Archives: Drug Cards

Betamethasone A potent synthetic glucocorticoid used primarily for its anti‑inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Available in oral, topical, parenteral, and ophthalmic formulations. Mechanism of Action Binding: Betamethasone binds to cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors (GR) with high affinity. Translocation: The drug–GR complex translocates to the nucleus. Transcriptional regulation: Transactivation: Upregulation of anti‑inflammatory proteins (e.g., annexin‑1, lipocortin‑1) that inhibit … Read more

Betadine Betadine® is the trade name for a povidone‑iodine (PVP‑I) antiseptic. It is the most widely used topical antiseptic worldwide, valued for its broad‑spectrum antimicrobial activity, low cost, and ease of use in both clinical and field settings. Mechanism of Action Disruption of microbial cell membranes through I₂ released from PVP‑I, forming iodo‑species that oxidize … Read more

Berotralstat Mechanism of Action Berotralstat is a reversible, oral, selective inhibitor of plasmin. Blocks the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin cleavage by plasmin, reducing bradykinin production. By limiting bradykinin-mediated vascular permeability, it prevents attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). Unlike other treatments, it functions independently of complement or kallikrein pathways, offering a targeted approach with minimal … Read more

Berinert Berinert is a human plasma kallikrein inhibitor used primarily for the treatment and prophylaxis of hereditary angioedema (HAE). The drug blocks kallikrein‑mediated cleavage of high‑mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and subsequently reduces bradykinin production, thereby attenuating edema attacks. Below is a concise, reference‑friendly drug card suitable for medical students and practicing clinicians. — Mechanism … Read more

Benztropine Benztropine is a tertiary amine anticholinergic agent. It is primarily used for the treatment of extrapyramidal symptoms associated with antipsychotic therapy and for the motor manifestations of Parkinson’s disease. Mechanism of Action Competitive blockade of central and peripheral muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (primarily M1/M2), reducing the activity of acetylcholine which is pathologically increased in Parkinsonian … Read more

Benzonatate Benzonatate is a non‑opioid antitussive agent that works by numbing the cough reflex centers in the respiratory tract. It is typically prescribed for acute or chronic coughs associated with upper and lower respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and post‑viral cough. Mechanism of Action Peripheral local anesthetic: Benzonatate is a n-prenylated analog of procaine that afflicts … Read more

Bentyl Bentyl (generic name dicyclomine), an antimuscarinic antispasmodic, is frequently prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. Mechanism of Action Bentyl competitively inhibits muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (particularly M₃) in the gastrointestinal smooth muscle. This blockade ↓ reduces intracellular Ca²⁺ release, ↓ dampens peristaltic tone, and ↓ alleviates cramp‑like abdominal pain. It … Read more

Benlysta Benlysta (omalizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets free IgE, reducing IgE-mediated allergic inflammation. It is indicated for moderate‑to‑severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults who have failed at least one immunosuppressive therapy. Mechanism of Action Benlysta binds selectively to the Cε3 domain of circulating IgE, preventing IgE from attaching to the high‑affinity … Read more

Benicar Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is a selective angiotensin‑II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated mainly for the treatment of hypertension. Mechanism of Action Selective blockade of AT₁ receptors: At physiologic and therapeutic concentrations, benicar occupies the angiotensin‑II type 1 (AT₁) receptor on vascular smooth muscle, cardiac myocytes, and renal tubular cells. Resultant effects: ↓ vasoconstriction → arterial and … Read more

Bendeka Bendeka (artesunate) is a first‑line intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) antimalarial used to treat severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria and to rescue patients from therapy failure with oral artemisinin derivatives. — Mechanism of Action Rapid parasite killing – Artesunate is converted to dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in plasma, which generates reactive oxygen species inside the parasite. Interference … Read more