breast cancer

What is desipramine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Desipramine is an oral antidepressant, a member of the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) family which also includes amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), and imipramine (Tofranil). Depression is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters …

Ondansetron (Zofran) vs. alosetron (Lotronex): What’s the difference? Ondansetron and alosetron are serotonin-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists used to treat different conditions. Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and to prevent vomiting and nausea after surgery. Alosetron is used to treat diarrhea and abdominal discomfort that occurs in some women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). …

What is nefazodone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nefazodone is an oral antidepressant drug. Nefazodone affects chemicals in the brain that nerves use to send messages to one another, called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters that are released by nerves are taken up again by the nerves that release them for reuse. Many experts believe that depression is caused …

Suprax (cefixime) vs. Keflex (cephalexin): What’s the difference? Suprax (cefixime) and Keflex (cephalexin) are cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections (pharyngitis), laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), gonorrhea, and acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Suprax is a brand name for cefixime. Keflex and Daxbia …

Suprax (cefixime) vs. ofloxacin: What’s the difference? Suprax and ofloxacin are antibiotics used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and gonorrhea. Suprax is also used to treat middle ear infections (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections (pharyngitis), laryngitis, and acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ofloxacin is also used to treat staph infections and …

What is fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine? What is Allegra-D used for? Allegra-D is a combination of an antihistamine (fexofenadine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). Fexofenadine is an oral, "second generation" antihistamine that is used to treat the signs and symptoms of allergy and hives. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is …

Cialis (tadalafil) vs. Levitra (vardenafil): What’s the difference? Tadalafil and vardenafil are phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat impotence (the inability to attain or maintain a penile erection) Tadalafil is also used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Brand names for tadalafil include Adcirca and Cialis. Brand names for vardenafil include Levitra and Staxyn ODT. Side effects of …

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 …

Gabapentin vs. Cymbalta: What’s the difference? Gabapentin and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are used to treat different types of neuralgia (nerve pain). Gabapentin is used postherpetic neuralgia from herpes zoster (nerve damage from shingles) and to treat seizure disorders. Cymbalta is used to treat pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Gabapentin and Cymbalta …

Clopidogrel vs. Effient: What’s the difference? Clopidogrel and Effient (prasugrel) are antiplatelet drugs used for preventing strokes, heart attacks, and death in individuals who have had a previous stroke, unstable angina, heart attack, or have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). A brand name for clopidogrel is Plavix. Side effects of clopidogrel and Effient that are similar include diarrhea, rash, headache, chest …