What is malathion, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Malathion is a pesticide used for killing head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). It kills head lice and lice eggs by blocking the activity of enzymes (cholinesterase) that breaks-down and inactivates acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) in head lice. This causes high levels of acetylcholine which leads …

What is terazosin? Terazosin belongs to a class of medications called alpha 1 blockers which relax the smooth muscles of the arteries, the prostate, and the bladder neck. Is terazosin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for terazosin? Yes Why is terazosin prescribed to patients? Terazosin is used to treat the symptoms of urinary obstruction …

Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Risperdal (risperidone): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Risperdal (risperidone) are different types of antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia. Haloperidol is also used to treat acute psychosis and for tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. Risperidone is also used to treat bipolar mania and autism. A brand name for haloperidol is Haldol. Side effects of haloperidol …

Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Xanax (alprazolam): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat different types of psychiatric disorders. Haloperidol is used to treat schizophrenia, acute psychosis, and for tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. Xanax is used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. A brand name for haloperidol is Haldol. Haloperidol and Xanax belong to …

What is glucagon? Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that, along with insulin, controls the level of glucose in the blood. Glucagon has the opposite effect of insulin. It increases the glucose levels in blood. Glucagon, the drug, is a synthetic (man-made) version of human glucagon and is manufactured by genetic engineering using the bacteria Escherichia coli. Is …

What is ziprasidone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ziprasidone is an oral and injectable drug that is used for treating psychoses, for example, schizophrenia. Although the mechanism of action of ziprasidone is not known, like other anti-psychotics, it inhibits communication between nerves of the brain. It does this by blocking receptors on the nerves for several neurotransmitters, …

What is gemfibrozil? Gemfibrozil is a blood lipid and cholesterol-altering medicine. Why is gemfibrozil prescribed to patients? Gemfibrozil is used for reducing elevated triglyceride levels that are high enough to cause pancreatitis. Because gemfibrozil raises HDL and decreases triglycerides it is prescribed for preventing coronary heart disease in individuals without a history or symptoms of coronary heart disease who have …

What is finasteride (Proscar)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? The prostate gland is located around the tube which empties urine from the bladder (urethra). As the prostate gland enlarges, usually after 50 years of age, it can obstruct or partially block the urine flow. This leads to symptoms which include dribbling of urine, narrow stream, problems starting urine …

Digoxin vs. metoprolol: What’s the difference? Digoxin is used for treating adults with mild to moderate congestive heart failure and for treating abnormal heart rhythms. Digoxin is also used for increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure. Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, heart pain, hyperthyroidism, and some neurologic conditions. Metoprolol is used …

Digoxin vs. dobutamine: What’s the difference? Digoxin and dobutamine are used to treat different heart conditions. Digoxin is used for treating adults with mild to moderate congestive heart failure and for treating abnormally rapid atrial rhythms (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia). It also is used for increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure. Dobutamine is used to …