Dutasteride vs. finasteride for BPH quick comparison Dutasteride (Avodart) and finasteride (Proscar) are inhibitors of steroid 5 alpha-reductase. Both drugs are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Both dutasteride and finasteride help lower the amount of a specific hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), that causes growth of the prostate gland. …
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Alprazolam vs. diazepam quick comparison Diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax XR, Niravam) are benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety. Both are available as generic drugs. Both drugs are in the same class as other benzodiazepines including clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), and flurazepam (Dalmane). Diazepam also is used for the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures, and hallucinations resulting from alcohol withdrawal, …
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Flomax and Viagra for BPH Treatment Quick Comparison Both Flomax (generic name tamsulosin) and Viagra (generic name sildenafil) are medications prescribed to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which causes an enlarged prostate. Flomax is an alpha-blocker prescribed to treat difficulty urinating a symptom of BPH. Viagra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE-5 inhibitor) prescribed to treat impotence, another symptom …
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What is the difference between codeine and Vicodin? Both codeine and Vicodin (acetaminophen and hydrocodone) are narcotic analgesics. Vicodin contains an additional ingredient, acetaminophen, which is a non-narcotic pain reliever. These narcotics are indicated for moderate to severe pain. One difference is that codeine is also prescribed as a cough suppressant. Codeine is a generic brand while Vicodin is a …
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What is PUVA? Share Your Story PUVA is an acronym. The P stands for psoralen, the U for ultra, the V for violet, and the A for that portion of the solar spectrum between 320 and 400 nanometers in wavelength. Psoralens are chemicals found in certain plants that have the ability to absorb ultraviolet light in the UVA portion of …
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What is diphenhydramine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used for treating allergic reactions. Histamine is released by the body during several types of allergic reactions and–to a lesser extent–during some viral infections, such as the common cold. When histamine binds to receptors on cells, it stimulates changes within the cells that lead to …
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What is linezolid (Zyvox)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Linezolid (Zyvox) is a synthetic antibiotic that is effective against bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and others. It is effective against Staphylococcus aureus isolates that are resistant to other antibiotics. Linezolid prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their ability to …
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What is primidone (Mysoline)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Primidone, brand name Mysoline, is an oral anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medication used for treating several types of seizures. Its exact mechanism of action is not known. Primidone is converted into phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA) in the body. Primidone, phenobarbital, and PEMA all have anticonvulsant activity. In addition to its anticonvulsant …
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What is naloxone (Narcan)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Naloxone is a man-made opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks the action of opioid medications such as morphine and related drugs. Naloxone works by binding to mu-receptors in the brain that opioids use to produce their effect on pain and other symptoms. By binding to mu receptors, naloxone …
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What is mesalamine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mesalamine is a drug used for treating ulcerative colitis and mild to moderate Crohn's disease. The exact mechanism of mesalamine is not known but is believed to be by reducing inflammation in the colon. Ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory diseases cause excessive production of chemicals, for example, prostaglandins, that …
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