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 …
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Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept) Uses, Side Effects & Interactions
What is mycophenolate mofetil? What is mycophenolate mofetil used for? Mycophenolic acid is an immunosuppressive drug. It is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving kidney, heart, or liver transplants. mycophenolate mofetil should be used concomitantly with cyclosporine and corticosteroids. Mycophenolate mofetil is a prodrug (inactive form) of mycophenolic acid (MPA). Following oral administration, mycophenolate mofetil is …
Read More »Valium Dosage, Side Effects, Uses, Addiction, Overdose, Withdrawal
What is Valium (diazepam)? Diazepam is an oral medication that is used to treat anxiety. It belongs to the benzodiazepine family of drugs, the same family that includes: alprazolam (Xanax) clonazepam (Klonopin) lorazepam (Ativan) flurazepam (Dalmane) What brand names are available for Valium (diazepam)? Valium, Diastat Acudial, Diastat, and Diazepam Intensol are the brand names for diazepam available in the …
Read More »Digoxin vs. amiodarone: Heart Medications Side Effects, Dosages
Digoxin vs. amiodarone: What’s the difference? Digoxin and amiodarone are heart medications used to treat abnormal heart rhythms and congestive heart failure. Digoxin also is used for increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure. Brand names for digoxin include Lanoxin and Lanoxin Pediatric. Brand names for amiodarone include Cordarone, Nextrone, and Pacerone. Digoxin and amiodarone belong to different …
Read More »polyethylene glycol (Miralax, Glycolax): Laxative Side Effects & Dosage
What is polyethylene glycol? What is polyethylene glycol used for? Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxative. Polyethylene glycol works by retaining water in the stool, resulting in softer stools and more frequent bowel movements. Polyethylene glycol does not affect glucose and electrolytes in the body. What brand names are available for polyethylene glycol (peg) 3350-oral? Miralax, Glycolax Is polyethylene glycol …
Read More »Clozapine (Clozaril, Fazacio ODT, Versacloz) Side Effects, Dosage
What is clozapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clozapine is an anti-psychotic medication that works by blocking receptors in the brain for several neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with each other) including dopamine type 4 receptors, serotonin type 2 receptors, norepinephrine receptors, acetylcholine receptors, and histamine receptors. Unlike traditional anti-psychotic agents, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) …
Read More »Norfloxacin (Noroxin): Antibiotic Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is norfloxacin? What is norfloxacin used for? Norfloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Other fluoroquinolones include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), and ofloxacin (Floxin). Norfloxacin works by blocking DNA gyrase enzyme, which is responsible for production and repair of bacterial DNA. Blocking of DNA gyrase leads to bacteria death and prevents worsening of infection. Norfloxacin treats infections caused by gram-positive and …
Read More »Norethindrone Birth Control Pill Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
What is norethindrone birth control pill? Norethindrone is a progestin that is used as an oral contraceptive. What brand names are available for norethindrone birth control pill? Brand names for norethindrone oral contraceptive include: Camila Errin Heather Jencycla Nor QD Nora-BE Ortho Micronor Incassia Why is norethindrone birth control pill used? Norethindrone is used for the prevention of pregnancy. What …
Read More »Suprax (cefixime) Antibiotic Side Effects, Dosage, Uses
What is cefixime, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cefixime is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made), oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefprozil (Cefzil), and many injectable forms. Like other cephalosporins, cefixime stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround …
Read More »Armodafinil (Nuvigil) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is armodafinil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Armodafinil is an oral drug that is used to promote wakefulness. It is similar to modafinil (Provigil). Like amphetamines, armodafinil promotes wakefulness by stimuatIng the brain; however, the exact mechanism of action of armodafinil is unknown. Armodafinil may work by increasing the amount of dopamine (a chemical neurotransmitter that …
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