Oxycodone vs. hydrocodone comparison of differences and similarities Oxycodone (OxyContin, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, Roxybond) and hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) are strong prescription opioid (narcotic) pain relievers similar to morphine, fentanyl, and methadone. These narcotics are prescribed to manage acute or chronic, moderate to severe pain in people who need to take pain medication over a long …
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What is oxycodone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oxycodone is a strong narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. The precise mechanism of action (how it works) is not known, but it may involve stimulation of opioid receptors in the brain. Oxycodone does not eliminate the sensation of pain but decreases discomfort by …
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Vibrio infection facts *Vibrio infection facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Vibrio bacteria live in coastal waters. Around 12 species of Vibrio can cause a gastrointestinal illness (gastroenteritis) in humans. The illness produced by Vibrio bacteria is known as vibriosis. In most cases, the illness results from eating contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked shellfish from water that …
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What is rituximab? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Rituximab is an intravenous drug that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Other monoclonal antibodies include trastuzumab (Herceptin) and gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg). Tumor cells (like most normal cells) have receptors on their surfaces. Many kinds of …
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What is cyclophosphamide? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Cyclophosphamide is a drug that is used primarily for treating several types of cancer. In order to work, cyclophosphamide first is converted by the liver into two chemicals, acrolein and phosphoramide. Acrolein and phosphoramide are the active compounds, and they slow the growth of cancer cells by interfering with the …
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Mesothelioma facts Mesothelioma is a cancer that arises from the cells lining the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma typically results from exposure to asbestos. When mesothelioma affects the chest, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. When mesothelioma affects the abdomen, the doctor may look inside the abdomen with a special tool …
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Taste disorders facts* Readers Comments 35 Share Your Story *Taste disorder facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP The most common taste disorder is phantom taste perception, which is a lingering, often unpleasant taste even though you have nothing in your mouth. Another type of taste disorder is hypogeusia, a reduced ability to taste sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory …
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What is metformin? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Metformin is an oral medication that lowers blood glucose (sugar) by influencing the body's sensitivity to insulin and is used for treating type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that controls glucose levels in blood by reducing the amount of glucose made by the liver and …
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What is magnesium citrate? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Magnesium citrate is supplied as an oral tablet or liquid saline laxative. Magnesium citrate retains water in the intestines by osmosis. Increasing water in the bowel aids motility, usually producing a bowel movement within one-half to six hours. What are the uses for magnesium citrate? Magnesium citrate is used …
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What is losartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Losartan is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Other ARBs include irbesartan (Avapro), valsartan (Diovan), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors …
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