What kind of drug is Herceptin (trastuzumab), and how does it work? Herceptin is an intravenous drug that is part of a chemotherapy regimen that is used to prevent recurrence of breast cancer, and for the treatment breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast (metastasized). It belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal …
Read More »Gentamicin Ointment: Topical Antibiotic Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
What is gentamicin ointment? What is gentamicin used for? Topical gentamicin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic prescribed to treat a variety of skin infections caused by susceptible bacteria (for example, impetigo, folliculitis, eczema, psoriasis, and minor burns, cuts, or wounds). Is gentamicin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for gentamicin? Yes What are the side …
Read More »fenoprofen (Nalfon): Arthritis Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is fenoprofen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fenoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is effective for treating the fever, pain, and swelling caused by inflammation. Fenoprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of the NSAID class of drugs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve) …
Read More »anakinra (Kineret): Arthritis Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is anakinra? Anakinra (Kineret) is a synthetic (man-made), injectable, interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of human interleukin-1. It is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Is anakinra available as a generic drug? No Why is anakinra prescribed to patients? Anakinra is used for treating the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in …
Read More »Clomipramine (Anafranil): OCD Drug Dosage & Side Effects
What is clomipramine? What is clomipramine used for? Clomipramine (Anafranil) is a psychotropic agent used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Clomipramine shares structural similarities with a class of antidepressants known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). The exact mechanism by which clomipramine exerts its therapeutic benefits is not fully understood. However, similar to other TCAs, clomipramine is thought to enhance the actions …
Read More »Retinal Detachment Symptoms, Surgery, Causes & Treatment
Retinal detachment facts Ophthalmologists treat retinal detachments. A retinal detachment is a separation of the retina from its attachments to the underlying tissue within the eye. Most retinal detachments are a result of a retinal break, hole, or tear. Most retinal breaks, holes, or tears are not caused by trauma (injury) but are due to preexisting factors such as high …
Read More »levetiracetam (Keppra, Keppra XR) Side Effects in Children & Adults
What is levetiracetam? Brand name(s): Keppra, Keppra XR Levetiracetam (Keppra, Keppra XR) is an antiseizure medication used in combination with other antiseizure medications to treat myoclonic, partial onset, or tonic seizures in children and adults. (The safety and effectiveness in patients younger than 4 years of age has not been established.) Common side effects are: Headache Dizziness Sleepiness Pain Infection …
Read More »iron dextran (Dexferrum, INFeD): Anemia Iron Supplement Side Effects
What is iron dextran, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Iron dextran is an injectable form of iron used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, a condition in which the blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells because of a deficiency of available iron. It is only used to treat patients who cannot be adequately treated with oral iron …
Read More »Cogentin (benztropine): Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is benztropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benztropine is an oral and injectable synthetic medication. It is structurally similar to atropine (AtroPen) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Benztropine has anticholinergic effects. Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter (chemical) that nerves use to communicate with other nerves. In Parkinson's there is an imbalance between levels of …
Read More »Ampicillin: Antibiotic Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is ampicillin? Ampicillin is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections. Is ampicillin available as a generic drug? Yes Why is ampicillin prescribed to patients? Ampicillin is used for treating infections of the middle ear, sinuses, stomach and intestines, bladder, and kidney caused by susceptible bacteria. It also is used for treating uncomplicated gonorrhea, meningitis, endocarditis and other serious …
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