List of drugs: R–Rb

List of drugs: R–Rb is a comprehensive catalog within the broader compendium of pharmaceutical drugs. This list encompasses a range of medicinal compounds, starting with the letter "R" and extending through those beginning with "Rb". These drugs vary widely in their applications, from treating chronic conditions to addressing acute symptoms, and include both prescription medications and over-the-counter solutions. The following entries are structured to provide a foundational understanding of each drug's purpose, usage, and pharmacological significance.

List of Drugs

Rabeprazole

Rabeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and peptic ulcer disease. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.

Rabies vaccine

The rabies vaccine is used to prevent rabies, a deadly virus spread to humans through the bite of an infected animal. It is typically administered before exposure in high-risk groups or after exposure to the virus.

Racetam

Racetam refers to a class of drugs known as nootropics, which are used to enhance memory and other cognitive functions. The most well-known racetam is Piracetam.

Radicava (Edaravone)

Edaravone, sold under the brand name Radicava, is an antioxidant used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is thought to work by relieving oxidative stress.

Raloxifene

Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is also used to reduce the risk of breast cancer in certain women.

Ramipril

Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used in the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in certain individuals.

Ranibizumab

Ranibizumab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. It works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is involved in the formation of new blood vessels in the eye.

Ranitidine

Ranitidine is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist that decreases stomach acid production. It is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Rapamycin (Sirolimus)

Rapamycin, also known as Sirolimus, is an immunosuppressant drug used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. It is also being studied for its potential benefits in treating certain cancers and diseases of aging.

Rasagiline

Rasagiline is a monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It helps to improve symptoms by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain.

Razadyne (Galantamine)

Galantamine, sold under the brand name Razadyne, is a medication used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It works by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine in the brain.

Rebif (Interferon beta-1a)

Interferon beta-1a, marketed as Rebif, is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is believed to work by modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation.

Regorafenib

Regorafenib is a multi-kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of certain types of colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. It works by inhibiting multiple protein kinases involved in tumor growth and progression.

Remdesivir

Remdesivir is an antiviral drug that has been used in the treatment of COVID-19. It is a nucleotide analog that interferes with the replication of the virus.

Reteplase

Reteplase is a thrombolytic drug used to treat acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) by dissolving blood clots that have blocked the coronary arteries.

Rifaximin

Rifaximin is an antibiotic used to treat traveler's diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). It works by killing bacteria in the intestines.

Risperidone

Risperidone is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It works by altering the effects of chemicals in the brain.

Rituximab

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases and cancers, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It targets CD20 protein on the surface of immune cells.

Rivaroxaban

Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to prevent and treat blood clots. It is used in patients with atrial fibrillation and after knee or hip replacement surgery to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Rizatriptan

Rizatriptan is a medication used to treat migraine headaches. It belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans, which relieve pain by narrowing blood vessels around the brain.

Rocuronium

Rocuronium is a non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used to facilitate tracheal intubation during general anesthesia and to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation.

Rofecoxib

Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was used to treat osteoarthritis and acute pain conditions. It was withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns.

Romiplostim

Romiplostim is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist used to treat thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet counts) in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease. It works by inhibiting an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver.

Rotavirus vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine protects against rotavirus infections, which are a leading cause of severe diarrhea among young children. The vaccine is administered orally.

Rucaparib

Rucaparib is a PARP inhibitor used in the treatment of certain types of ovarian cancer. It works by preventing cancer cells from repairing their DNA, leading to cell death.

Ruxolitinib

Ruxolitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used in the treatment of myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera, types of blood cancers. It works by blocking pathways that cause abnormal blood cell production.

Rybelsus (Semaglutide)

Semaglutide, sold under the brand name Rybelsus, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It helps to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production.

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