What is sennosides A&B-oral tablet, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Senna is a natural medicine derived from the senna plant. Senna contains sennosides which acts as a stimulant laxative. It works by irritating and stimulating intestinal cells, producing contractions in intestines, water influx to the intestines and bowel movement. What brand names …
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clobetasol (Cormax) Side Effects & Dosage
What is clobetasol scalp solution-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clobetasol propionate is a man-made corticosteroid that is used on the skin (topically). It is available as foam, shampoo, cream, gel, lotion, ointment, solution, and spray. It is similar to alclometasone (Aclovate), hydrocortisone valerate (Westcort), halobetasol (Ultravate) and several others. Topical clobetasol is used to treat certain …
Read More »Metronidazole (Flagyl) vs. azelaic acid (Finacea) Side Effects & Dosage
Metronidazole (Flagyl) vs. azelaic acid (Finacea) similarities and differences Metronidazole and azelaic acid are antibiotics used to treat acne. Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER and brand names for azelaic acid include Finacea and Azelex. A difference is metronidazole is taken orally and azelaic acid is used topically (on the skin). Side effects of metronidazole that are …
Read More »Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Xanax (alprazolam) Side Effects & Dosage
Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Xanax (alprazolam) similarities and differences Lyrica (pregabalin) and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat seizures and anxiety disorder. Lyrica is also used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also used in combination with other drugs to treat partial onset seizures in adults. Xanax is primarily used to …
Read More »Metronidazole (Flagyl) vs. Clindamycin (Cleocin) Side Effects & Dosage
Metronidazole (Flagyl) vs. clindamycin (Cleocin) Metronidazole and clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream are antibiotics used to treat vaginal infections. Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER and brand names for clindamycin include Cleocin and Clindesse. A difference is metronidazole is taken orally and clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream is used topically (on the skin). Side effects of metronidazole that are …
Read More »Hereditary Spherocytosis: Treatment, Symptoms & Diagnosis
Spherocytosis facts Readers Comments 7 Share Your Story Spherocytosis is the production of abnormal red blood cells that are in the shape of a sphere instead of the concave disk shape of normal red blood cells, resulting in fragile and abnormal red blood cells. Other symptoms and signs of spherocytosis include anemia, paleness (pallor), jaundice, enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), and gallbladder …
Read More »Zocor (simvastatin): Statin Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is Zocor? Zocor is a cholesterol-lowering drug. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Other statins include: lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Is Zocor available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Zocor? Yes Why is Zocor prescribed to patients? Simvastatin is used for reducing …
Read More »Adderall vs. Concerta: ADHD Drug Uses, Side Effects & Interactions
Adderall vs. Concerta comparison Both Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Concerta (methylphenidate) are stimulants used for treatment of narcolepsy and adult and childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD). Adderall contains amphetamines that stimulate the brain and central nervous system, producing a calming effect in adults and children with ADHD. Concerta is a stimulant that acts in a similar manner, but …
Read More »mirtazapine (Remeron): Depression Drug Side Effects & Dosing
What is mirtazapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant similar to maprotiline (Ludiomil) and tricyclic antidepressants, for example, desipramine (Norpramin). Depression is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with each other) may be …
Read More »Alendronate (Fosamax) Side Effects, Dosage & Contraindications
What is alendronate (Fosamax), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alendronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. The bisphosphonate class includes etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), and tiludronate (Skelid). Bisphosphonates are used for treating osteoporosis (reduced density of bone that leads to fractures) and bone pain from diseases such as metastatic breast cancer, …
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