Drug Encyclopedia
Desmopressin
Desmopressin is a synthetic analogue of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. It is primarily used to treat nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), diabetes insipidus, and certain bleeding disorders.
Letrozole
Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor primarily used in the treatment of hormonally-responsive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is also used off-label as an ovulation induction agent for infertility.
Clomifene
Clomiphene is a medication used to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate regularly. It stimulates the release of hormones necessary for ovulation to occur.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a female hormone crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy. It is commonly prescribed to treat irregular periods, prevent miscarriage, and as part of hormone replacement therapy.
Oestradiol
Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a major female sex hormone. It is commonly used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) is a crucial vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are vital for building and maintaining strong bones. It is often prescribed alongside calcium supplements and osteoporosis treatments to prevent bone loss and fractures.
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a widely available dietary supplement used to prevent or treat calcium deficiency. Calcium is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, and it is frequently combined with vitamin D and osteoporosis medications to maximise bone health.
Denosumab
Denosumab is a targeted biologic therapy (monoclonal antibody) administered via injection for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and men at high risk of fracture. It works differently from bisphosphonates by specifically targeting a protein to halt the formation and function of bone-resorbing cells.
Risedronate
Risedronate is a bisphosphonate used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone. It helps to strengthen bones, increase bone mineral density, and significantly reduce the risk of fractures by inhibiting the cells that break down bone tissue.
Alendronate
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate medication widely used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women and older men. It works by slowing down bone loss, increasing bone density, and reducing the risk of bone fractures, including hip and spine fractures.
Prednisolone
Prednisolone is a widely prescribed synthetic intermediate-acting corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It is frequently used to manage exacerbations of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and various severe allergic reactions.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is a short-acting corticosteroid that is chemically identical to cortisol, the natural stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It possesses both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid properties and is essential for replacement therapy in adrenal insufficiency.