digestion

Librax (chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride/clidinium bromide) Side Effects, Dosage

What is chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide (Librax) combines the anti-anxiety action of chlordiazepoxide and the antispasmodic effects of clidinium. It also blocks the acid secretion of the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits the action of nerves that are very active in certain …

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Balsalazide Disodium, Colazal: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage

What is balsalazide disodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Balsalazide disodium is an oral anti-inflammatory drug that is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It is a form of mesalamine (5-aminosalicyclic acid) that is activated by colonic bacteria when it reaches the colon. The exact mechanism of action of mesalamine is not known but is believed …

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Glycerin (Fleet, Pedia-Lax, Colace) Rectal Suppository for Constipation

What is glycerin suppository? What is glycerin used for? Glycerin suppositories are hyperosmotic laxatives. Glycerin suppositories work by increasing water volume in intestines and softening stool, causing the intestines to contract and produce bowel movements. What brand names are available for glycerin suppository? Fleet Suppository, Pedia-Lax Suppository, Colace Suppository Is glycerin suppository available as a generic drug? Yes Do I …

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Hepatitis B Vaccine (Recombivax HB) Side Effects & Dosage

What is hepatitis b vaccine-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hepatitis B vaccines (Recombivax HB, Engerix-B) are used to prevent hepatitis B infection, a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Hepatitis B is easily spread through contact with blood or other fluids of an infected person. People may also become infected from touching …

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Rabeprazole (Aciphex) Proton Pump Inhibitor Uses & Side Effects

What is rabeprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rabeprazole is an oral drug that is used for the treatment of conditions caused by acid. It is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors or PPIs which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include: lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), …

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Azulfidine (sulfasalazine) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is Azulfidine? Sulfasalazine is a drug that is used primarily for treating ulcerative colitis. Why is Azulfidine prescribed to patients? Sulfasalazine is used for the treatment of mild to severe ulcerative colitis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been used “off label” (unapproved by the FDA) for Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis. Is Azulfidine available as a …

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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 …

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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 …

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Licorice Root: Supplement Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Licorice is a plant used for flavoring food, beverages, and tobacco. The root issued as a natural, herbal supplement for medicinal purposes. Chemicals in licorice may reduce inflammation, thin mucus secretions, decrease cough, and increase the body’s ability to heal ulcers. Check with your health care professional …

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Tacrolimus (Prograf): Immunosuppressant Side Effects & Dosage

What is tacrolimus? What are the uses for tacrolimus? Tacrolimus, previously known as FK506, is a macrolide immunosuppressant produced by the bacteria Streptomyces tsukubaensis. Tacrolimus is used for the prevention of rejection of transplanted kidneys, liver, or heart. It can be combined with steroids, azathioprine (Imuran Azasan) or mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept). What brand names are available for tacrolimus? Prograf, Astagraf …

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