More info:

• methotrexate

  Methotrexate remains one of our most paradoxical weapons - a chemotherapy agent turned immunomodulator that continues to surprise me after thirty years in rheumatology. I remember my first rotation at Massachusetts General in ‘92, watching Dr. Henderson manage a particularly stubborn psoriatic arthritis case with this drug we’d previously only used for oncology. The transformation in that patient’s joint swelling and skin plaques over twelve weeks was nothing short of remarkable, though we nearly lost her to pancytopenia when the resident miscalculated the renal dosing.

• Aleve: Effective Pain and Inflammation Relief - Evidence-Based Review

  Aleve is the brand name for naproxen sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) available over-the-counter and by prescription. It belongs to the same therapeutic class as ibuprofen but with a longer duration of action, typically providing 8-12 hours of pain relief from a single dose. The medication works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby reducing prostaglandin production and subsequent inflammation, pain, and fever. Aleve is indicated for minor aches, muscle pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and headache.

• Anacin: Fast-Acting Pain Relief for Headaches and Minor Aches - Evidence-Based Review

  Anacin represents one of those foundational over-the-counter analgesics that’s been in medicine cabinets for generations. When patients ask me about it in clinic, I often describe it as a combination headache remedy containing both aspirin and caffeine - essentially building on the classic aspirin formula but with that extra central nervous system boost. What’s fascinating is how this particular combination has persisted through decades of pharmaceutical innovation when so many other formulations have come and gone.

• Arava: Targeted Immunomodulation for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Evidence-Based Review

  Arava, known generically as leflunomide, is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) approved for the management of active rheumatoid arthritis. It’s not a dietary supplement or medical device but a prescription medication with immunomodulatory properties. This monograph will cover its clinical profile comprehensively. 1. Introduction: What is Arava? Its Role in Modern Medicine Arava represents a significant advancement in rheumatoid arthritis management, offering an oral alternative to traditional DMARDs. What is Arava used for?

• Asendin: Enhanced Mood Support for Treatment-Resistant Depression - Evidence-Based Review

  Let me walk you through what we’ve learned about Asendin over the past decade - this isn’t the polished monograph you’d find in a manufacturer’s packet, but the real clinical experience that actually matters at 3 AM when you’re trying to help someone who’s struggling. Asendin represents one of those interesting cases where a dietary supplement positioned itself squarely in the depression and anxiety space, specifically targeting what we now recognize as treatment-resistant depressive episodes.

• azulfidine

  Sulfasalazine, known by its brand name Azulfidine, presents one of those fascinating cases in pharmacotherapy where we’ve been using a medication for decades before truly understanding its full mechanistic profile. Initially developed in the 1930s as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, this prodrug has established itself as a cornerstone in managing inflammatory bowel disease, particularly ulcerative colitis. What’s remarkable is how this sulfonamide antibiotic derivative, which initially showed disappointing results for rheumatoid arthritis, found its true calling in gastroenterology through careful clinical observation.

• bactrim

  Bactrim, the brand name for the fixed-dose combination antibiotic containing sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, represents one of those workhorse medications that every clinician ends up having a complicated relationship with. It’s sitting there in your formulary, not particularly glamorous, but when you need it for the right patient, nothing else quite fits the bill. I remember my first month on infectious disease consult service, the attending looked at my proposed regimen for a PJP pneumonia patient and just said “You’re forgetting the classic double-strength Bactrim protocol - this is why we still keep this drug around.

• benemid

  Benemid, known generically as probenecid, is a uricosuric agent that’s been in clinical use since the 1950s. It works by inhibiting the renal tubular reabsorption of uric acid, effectively increasing its excretion and lowering serum urate levels. While originally developed to prolong penicillin levels by reducing its renal excretion, its primary modern application is in chronic gout management. What’s fascinating is how this old drug continues to find relevance despite newer alternatives - there’s something about its specific mechanism that makes it particularly useful for certain patient profiles.

• cephalexin

  Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic belonging to the beta-lactam class, structurally and functionally related to penicillins. It works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to osmotic instability and cell lysis. We’ve been using this workhorse antibiotic since the 1970s, and honestly, it remains one of our most reliable tools for common community-acquired infections. The balance between efficacy, safety profile, and cost makes it a go-to choice for many frontline clinicians.