Alecensa Alecensa (generic afatinib) is an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine‑kinase inhibitor (TKI) indicated for patients with metastatic or unresectable non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR‑exon 19 deletions or EGFR L858R activating mutations. — Mechanism of Action Irreversible covalent binding to the kinase domain (Cys 797) of EGFR, ALK, HER2, and KIT leading to persistent inhibition of downstream … Read more
Aldactone (Spironolactone) Mechanism of Action Spironolactone is a non‑steroidal potassium‑sparing diuretic that acts primarily by antagonizing aldosterone at the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in the distal nephron. Aldosterone blockade → ↓ Na⁺ reabsorption, ↑ K⁺ retention, and ↑ water excretion. Antiandrogenic activity (competitively blocks androgen receptors) → useful for gynecomastia, hirsutism, and acne. Mild antimineralocorticoid … Read more
Ajovy Ajovy® (galcanezumab‑mtsch) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the calcitonin gene‑related peptide (CGRP) ligand. It is approved for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults, both episodic and chronic. Mechanism of Action CGRP blockade – Ajovy binds to and neutralizes circulating CGRP, a neuropeptide that induces vasodilation and pain transmission in migraine. … Read more
Aimovig Aimovig (erenumab‑bmyq) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the calcitonin gene‑related peptide (CGRP) receptor, offering a novel preventive therapy for migraine. Approved by the FDA (2018) and EMA (2022) for episodic and chronic migraine in adults, Aimovig represents a significant step in analgesic precision medicine. Mechanism of Action CGRP receptor blockade: … Read more
Afinitor Afinitor (temsirolimus) is a macrolide derivative of rapamycin and functions as a potent inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). It is indicated for several advanced solid‑tumor malignancies and is FDA‑approved for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and certain breast cancers. This drug card provides a concise, evidence‑based overview suitable for medical students and … Read more
Advil Advil (ibuprofen) is a widely used non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) that provides analgesia, antipyresis, and anti‑inflammation. Mechanism of Action Ibuprofen competitively inhibits the cyclo‑oxygenase (COX) enzymes, primarily COX‑1 and COX‑2, which convert arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. By reducing prostaglandin production, it diminishes pain signaling, inhibits fever by acting on the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, and … Read more
Advair Diskus Advair Diskus is a fixed‑ratio inhaled combination of the corticosteroid fluticasone propionate (2 µg per actuation) and the long‑acting β2‑agonist salmeterol (50 µg per actuation). It is available in three strengths (100/50 µg, 250/50 µg, 500/50 µg). Mechanism of Action Fluticasone propionate: As a glucocorticoid, it binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, translocates to the nucleus, and modulates gene transcription. … Read more
Adderall Adderall is a prescription medication combining amphetamine salts (dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine). It is primarily used as a central nervous system stimulant for the treatment of attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The following drug card provides a concise yet comprehensive overview tailored for medical students and healthcare professionals. Mechanism of Action Central Sympathomimetic Stimulation: Blocks … Read more
Actos Actos is the brand name for pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione (TZD) antidiabetic drug that improves insulin sensitivity by acting as a peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑γ (PPAR‑γ) agonist. Mechanism of Action PPAR‑γ Activation – Pioglitazone binds to the ligand‑binding domain of PPAR‑γ in adipose tissue, muscle, and liver, leading to transcriptional changes that ↑ GLUT‑4 expression → … Read more
Actemra Actemra (generic name tocilizumab) is a monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits the interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) receptor, modulating inflammation in autoimmune disease. It is a cornerstone therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and other IL‑6‑mediated states. Mechanism of Action Blocks the IL‑6 receptor (IL‑6Rα): Prevents both classic and trans‑signaling pathways and downstream JAK/STAT activation. Reduces pro‑inflammatory cytokine cascade, … Read more