Aspirin vs. NSAIDs side effects differences Aspirin is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are non-narcotic pain relievers. Aspirin and other NSAIDs are used to treat pain and reduce inflammation from a variety of causes, such as headaches, injuries, arthritis, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches. NSAIDs also are used as fever reducers. Aspirin …
Read More »Tag Archives: arthritis
valdecoxib, Bextra: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What brand names are available for valdecoxib? This drug has been discontinued. Brand name: Bextra
Read More »sulfinpyrazone (Anturane – discontinued in the US): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is sulfinpyrazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sulfinpyrazone is an oral drug that is used to treat gout. Gout is caused by elevated blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia). Sulfinpyrazone works by increasing the excretion of uric acid in the urine thereby lowering the elevated levels of uric acid in the blood that are responsible for …
Read More »rofecoxib (Vioxx): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is rofecoxib, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat pain, particularly the pain of osteoarthritis and menstrual cramps. Prostaglandins are chemicals that are important in promoting inflammation and its signs–pain, fever, swelling and tenderness. Rofecoxib blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase- 2) and thereby reduces …
Read More »salsalate, Disalcid: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is salsalate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Salsalate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Salsalate is converted in the body to salicylic acid which is its active form and is closely related to aspirin. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen …
Read More »aurothioglucose (Solganal) Drug Side Effects and Dosing
What is aurothioglucose, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Aurothioglucose is a gold-containing chemical (salt) used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Other gold salts available include injectable gold sodium thiomalate (Myochrysine), and capsules, auranofin (Ridaura). It is not well understood exactly how gold salts work. In patients with inflammatory arthritis, such as adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gold salts …
Read More »apremilast (Otezla): Click for Side Effects and Dosing
What is apremilast, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Apremilast is an oral medication used to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis (a form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis). It is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. Apremilast works by reducing production …
Read More »choline magnesium salicylate, Trilisate: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is choline magnesium salicylate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Choline magnesium salicylate (or trisalicylate) is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), referred to as a salicylate, which is effective in treating fever, pain, and inflammation in the body. Other drugs within the same class are aspirin, diflunisal (Dolobid) and salsalate (Disalcid). They work by reducing …
Read More »Tramadol Side Effects: Euphoria, Headache & Indigestion
What is tramadol (Ultram)? Brand Name: Ultram Tramadol (Ultram) is a centrally acting opioid painkiller used to manage moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. Examples of other drugs in the same drug class include codeine, hydrocodone, methadone, and oxycodone. In addition to pain relief, tramadol may produce a variety of symptoms similar to other narcotics, for example, dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, constipation, sweating, …
Read More »Rheumatology: Rheumatic Diseases & Rheumatologist Training
What is rheumatology? Rheumatology is the field of medicine that is concerned with the evaluation and treatment of people with autoimmune conditions and joint diseases, including arthritis. Branches of rheumatology include basic research and clinical research, as well as clinical diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of patients with these illnesses. What is a rheumatologist? A rheumatologist is a subspecialist in …
Read More »