What is potassium chloride, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Potassium preparations are used for supplementing potassium in order to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Potassium is a major mineral (electrolyte) that is important for the function of every cell in the body. For example, it is important …

Dicyclomine vs. Linzess: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Linzess (linaclotide) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Linzess is specifically used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation. It is also used to treat chronic constipation of unknown cause (idiopathic constipation). Dicyclomine and Linzess belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic and Linzess is …

What is oxybutynin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oxybutynin is an oral drug that is used for treating urinary bladder spasm. Oxybutynin has a dual mechanism of action. Contraction of the smooth muscle of the bladder is stimulated by the release of acetylcholine by the nerves within the bladder and the attachment of the acetylcholine to receptors …

Oxycodone vs. Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) for pain review Oxycodone is a strong opioid narcotic pain reliever (analgesic), and Vicodin is a combination of two drugs, hydrocodone (a strong narcotic pain reliever) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Oxycodone and hydrocodone are similar to other drugs that are opioid narcotics, for example, methadone, fentanyl, and morphine. Both oxycodone and Vicodin are prescribed to treat moderate …

What is tetracaine ophthalmic drops, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tetracaine is a topical local anesthetic for the eyes. Tetracaine works by interfering with entry of sodium ions into nerve cells. This reduces the ability of nerves to generate an impulse and send pain sensations. What brand names are available for tetracaine ophthalmic drops? none Is tetracaine …

What is acarbose, and how does it work? Acarbose is a prescription oral drug that is used to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in people type 2 diabetes in conjunction with diet, exercise, and other diabetes drugs, for example, metformin (Glucophage) or insulin. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which also includes miglitol (Glyset). Carbohydrates that …

Dicyclomine vs. Librax: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Librax (chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Librax is also used to treat peptic ulcer disease. It also may be useful in management of acute gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Dicyclomine and Librax belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic and Librax is a combination …

Dicyclomine vs. hyoscyamine: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are anticholinergics used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  Hyoscyamine is also used to treat peptic ulcer disease, hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and gastrointestinal disorders.  A brand name for dicyclomine is Bentyl.  Brand names for hyoscyamine include Levbid, Levsin, Nulev, and Anaspaz.  Side effects of dicyclomine and hyoscyamine that are similar include dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, changes in taste, headache, nervousness, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, impotence, flushing, nausea, and vomiting,  Side effects of dicyclomine that are …

Dicyclomine vs. Donnatal: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Donnatal (belladonna/phenobarbital) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine and Donnatal belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic and Donnatal is a combination of an anticholinergic/antispasmodic. A brand name for dicyclomine is Bentyl. Side effects of dicyclomine and Donnatal that are similar include dry mouth, blurred vision, increased …

What is thalidomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Thalidomide is an oral medication used for treating the skin conditions of leprosy, a disease caused by a parasite, Mycobacterium leprae. The mechanism of action of thalidomide is not well understood. The immune system reaction to Mycobacterium leprae plays an important role in producaing the skin manifestations of leprosy. …