What is ketoconazole? What are the uses for ketoconazole? Ketoconazole is an azole antifungal medication used to treat certain serious fungal infections. Ketoconazole is in the same family of drugs as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of several types of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that surround …

What is epoetin alfa? What are the uses for epoetin alfa? Epoetin alfa is a man-made, injectable drug for treating anemia associated with chronic kidney failure for people who are or will be receiving dialysis. Epoetin alfa is also used to treat anemia in individuals with HIV infection and in patients with cancer who are receiving chemotherapy. Erythropoietin is a protein …

What are the definitions of mild and severe sunburns? What are their symptoms and signs? Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story Picture of acute sunburn Sunburn is the result of too much exposure to the sun, or a sun-equivalent (such as a tanning bed or other UV source). Sunburn is most common during the summer when the sun’s rays are …

Keratosis pilaris (KP) facts Picture of Keratosis Pilaris Atrophicans Keratosis pilaris is a very common, benign skin disorder that affects adolescents and adults. Keratosis pilaris causes numerous small, rough, tan or red little bumps around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks. Keratosis pilaris creates the appearance of gooseflesh, goose bumps, or chicken skin. Keratosis pilaris may …

What is oral vancomycin? What are the uses for oral vancomycin? Oral vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that is used for the treatment of Clostridium difficile diarrhea and staphylococcal enterocolitis. Vancomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic (it kills bacteria) that exerts its effects by preventing bacteria from forming cell walls, which they need to survive. Vancomycin is only effective against gram-positive …

What is quetiapine (Seroquel)? What is quietiapine used for? Quetiapine is an oral atypical antipsychotic drug. What brand names are available for quetiapine? Seroquel and Seroquel XR are the brand names available for quetiapine in the US. Is quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR)? Yes Why …

What is polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is an antibiotic eye drop composed of two drugs. Polymyxin B sulfate works by altering bacterial cell wall structure that causes the leaking out of cellular contents that can result in cell death. Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that interferes with the production of tetrahydrofolic acid, …

What is oral sorbitol? What are the uses for oral sorbitol? Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in fruits. Its chemical properties allow it to have multiple actions within the body. Its sweetening properties allow it to be used as a low-calorie sweetener in medicinal solutions. Its hyperosmotic properties allow it to work as a laxative, drawing water into …

What is oral pyridostigmine? What are the uses for oral pyridostigmine? Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) is an oral cholinesterase inhibitor. Acetylcholine is one of many neurotransmitters in our bodies. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help our cells communicate with each other. Depending on the organ that it acts upon, acetylcholine produces different effects. One important function of acetylcholine is to produce muscle contractions …

What is lurasidone hydrochloride (Latuda)? What is Latuda used for? Lurasidone (Latuda) belongs to a class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics. Other members of this class include clozapine (Clozaril), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify) and ziprasidone (Geodon). Atypical antipsychotics like lurasidone are considered the standard of care for treating schizophrenia. Additionally, in clinical studies lurasidone was shown to be effective …