What is quinidine? Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic agent and antimalarial drug. Is quinidine available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for quinidine? Yes What are the uses for quinidine? Quinidine is an antiarrhythmic drug used in the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and …
Read More »Bromocriptine (Parlodel): Side Effects, Uses and Dosage
What is oral bromocriptine? Bromocriptine belongs to a class of medication called anticholinergics that work by blocking a certain natural substance (acetylcholine). This helps decrease muscle stiffness, sweating, and the production of saliva, and helps improve walking ability in people with Parkinson's disease. Anticholinergics such as bromocriptine can stop severe muscle spasms of the back, neck, and eyes that are …
Read More »Spina Bifida and Anencephaly Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Life Expectancy
Spina bifida in babies and adults facts* Spina bifida (anencephaly) can be diagnosed in-utero. *Spina bifida facts medical author: Melissa Stöppler, MD Spina bifida is a form of birth defect known as a neural tube defect. Spina bifida results from an incomplete formation of the brain, spinal cord, and/or meninges in an infant. Spina bifida occurs in 1,500 to 2,000 …
Read More »Rabies Transmission, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention & Causes
Rabies facts The bite of a rabid animal can transmit the rabies virus to a human. The rabies virus causes rabies. Rabid animals transmit the virus via a bite or saliva exposure. Early signs and symptoms of rabies mimic those of a viral flu-like infection. People should start post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment as soon as they suspect an exposure. In …
Read More »indapamide (Lozol): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is indapamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Indapamide is a diuretic (water pill) that is used primarily for the treatment of high blood pressure. It works by preventing the kidney from reabsorbing (retaining in the body) salt and water that is destined to be eliminated in the urine. This results in increased urine output (diuresis). Indapamide …
Read More »Diprolene (Betamethasone Dipropionate) vs. Topicort (desoximetasone)
Diprolene (betamethasone dipropionate) vs. Topicort (desoximetasone): What’s the difference? Betamethasone and desoximetasone are corticosteroids used to relieve itching and inflammation associated with a wide variety of skin conditions such as allergic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and plaque psoriasis. Brand names of betamethasone include Diprolene, Diprolene AF and Luxiq. A brand name for desoximetasone is Topicort. Side effects of betamethasone …
Read More »ciclopirox (Penlac, Loprox): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is ciclopirox, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ciclopirox is a synthetic broad-spectrum antifungal agent that inhibits the growth of dermatophytes, a type of fungus that grows on the skin, hair, and nails. When applied to skin a very small percentage is absorbed into the body. It was approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA …
Read More »fluorouracil topical cream (Efudex): Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is topical fluorouracil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Topical fluorouracil is a drug that is used to treat conditions of the skin in which there is rapid multiplication (division) of cells, for example, skin cancer. In order to multiply or divide, cells must produce DNA for each new cell. The DNA is critical since it is …
Read More »budesonide (Rhinocort) inhaler & nasal spray: Side Effects & Dosage
What is budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua, Rhinocort Allergy), and how does it work? Budesonide is a synthetic steroid belonging to the glucocorticoid family, a family in which cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the naturally occurring steroid. Hydrocortisone is produced in the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as a nasal inhaler or spray, budesonide travels directly to the lining …
Read More »Amoxicillin (Moxatag) vs. Azithromycin (Zithromax): Antibiotic Uses
Amoxicillin (Moxatag) vs. azithromycin (Zithromax): What’s the difference? Amoxicillin and azithromycin are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections of the middle ear, tonsils, throat, larynx (laryngitis), bronchi (bronchitis), lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract, skin, and some sexually transmitted diseases. Amoxicillin and azithromycin are different types of antibiotics. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic and azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. Brand names of …
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