medications

Benzodiazepines vs. Barbiturates: Addiction & Side Effects

Facts on benzodiazepines vs. barbiturates Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that cause drowsiness and are used to treat insomnia and seizures. Benzodiazepines are also used to treat anxiety disorders, nervousness, panic disorders, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, status epilepticus, premenstrual syndrome, and as sedation during surgery. Barbiturates are also used to treat headaches. …

Read More »

Oxycodone vs. Codeine Differences Between Opioid Painkillers

Oxycodone vs. codeine Oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxecta, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, and Roxybond) and codeine are both narcotic pain relievers. Both are also used as cough suppressants similar to morphine and hydrocodone. Oxycodone and codeine also cause sedation and drowsiness, and depress breathing. Both drugs are available in generic form. Both oxycodone and codeine are often available in forms combined with …

Read More »

Breo Ellipta vs. Albuterol: Facts on COPD & Asthma Inhalers

What is the difference between Breo and albuterol? Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder) and albuterol sulfate are both used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Breo Ellipta is a combination of fluticasone, a glucocorticoid, and vilanterol, a bronchodilator of the beta-2 agonist type. Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Brand names of albuterol include ProAir HFA, …

Read More »

Doxycycline vs. Tetracycline: Side Effects & Dosage for Antibiotics

What is the difference between doxycycline and tetracycline? Doxycycline and tetracycline are antibiotics used for many different types of infections, including respiratory tract infections due to Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Brand names for doxycycline include Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox, Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Doryx, Doxteric, and Doxy. Tetracycline is only available in generic form. Sumycin is a discontinued …

Read More »

Celexa (citalopram) vs. Lexapro (escitalopram): Depression & Anxiety SSRIs

What is the difference between Celexa and Lexapro? Celexa (citalopram) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) type antidepressants used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. These drugs are also sometimes used off-label (not FDA-approved use) for obsessive-compulsive disorders and panic disorders. Side effects of Celexa and Lexapro that are similar include nausea, dry mouth, increased sweating, headache, …

Read More »

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) vs. loratadine (Claritin): Allergy Drug Uses & Side Effects

What is the difference between cetirizine and loratadine? Cetirizine and loratadine are non-sedating antihistamines used to treat symptoms of allergic reaction such as symptoms of seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis) such as sneezing, runny nose, red/watery/itchy eyes, hives, and allergic skin rash. Brand names for Cetirizine include Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, and Zyrtec Hives Relief. Brand names for loratadine include Claritin, …

Read More »

Femara vs. Clomid: Facts on Fertility & Anti-Estrogen Drugs

What is the difference between Femara and Clomid? Femara (letrozole) and Clomid (clomiphene) are fertility medications used for stimulating ovulation. Femara is an anti-estrogen drug typically used for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Side effects of Femara and Clomid that are similar include nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle aches or pains. Side effects of Femara that are different from …

Read More »

Coreg vs. Metoprolol Tartrate: Side Effects & Dosage for Hypertension Drugs

What is the difference between Coreg and metoprolol tartrate? Carvedilol and metoprolol tartrate are beta-adrenergic blocking agents (beta-blockers) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure. Brand names for carvedilol include Coreg and Coreg CR. Brand names for metoprolol tartrate include Lopressor and Toprol XL. Side effects of carvedilol and metoprolol tartrate that are similar include diarrhea, …

Read More »

Anastrozole (Arimidex) vs. Letrozole (Femara): Side Effects of Breast Cancer Drugs

Anastrozole vs. Letrozole Anastrozole and letrozole are both aromatase inhibitors, anti-cancer medications used for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The brand name for anastrozole is Arimidex and the brand name for letrozole is Femara. Both drugs are available in generic form. Side effects of anastrozole and letrozole that are similar include nausea, vomiting, and headache. Side effects of anastrozole …

Read More »

Adapalene vs. Benzoyl Peroxide: Side Effects & Dosage for Acne Cream

Adapalene vs. Benzoyl Peroxide Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide are topical agents used for the treatment of acne vulgaris (pimples). A brand name for adapalene is Differin. Brand names for benzoyl peroxide include Proactiv, Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment, Clearasil, and Clearskin. A difference is adapalene is only available with a prescription, while benzoyl peroxide is available over-the-counter (OTC) and in generic …

Read More »