Augmentin Augmentin is a fixed‑dose combination of amoxicillin (a β‑lactam antibiotic) and clavulanic acid (a β‑lactamase inhibitor). It extends the spectrum of amoxicillin against β‑lactamase–producing organisms while retaining its activity against a broad range of aerobic Gram‑positive and Gram‑negative bacteria. Mechanism of Action Amoxicillin: Binds to penicillin‑binding proteins (PBPs) on the bacterial cell wall, inhibiting … Read more
Aubagio Aubagio (teriflunomide) is a once‑daily oral disease‑modifying therapy approved for the treatment of relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). — Mechanism of Action Aubagio functions as a selective, non‑competitive inhibitor of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), a key enzyme in de novo pyrimidine synthesis. By limiting pyrimidine production, it preferentially suppresses the proliferation of activated T and B … Read more
Atogepant Mechanism of Action Atogepant is an oral calcitonin gene‑related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. Binding: It selectively and competitively binds to the CGRP receptor complex (CLR/RAMP1) on cranial vasculature and trigeminal neurons, preventing endogenous CGRP from activating the receptor. Effect: Inhibition of CGRP signaling blunts neurogenic inflammation, reduces peripheral and central sensitization, and attenuates the … Read more
Ativan Lorazepam (trade name Ativan) is a short‑acting benzodiazepine commonly used for its anxiolytic, sedative, muscle‑relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties. Mechanism of Action Lorazepam acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA‑A receptor complex. Enhances chloride ion influx → neuronal hyperpolarization. Produces fast onset of central nervous system depression. Lacks intrinsic agonist activity; requires GABA … Read more
Atarax Atarax (hydroxyzine) is a first‑generation antihistamine primarily used as an anxiolytic, antiemetic, and for symptomatic relief of allergic disorders, including urticaria and pruritus. Mechanism of Action Histamine H₁‑receptor antagonism: blocks peripheral postsynaptic H₁ receptors, leading to reduced pruritus, vasodilatation, and uterine relaxation. Central nervous system (CNS) sedation: hydroxyzine crosses the blood‑brain barrier and exerts … Read more
Aromasin Aromasin is the brand name for the potent, potent, steroidal aromatase inhibitor letrozole. It is widely used in hormone‑responsive breast cancer management, particularly in post‑menopausal women, to reduce circulating estrogen levels. Mechanism of Action Selective, irreversible inhibition of the aromatase enzyme (CYP19A1), preventing conversion of adrenal androgens to estrogens. Resultant drop in bioavailable estradiol … Read more
Aristada Aristada is a fixed‑dose combination tablet containing abacavir (200 mg) and lamivudine (150 mg) used for the treatment of HIV‑1 infection. Mechanism of Action Abacavir – a carbocyclic nucleoside analogue that is intracellularly phosphorylated to abacavir‑triphosphate. It competitively inhibits reverse transcriptase (RT) by mimicking ATP, leading to premature termination of the viral RNA–DNA chain. Lamivudine – … Read more
Arimidex Mechanism of Action Anastrozole is a potent, selective, non‑steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It irreversibly binds the aromatase (CYP19A1) enzyme, preventing the conversion of androgens to estrogen. Resulting in a ~95 % reduction in circulating estrogen levels in post‑menopausal women, diminishing growth stimulus for ER‑positive breast cancer cells. Pharmacokinetics Absorption: ~80 % oral bioavailability; peak plasma concentration (Tmax) … Read more
Arikayce Arikayce (belantamab mafodotin) is a targeted antibody‑drug conjugate (ADC) directed against B‑cell maturation antigen (BCMA) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Mechanism of Action Target engagement: Belantamab mafodotin is a monoclonal antibody that binds BCMA expressed on malignant plasma cells, mediating internalization. Drug delivery: The antibody is linked to monomethyl auristatin … Read more
Aricept Aricept (donepezil) is a reversible, selective cholinesterase inhibitor used primarily in Alzheimer’s disease. The following drug card compiles the most relevant pharmacological points in a concise, searchable format for medical students and clinicians. — Mechanism of Action Reversible inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the central nervous system (CNS) ↑ synaptic acetylcholine. Increases cholinergic neurotransmission, … Read more