Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Thorazine (chlorpromazine): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and chlorpromazine are antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia and acute psychosis. Haloperidol is also used to treat tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. Chlorpromazine is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder and severe behavioral problems in children. Chlorpromazine is also …
Read More »Digoxin vs. digitalis: Drug Toxicity, Side Effects, Dosages, Uses
Digoxin vs. digitalis: What’s the difference? Digoxin and digitalis are cardiac glycosides that are derived from the same plant, the foxglove, used to treat adults with mild to moderate congestive heart failure and to treat abnormally rapid atrial rhythms (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia). Digoxin also is used for increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure. Brand …
Read More »Selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue): Shampoo & Lotion Uses
What is selenium sulfide-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Selenium sulfide is a chemical agent commonly used for treating dandruff. It is an antifungal agent that also relieves itching, flaking, scaling, and dry skin on the scalp due to dandruff. What brand names are available for selenium sulfide-topical? Head & Shoulders, Selsun Blue, SelRx, Selsun Rx Is …
Read More »Efinaconazole (Jublia): Antifungal Drug Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is efinaconazole Jublia, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Efinaconazole is a topical (applied to the skin) antifungal used for the local treatment of fungal infections of the toenails. Efinaconazole destroys fungal cells by inhibiting fungal lanosterol 14α-demethylase, an enzyme required to make ergosterol, an important fungal cell wall component. Without cell walls fungus cannot survive. Efinaconazole …
Read More »liothyronine sodium, Cytomel: Drug Facts, Side Effects, Dosage
What is liothyronine sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Liothyronine sodium is a synthetic (man-made) version of one of the two hormones made by the thyroid gland, triiodothyronine. It is used for treating individuals who are hypothyroid (do not produce enough thyroid hormones). Thyroid hormones increase the metabolism (activity) of all cells in the body. In the …
Read More »cromolyn, Nasalcrom: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is cromolyn? What are the uses for cromolyn? Cromolyn sodium is used for the management of mastocytosis and to improve the symptoms associated with it, including: diarrhea, flushing, headaches, vomiting, urticaria (hives), abdominal pain, nausea, itching, runny and stuffy nose, and sneezing. What brand names are available for cromolyn? Nasalcrom, Gastrocrom Is cromolyn available as a generic drug? GENERIC …
Read More »prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro) Uses & Side Effects
What is prochlorperazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prochlorperazine is an antiemetic (to control nausea and vomiting) and first generation antipsychotic agent. Prochlorperazine is one of the older first-generation piperazine phenothiazine antipsychotic medications. Examples of other phenothiazines include: fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin) chlorpromazine (Promapar, Thorazine) fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin) perphenazine, trifluoperazine (Stelazine) thioridazine (Mellaril) Although, the exact mechanism of …
Read More »Zyrtec (cetirizine): Allergy Drug Side Effects, Dosage, Generic
What is cetirizine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cetirizine is a non-sedating antihistamine that works by blocking histamine (H-1) receptors on cells. It is similar to the other second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin). Histamine is a chemical that is responsible for many of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, for example, …
Read More »Calcium Carbonate (Caltrate 600) Uses, Side Effects & Formula
What is calcium carbonate? Why is it used? Most people know that calcium is needed for strong bones, but it's also needed to help blood vessels and muscles contract and expand, to send messages through the nervous system, and to secrete hormones and enzymes. This is the most abundant mineral in your body and makes up 1%-2% of adult human …
Read More »Bismuth (Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate) Side Effects & Dosage
What is bismuth subsalicylate-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) is a commonly used over the counter medicine used to treat: diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, and heartburn. Bismuth subsalicylate is also used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection as part of a quadruple-drug therapy that also includes two …
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