What is topiramate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Topiramate is an oral drug that is used to prevent the seizures of epilepsy. It is an anti-epileptic or anti-seizure drug. It is used primarily among patients who are not controlled by other anti-epileptic drugs. About 1 in 4 Americans diagnosed with epilepsy has …
Read More »Percocet vs. Lortab for Pain: Side Effects & Strength Comparison
Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) vs. Lortab (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) review Percocet and Lortab are combination prescription medications used to manage moderate to severe pain. Percocet is a combination of oxycodone (a narcotic pain reliever) and acetaminophen (a non-narcotic pain reliever and fever reducer). Lortab is a combination of hydrocodone (a narcotic pain reliever) and acetaminophen used to relieve mild to moderate pain, fever, inflammation, …
Read More »indomethacin, Indocin: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is indomethacin? How is indomethacin used? Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces fever, pain and inflammation. It is similar to ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve). Indomethacin works by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that the body produces and which cause the fever and pain that are associated with inflammation. Indomethacin blocks the …
Read More »Sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol) Antibiotic Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is sulfamethoxazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sulfamethoxazole is an anti- bacterial sulfonamide. It prevents the formation of dihydrofolic acid, a compound that bacteria must be able to make in order to survive. Although it was once a very useful antibiotic, it is almost obsolete as a single agent today due to the development of bacterial …
Read More »simethicone, Gas-X: Dose, Side Effects & Pregnancy Information
What is simethicone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Simethicone is an anti-gas (anti-flatulence) medication. It acts in the stomach and intestines to change the surface tension of gas bubbles, enabling their breakdown and the formation of larger bubbles. In this way it is believed that gas can be eliminated more easily by belching or passing flatus. Simethicone …
Read More »dronabinol (Marinol, THC): Side Effects and Dosing
What is dronabinol-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dronabinol (Marinol) is a man-made compound that contains cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant (Cannabis sativa L). Dronabinol contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in standardized concentrations and does not contain other compounds found in street marijuana that is not approved by the FDA for medical use. Dronabinol activates cannabinoid receptors causing …
Read More »Dilaudid vs. Morphine: The Differences Between Opioid Painkillers
Dilaudid vs. morphine Dilaudid (hydromorphone hydrochloride) and morphine are both opioid narcotic pain relievers. Both Dilaudid and morphine are available as generic drugs. Dilaudid is a brand name for hydromorphone. Brand names of morphine include Astramorph, Duramorph, Infumorph, and Avinza. Side effects of both Dilaudid and morphine are similar and include nausea, vomiting, constipation, itching, drowsiness, and dizziness. Dialudid may …
Read More »digoxin, Lanoxin: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is digoxin, and how does it work? Digoxin increases the strength and efficiency of heart contractions, and is useful in the treatment of heart failure and control the rate and rhythm of the heart. It is extracted from the leaves of a plant called digitalis lanata. Digoxin increases the force of contraction of the muscle of the heart by …
Read More »desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla): Drug Side Effects
What is desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Desvenlafaxine is an oral drug that is used for treating depression. It is in a class of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI); a class that also contains venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). (Desvenlafaxine is an active metabolite of venlafaxine, that is, it is …
Read More »triamcinolone acetonide, Oralone Dental Paste Side Effects
What is triamcinolone dental? How is triamcinolone dental used? Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% dental paste is a prescription medicine used to treat painful lesions in the mouth. Triamcinolone is commonly used in various conditions and is available in oral, nasal, injectable, topical, ophthalmic injection, and spray preparations. Triamcinolone was first approved by the FDA in 1957. Like other corticosteroids, triamcinolone has …
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