allergies, for example to grass pollen or animal hair, substances that are actually harmless (allergens) trigger an excessive immune reaction in the body. Experts have not yet conclusively clarified why this happens in some people. However, the course of an allergic reaction is now very well understood and has enabled the … Azelastine: Effects, Uses, Side Effects
How buprenorphine works As an opioid active ingredient, buprenorphine does not occur naturally in the poppy plant like the opiates, but is chemically-pharmacologically modeled on them. Thanks to the targeted modification of the structure, opioids are more beneficial than opiates in terms of effect and side effects. Like opiates, opioids such as buprenorphine exert their … Buprenorphine: Effects and uses
How estradiol works The hormone estradiol (also called 17-beta-estradiol) is naturally produced in the human body. In women, the largest amount is produced in the ovaries. In men, who have much lower levels of estradiol in their bodies, it is produced in the adrenal cortex and testes. The term “estrogen” covers the hormones estradiol, estrone … Estradiol: Effects, Uses, Side Effects
How nitrofurantoin works The antibiotic nitrofurantoin is a so-called prodrug. It is only converted into its active form at the site of action (in the urinary tract). The conversion occurs through bacterial enzymes after the active ingredient has been absorbed from the intestine into the blood and passes through the kidneys into the urine. Because … Nitrofurantoin: Effects, Uses, Side Effects
How clindamycin works Clindamycin inhibits the ability of bacteria to produce proteins. However, since proteins are extremely important for building bacterial cells, the antibiotic thereby prevents the bacteria from growing and multiplying. Clindamycin works well against staphylococci (gram-positive bacteria) and anaerobes (germs that grow in oxygen-free environments). Absorption, degradation and excretion Clindamycin is well absorbed … Clindamycin: Effects, Uses, Side Effects
How sumatriptan works Triptans such as sumatriptan enter the brain via the blood and activate certain docking sites (receptors) for the nerve messenger serotonin (5-HT1 receptor) on the surface of nerve cells and blood vessels in the brain. This causes the blood vessels, which are dilated during an attack, to constrict and also results in … Sumatriptan: Effects, Uses, Side Effects
How lidocaine works Lidocaine is an active ingredient of the Ib antiarrhythmic class, i.e. it suppresses the influx of sodium ions via their channels in the heart. Applied locally, lidocaine also blocks sodium channels and in this way inhibits the sensation and transmission of pain (local anesthetic effect). Antiarrhythmic effect In order to trigger a … Lidocaine: Effects, Uses, Side Effects
What is an epidural? During an epidural, the signal transmission of the spinal cord nerves is interrupted by injecting a drug. The spinal cord runs along the spine in the spinal canal and transmits nerve signals between the brain and the body. With an PDA, sensitive nerve signals caused by pain, temperature or pressure no … Epidural Anesthesia: Uses, Benefits, Risks
