Dicyclomine vs. hyoscyamine: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are anticholinergics used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Hyoscyamine is also used to treat peptic ulcer disease, hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and gastrointestinal disorders. A brand name for dicyclomine is Bentyl. Brand names for hyoscyamine include Levbid, Levsin, Nulev, and Anaspaz. Side effects of dicyclomine and hyoscyamine that are similar include dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, changes in taste, headache, nervousness, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, impotence, …
Read More »Dicyclomine vs. Donnatal: IBD Drug Side Effects & Dosage
Dicyclomine vs. Donnatal: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Donnatal (belladonna/phenobarbital) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine and Donnatal belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic and Donnatal is a combination of an anticholinergic/antispasmodic. A brand name for dicyclomine is Bentyl. Side effects of dicyclomine and Donnatal that are similar include dry mouth, blurred vision, increased …
Read More »thalidomide (Thalomid) Uses, Side Effects, Preventing Birth Defects
What is thalidomide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Thalidomide is an oral medication used for treating the skin conditions of leprosy, a disease caused by a parasite, Mycobacterium leprae. The mechanism of action of thalidomide is not well understood. The immune system reaction to Mycobacterium leprae plays an important role in producaing the skin manifestations of leprosy. …
Read More »meclofenamate (Meclomen): NSAID Facts, Side Effects & Dosage
What is meclofenamate, and what is it used for? Meclofenamate sodium is indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain. Meclofenamate sodium is also indicated for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (menopause) and for the treatment of idiopathic heavy menstrual blood loss. Meclofenamate sodium is also indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of acute and chronic rheumatoid …
Read More »ixekizumab (Taltz): Psoriasis Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is ixekizumab, and how does it work? Ixekizumab is an injectable biologic drug that suppresses the immune system and is used for the treatment of psoriasis. It is an antibody that binds to interleukin 17A (IL-17A), a chemical produced by cells in the body that stimulates immune reactions. Scientists believe that psoriasis is caused by an increase in the …
Read More »Idarucizumab (Praxbind) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is idarucizumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dabigatran prevents blood clots by binding to thrombin and preventing thrombin from combining with other proteins to form a blood clot. Dabigatran increases the risk of bleeding because it reduces the ability of blood to clot. Patients who are taking dabigatran may develop serious or life threatening bleeding or …
Read More »filgrastim, Neupogen: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is filgrastim (Neupogen), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Filgrastim (Neupogen) is a man-made protein that is similar to the naturally occurring protein, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). G-CSF is produced in the body by the immune system and stimulates the formation of one type of white blood cell, the neutrophil. Neutrophils take part in the inflammatory reaction. …
Read More »glatiramer (Copaxone, Glatopa): MS Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is glatiramer, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glatiramer acetate injection (glatiramer) is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Glatiramer's mechanism of action is not completely understood. Available data suggests that it may work by modifying immune processes by suppressing T-cells (white blood cells of the immune system) that cause inflammation …
Read More »Combivir for HIV: Side Effects, Dosing, Prescribing Information
What what is lamivudine and zidovudine, and what is it used for? Combivir is used, in combination with other agents, for the treatment of HIV infection. What brand names are available for lamivudine and zidovudine? Combivir Is lamivudine and zidovudine available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for lamivudine and zidovudine? Yes. What are the side …
Read More »chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine (Deconamine discontinued): Side Effects, Dosage
What is chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Deconamine was a brand name medication that contains two different drugs, an antihistamine (chlorpheniramine) and a decongestant (pseudoephedrine). The antihistamine effects of chlorpheniramine account for its effect of reducing allergy symptoms. The decongestant action of pseudoephedrine is a result of blood vessel constriction in the nasal air passages, …
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