Hydroxyzine vs. Xanax: What’s the difference? Hydroxyzine and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat anxiety. Hydroxyzine is also used to treat itching caused by various allergic reactions, for inducing sedation prior to or after anesthesia and to treat nausea, vomiting, and alcohol withdrawal. Xanax is also used to treat panic attacks. Hydroxyzine and Xanax belong …

What is attapulgite, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Attapulgite is an oral, nonabsorbed medication that is used in the management of diarrhea. It works by adsorbing (binding) large numbers of bacteria and toxins and reducing the loss of water. Attapulgite reduces the number of bowel movements, improves the consistency of loose or watery stools, and relieves the …

What is rifaximin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rifaximin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic used for treating traveler’s diarrhea and hepatic encephalopathy. It is derived from rifamycin, a naturally occurring chemical produced by a bacterium called Streptomyces mediterranei. Rifaximin is active against Escherichia coli bacterial strains that cause traveler’s diarrhea, preventing growth of the bacteria by preventing them …

What is metronidazole cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Metronidazole cream is a topical preparation (applied to the skin) of the antibiotic metronidazole. It is used for reducing the swelling and redness caused by acne rosacea. The mechanism through which metronidazole cream reduces the symptoms of acne rosacea is not known. The FDA approved metronidazole cream in …

What is memantine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Memantine is an oral medication for treating patients with Alzheimer's disease. Other medications used for Alzheimer's disease affect acetylcholine, one of the neurotransmitter chemicals that nerve cells in the brain use to communicate with one another. These drugs – galantamine (Razadyne – formerly known as Reminyl), donezepil (Aricept), rivastigmine …

What is mebendazole chewable, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mebendazole is a member of the benzimidazole class of antiparasitic agents, which also includes thiabendazole, albendazole, and triclabendazole. Mebendazole, like other benzimidazoles, causes death of parasites by interfering with the function of tubulin, an important protein in parasites, and preventing glucose uptake. Mebendazole is active against tapeworms, roundworms, …

What is hyoscyamine sublingual, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hyoscyamine is an anticholinergic drug used for treating irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and gastrointestinal disorders. Anticholinergics work by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the brain and at nerves throughout the body. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals made …

What is heparin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Heparin is a widely used injectable anticoagulant (stops the formation of blood clots). The blood coagulation system is composed of various steps and heparin acts at multiple sites in this process. Heparin prevents blood clots by blocking the action of two of the 12 clot-promoting proteins in blood (factors …

What is prednisolone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prednisolone is a synthetic adrenal corticosteroid (cortisone). Corticosteroids are natural substances produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory …

What is cyanocobalamin tablets, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cyanocobalamin or vitamin B12 is an essential B-vitamin that is classified as a water-soluble vitamin. Food sources of vitamin B12 include fish, shellfish, meats, and dairy products. Vitamin B12 is necessary for growth, reproduction of cells (for example, production of red blood cells, and the production of myelin …