Rabies facts The bite of a rabid animal can transmit the rabies virus to a human. The rabies virus causes rabies. Rabid animals transmit the virus via a bite or saliva exposure. Early signs and symptoms of rabies mimic those of a viral flu-like infection. People should start post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment as soon as …

What is indapamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Indapamide is a diuretic (water pill) that is used primarily for the treatment of high blood pressure. It works by preventing the kidney from reabsorbing (retaining in the body) salt and water that is destined to be eliminated in the urine. This results in increased urine output (diuresis). Indapamide …

Diprolene (betamethasone dipropionate) vs. Topicort (desoximetasone): What’s the difference? Betamethasone and desoximetasone are corticosteroids used to relieve itching and inflammation associated with a wide variety of skin conditions such as allergic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and plaque psoriasis. Brand names of betamethasone include Diprolene, Diprolene AF and Luxiq. A brand name for desoximetasone is Topicort. Side effects of betamethasone …

What is ciclopirox, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ciclopirox is a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits the growth of dermatophytes, a type of fungus that grows on the skin, hair, and nails. When applied to skin a very small percentage is absorbed into the body. It was approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA …

What is topical fluorouracil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Topical fluorouracil is a drug that is used to treat conditions of the skin in which there is rapid multiplication (division) of cells, for example, skin cancer. In order to multiply or divide, cells must produce DNA for each new cell. The DNA is critical since it is …

What is budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy), and how does it work? Budesonide is a synthetic steroid belonging to the glucocorticoid family, a family in which cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the naturally occurring steroid. Hydrocortisone is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, budesonide travels directly to the lining …

Amoxicillin (Moxatag) vs. azithromycin (Zithromax): What’s the difference? Amoxicillin and azithromycin are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, skin, and some sexually transmitted diseases. Amoxicillin and azithromycin are different types of antibiotics. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic and azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Brand names of …

What's involved with teen disease prevention? Share Your Story Picture of Female Teenagers with Makeup The teen years are a time of growth that involves experimentation and risk taking. For some teens, the social pressures of trying to fit in can be too much. These years can be even more troubling for teens when confronted with teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, …

What is hydrocodone and ibuprofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Vicoprofen is a combination of an opioid analgesic (hydrocodone bitartrate, a pain reliever related to narcotics) and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen). Both medications are effective for pain management. It is estimated that one tablet of Vicoprofen is as effective as two tablets of Tylenol #3 (acetaminophen …

What is glyburide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glyburide is an oral, glucose-lowering drug in a class of diabetic drugs called sulfonylureas that is used for treating diabetes. Other sulfonylureas include glipizide (Glucotrol), glimepiride (Amaryl), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide, and chlorpropamide (Diabinese). Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas. When released into the blood, insulin …