What is rifaximin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rifaximin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic used for treating traveler’s diarrhea and hepatic encephalopathy. It is derived from rifamycin, a naturally occurring chemical produced by a bacterium called Streptomyces mediterranei. Rifaximin is active against Escherichia coli bacterial strains that cause traveler’s diarrhea, preventing growth of …
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Calcium Acetate (Phoslo): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
What is calcium acetate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Calcium acetate helps reduce phosphate levels in people with advanced kidney disease. People with advanced kidney failure retain phosphate leading to too much phosphate in their bodies (hyperphosphatemia). High phosphate levels cause hyperparathyroidism, which leads to abnormal bone formation and calcium deposits in tissues. Calcium acetate is a …
Read More »Heparin Injection Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is heparin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Heparin is a widely used injectable anticoagulant (stops the formation of blood clots). The blood coagulation system is composed of various steps and heparin acts at multiple sites in this process. Heparin prevents blood clots by blocking the action of two of the 12 clot-promoting proteins in blood (factors …
Read More »Hyoscyamine (Levsin) Side Effects, Weight Gain & Dosage
What is hyoscyamine sublingual, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hyoscyamine is an anticholinergic drug used for treating irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and gastrointestinal disorders. Anticholinergics work by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the brain and at nerves throughout the body. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals made …
Read More »metronidazole (Noritate, Metrocream) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is metronidazole cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Metronidazole cream is a topical preparation (applied to the skin) of the antibiotic metronidazole. It is used for reducing the swelling and redness caused by acne rosacea. The mechanism through which metronidazole cream reduces the symptoms of acne rosacea is not known. The FDA approved metronidazole cream in …
Read More »bicalutamide (Casodex) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is bicalutamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bicalutamide is an oral medication that is used for treating cancer of the prostate. It belongs to a class of drugs called anti-androgens which includes flutamide (Eulexin) and nilutamide (Nilandron). Androgens (an example of which is testosterone) are hormones that are produced and released by the adrenal glands. They …
Read More »Hepatitis E Symptoms, Transmission, and Prevention
What should I know about hepatitis E (hep E) viral infection? Share Your Story Picture of Hepatitis Virus by Ingram Publishing, Medical RF.com Hepatitis E is a viral infection, which is caused by the hepatitis E virus that usually comes from dirty water. Hep E is uncommon in the U.S., Canada, Northern Europe, and Australia and very uncommon in the …
Read More »Lidocaine Injection (Xylocaine) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is lidocaine injection (local), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine injection is a local anesthetic. This means that it reduces sensation or pain in the area of the body where it is injected and does not affect other areas. It is similar to bupivacaine (Marcaine), articaine (Zorcaine), and Mepivacaine (Carbocaine). These drugs reduce sensation or pain …
Read More »albendazole (Albenza) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What are the uses for albendazole? Albendazole is FDA approved for the treatment of the following parasitic infections: Hydatid Disease Albendazole is used for the treatment of cystic hydatid disease of the liver, lung, and peritoneum, caused by dog tapeworm (Echinococcus granulosus) larvae. Neurocysticercosis Albendazole is used to treat parenchymal neurocysticercosis due to active lesion caused by pork tapeworm (Taenia …
Read More »Benzoyl Peroxide (Proactive, Neutrogena) Uses & Side Effects
What is benzoyl peroxide? Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication used for treating acne (pimples). It is active against Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium which has been associated with acne. Why is benzoyl peroxide used? Benzoyl peroxide is used for the treatment of acne. Is benzoyl peroxide available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for benzoyl peroxide? …
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