What is olanzapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Olanzapine is a drug that is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Olanzapine belongs to a drug class known as atypical antipsychotics. Other members of this class include clozapine (Clozaril), risperidone (Risperdal), aripiprazole (Abilify) and ziprasidone (Geodon). …
Read More »promethazine, Promethegan: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is promethazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Promethazine is a phenothiazine in the same drug class as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and trifluoperazine (Stelazine). However, unlike the other drugs in this class, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic. It used as an anti-histamine, sedative, and antiemetic (anti-nausea). The body releases histamine during several types of allergic reactions. …
Read More »Mirapex (pramipexole): Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is Mirapex? What is Mirapex used for? Pramipexole (Mirapex) is used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Is Mirapex available as a generic drug? Generics are available for the immediate release tablets. Generics of the extended release tablets are not available. Do I need a prescription for Mirapex? Yes What are the side …
Read More »Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) for ADHD: Side Effects & Dosage
What is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? What are the uses for lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? Vyvanse is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used for the treatment of: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. What are the side effects of lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)? Common side effects of Vyvanse include: upper abdominal pain, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, weight loss, trouble sleeping, irritability, …
Read More »Lidocaine Viscous: Anesthetic Uses, Dosage & Interactions
What is lidocaine viscous? What is Lidocaine used for? Lidocaine viscous solution is a local anesthetic that is applied topically to treat painful mucous membranes or throat pain associated with oral diseases and for procedures involving the mouth or throat. Lidocaine provides pain relief by inhibiting the influx of sodium ions involved in the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses …
Read More »Lactated Ringer’s Solution: IV Fluids Replenish Electrolytes
What is Lactated Ringer’s solution, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lactated Ringer's is a sterile solution for fluid and electrolyte replenishment. It restores fluid and electrolyte balances, produces diuresis, and acts as alkalizing agent (reduces acidity). The FDA approved Ringer's solution in plastic containers in 1971. What brand names are available for Lactated Ringer's solution? Lactated Ringer's …
Read More »sumatriptan, Imitrex, Side Effects, Forms, & Dosing
What is sumatriptan? What are the uses for sumatriptan? Sumatriptan is a drug that is used for treating migraine headaches. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin receptor agonists. Other members of this class include naratriptan (Amerge), zolmitriptan (Zomig), rizatriptan (Maxalt), frovatriptan (Frova), eletriptan (Relpax), and almotriptan (Axert). Migraine headaches are believed to result from dilatation of …
Read More »Guanfacine (Intuniv for ADHD, Tenex for Hypertension) Dosage & Side Effects
What is guanfacine? What is guanfacine used for? Guanfacine is an oral, centrally-acting alpha 2A adrenergic receptor agonist. It is available in two different formulations, Tenex immediate release tablets and Intuniv extended release tablets. Tenex is used alone or in combination with other medications for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Guanfacine reduces blood pressure by reducing the resistance …
Read More »insulin glargine (Lantus): Drug Side Effects
What is insulin glargine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Insulin glargine is a bioengineered (man-made) injectable form of long-acting insulin that is used to regulate sugar (glucose) levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Individuals with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin on their own; and individuals with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough …
Read More »promethazine, Phenergan with Codeine: Drug Facts and Side Effects
What is promethazine and codeine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Promethazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines which also includes chlorpromazine, and trifluoperazine; however, unlike the other drugs in this class, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic but rather as an anti-histamine, sedative, antiemetic (anti-nausea), and cough suppressant. Cells in the body release histamine …
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