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 …
Read More »breast cancer
Efinaconazole (Jublia): Antifungal Drug Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is efinaconazole Jublia, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Efinaconazole is a topical (applied to the skin) antifungal used for the local treatment of fungal infections of the toenails. Efinaconazole destroys fungal cells by inhibiting fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase, an enzyme required to make ergosterol, an important fungal cell wall component. Without cell walls fungus cannot survive. Efinaconazole …
Read More »Bismuth (Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate) Side Effects & Dosage
What is bismuth subsalicylate-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) is a commonly used over the counter medicine used to treat: diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, and heartburn. Bismuth subsalicylate is also used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection as part of a quadruple-drug therapy that also includes two …
Read More »Calcium Carbonate (Caltrate 600) Uses, Side Effects & Formula
What is calcium carbonate? Why is it used? Most people know that calcium is needed for strong bones, but it's also needed to help blood vessels and muscles contract and expand, to send messages through the nervous system, and to secrete hormones and enzymes. This is the most abundant mineral in your body and makes up 1%-2% of adult human …
Read More »prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro) Uses & Side Effects
What is prochlorperazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prochlorperazine is an antiemetic (to control nausea and vomiting) and first generation antipsychotic agent. Prochlorperazine is one of the older first-generation piperazine phenothiazine antipsychotic medications. Examples of other phenothiazines include: fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin) chlorpromazine (Promapar, Thorazine) fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin) perphenazine, trifluoperazine (Stelazine) thioridazine (Mellaril) Although, the exact mechanism of …
Read More »Tetanus Toxoid Injection Vaccine & Booster Schedule
What is tetanus toxoid? Tetanus toxoid is a vaccine used to provide active immunity against tetanus toxin. Tetanus or lockjaw is a serious disease that may result in death. Is tetanus toxoid available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for tetanus toxoid? No Why is tetanus toxoid prescribed to patients? The tetanus toxoid vaccine is used …
Read More »Stitches: Get Information About Removing Sutures
Stitches facts A picture of stitches or sutures Wounds or lacerations must be explored and thoroughly cleaned prior to closure. Stitching or suturing is considered a form of minor surgery. Suture materials vary in their composition and thickness, and the choice of the appropriate material depends upon the nature and location of the wound. Staples, Steri-Strips, Band-Aids, and skin glue …
Read More »Zyrtec (cetirizine): Allergy Drug Side Effects, Dosage, Generic
What is cetirizine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine that works by blocking histamine (H-1) receptors on cells. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, …
Read More »What Is Penicillin Used For? Antibiotic Types, Classification & Side Effects
Who discovered penicillin? In 1928, Alexander Fleming noted that mold belonging to the genus Penicillium inhibited the growth of bacteria. Fleming called this unknown antibacterial substance penicillin. Ten years later, a group at Oxford University began to investigate penicillin in laboratory mice. Penicillin was hailed as a miracle drug and saved countless lives in World War II. What are penicillin …
Read More »Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Ativan (lorazepam): Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Ativan (lorazepam): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Ativan (lorazepam) 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. Ativan is used to manage anxiety disorders, for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depression, to treat …
Read More »