Suprax (cefixime) vs. azithromycin: What’s the difference? Suprax (cefixime) and azithromycin are antibiotics used to treat middle ear infections (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 and azithromycin are different types of antibiotics. Suprax is …
Read More »Ropinorole (Requip): Parkinson’s Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is ropinirole? What is ropinirole used for? Ropinorole is an anti-Parkinson's medication. Ropinorole works by binding to dopamine receptors in the brain. Ropinorole stimulates the dopamine receptors and improves symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The FDA approved ropinirole in September 1997. It is also a treatment for Restless legs syndrome (RLS ). What brand names are available for ropinirole? Requip, …
Read More »Rasagiline (Azilect): Parkinson’s Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is rasagiline? What is rasagiline used for? Rasagiline is an oral drug that is used for treating Parkinson's disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO) that also includes selegiline and tranylcypromine. Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that breaks down serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, tyramine and similar chemicals that serve as neurotransmitters, chemicals that nerves …
Read More »fludrocortisone (Florinef) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is fludrocortisone? What is fludrocortisone used for? Fludrocortisone is a man-made oral corticosteroid. It is derived from hydrocortisone, but is more potent than hydrocortisone. The effects of fludrocortisone including its effect on electrolyte balance and carbohydrate metabolism are stronger and prolonged in comparison to hydrocortisone. Florinef (fludrocortisone) Acetate is indicated as partial replacement therapy for primary and secondary adrenocortical …
Read More »Dorzolamide (Trusopt) Glaucoma Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is dorzolamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dorzolamide is an ophthalmic solution (a liquid that is placed in the eyes) that is used for treating glaucoma. It is in a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors which also includes brinzolamide (Azopt). Many parts of the body, including the eye, contain the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic …
Read More »dexmethylphenidate (Focalin): ADHD Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is dexmethylphenidate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dexmethylphenidate is a medication used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is chemically similar to methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta). It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS or brain) in a manner that is similar to amphetamines; however, its actions are milder than amphetamines. It stimulates the brain by …
Read More »oxaprozin (Daypro): Arthritis Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is oxaprozin? What is oxaprozin used for? Oxaprozin belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever and inflammation. Oxaprozin is indicated: For relief of the signs and symptoms …
Read More »clotrimazole (Lotrimin-AF, Mycelex, Trivagizole) Side Effects, Dosage
What is clotrimazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clotrimazole is an anti-fungal medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of several types of fungi by preventing interfering with the production of the membrane that surrounds fungal cells. It is used topically on the skin, inserted vaginally or allowed …
Read More »clomiphene (Clomid): Fertility Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is clomiphene, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clomiphene is an oral medication used for stimulating ovulation. It binds to estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovary, endometrium, vagina, and cervix. It causes production of hormones (gonadotropins) by the pituitary which stimulates ovulation. The FDA approved clomiphene in February 1967. What brand names are available for …
Read More »clonidine (Catapres) Side Effects, Dosage, Uses & Withdrawal Symptoms
What is clonidine, and how does it work? Clonidine (Catapres, Catapres-TTS) is an oral and topical (applied to the skin) medication prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It acts by stimulating receptors on nerves in the brain that reduces the transmission of messages from nerves in the brain to nerves in other areas of …
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