Claritin vs. Zyrtec comparison Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are part of a family of second-generation antihistamines used for treatment of hay fever allergies and hives. This group of drugs also includes fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin) The advantage of Claritin and Zyrtec is they cause less drowsiness than older anti-allergy drugs like Benadryl or …
Read More »
What is ciclesonide? What is ciclesonide used for? Ciclesonide (Alvesco) is a man-made steroid for inhalation in the glucocorticoid family. It is related to the naturally-occurring steroid hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone, produced by the adrenal glands. The body converts ciclesonide to des-ciclesonide, which is the active form of the drug. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as an …
Read More »
What is Dulera? and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dulera is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma. In patients with asthma, the smaller airways (bronchioles) through which air moves in and out of the lungs can be narrowed by accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that surround these airways, or swelling of …
Read More »
What is budesonide/formoterol? What is budesonide/formoterol used for? Symbicort is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In patients with asthma or COPD the smaller airways (bronchioles) through which air moves in and out of thelungs can be narrowed by accumulation of mucus, spasm of the muscles that surround these …
Read More »
What is Advair Diskus, Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler)? Advair is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma and chronic bronchitis. What brand names are available for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler? Advair Diskus and Advair HFA are the brand names available for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler in the US. …
Read More »
What is terbutaline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Terbutaline is a member of a class of drugs called beta adrenergic receptor agonists (stimulators) that is used for treating asthma and other diseases of the airways. Other drugs in the same class of drugs include albuterol (Proventil), metaproterenol (Alupent), pirbuterol (Maxair), and salmeterol (Serevent). Asthma is a breathing …
Read More »
What is albuterol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Albuterol sulphate dilates the airways of the lung and is used for treating asthma and other conditions of the lung. Asthma is a breathing problem due to narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes) that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. These airways can be narrowed …
Read More »
What is cromolyn? What are the uses for cromolyn? Cromolyn sodium is used for the management of mastocytosis and to improve the symptoms associated with it, including: diarrhea, flushing, headaches, vomiting, urticaria (hives), abdominal pain, nausea, itching, runny and stuffy nose, and sneezing. What brand names are available for cromolyn? Nasalcrom, Gastrocrom Is cromolyn available as a generic drug? GENERIC …
Read More »
What is albuterol and ipratropium inhaler, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Albuterol/ipratropium is a combination product consisting of two bronchodilators, albuterol (Proventil; Ventolin) and ipratropium (Atrovent) that is used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (bronchitis and emphysema) when there is evidence of spasm (narrowing) of the airways (bronchi). Bronchodilators dilate or enlarge the airways …
Read More »
What is theophylline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Theophylline belongs to a class of medications called bronchodilators, used in treating asthma and other airway diseases. Asthma is a breathing problem caused by narrowing of the airways, the breathing passages that allow air to move in and out of the lungs. Airways can be narrowed due to accumulation …
Read More »