What is meloxicam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Meloxicam is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are used to treat pain and/or inflammation. Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. Prostaglandins are chemicals that contribute to inflammation especially within …
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What is linaclotide (Linzess)? What is linaclotide used for? Linaclotide is an oral medication for the treatment of constipation. It is the first in a new class of drugs called guanylate cyclase-C agonists. It is used for relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation and for treating chronic constipation of unknown cause (idiopathic constipation). Linaclotide works locally in …
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What is oral levonorgestrel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Levonorgestrel (Plan B) is emergency contraception (commonly called the morning after pill) that is used as backup contraception to prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex or when birth control fails. Levonorgestrel is a progestin. Progestins are hormones used in many birth control pills. Although …
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What is propoxyphene? What is propoxyphene used for? Propoxyphene is indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain. It is a narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant but is weaker than morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. The precise mechanism of action is not known but may involve stimulation of opioid (narcotic) receptors in the brain. Propoxyphene increases pain tolerance and decreases …
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What are sulfonamides? Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs) are drugs that are derived from sulfanilamide, a sulfur-containing chemical. Most sulfonamides are antibiotics, but some are prescribed for treating ulcerative colitis. Sulfonamide antibiotics work by disrupting the production of dihydrofolic acid, a form of folic acid that bacteria and human cells use for producing proteins. What are the side effects of sulfonamides? Sulfonamides …
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What is oral clindamycin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clindamycin is an antibiotic used for treating serious infections. It is effective again several types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes. It reduces growth of bacteria by interfering with their ability to make proteins. The FDA approved clindamycin in February 1970. …
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What is bisacodyl? What is bisacodyl used for? Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It stimulates the muscles in the wall of the small intestine and colon to generate a bowel movement. It also alters water and electrolyte levels in intestines, increasing the level of fluids which also produce a laxative-like effect. Bisacodyl is used for for temporary relief of occasional …
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What is hydroxyzine (Vistaril)? Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic (drying) and sedative properties that is used to treat allergic reactions. What brand names are available for hydroxyzine? Vistaril is the brand name available for hydroxyzine in the US. Atarax and Hy-Pam25, Orgatrax brands have been discontinued and are no longer available in the US. Is hydroxyzine (Vistaril) available as …
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What are nasal decongestants? What are the uses of nasal decongestants? Nasal decongestants are used to treat nasal congestion. Nasal decongestants are applied to nasal passages to reduce congestion and discomfort due to allergies and the common cold. Decongestants cause blood vessels in the nasal passages to shrink (vasoconstrict). Vasoconstriction reduces nasal congestion by preventing fluid from draining from blood …
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Zoloft (sertraline) vs. Prozac (fluoxetine): What’s the difference? Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) type antidepressants used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Zoloft is also used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder. Prozac is also used to treat bulimia, and it is also …
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