What is levofloxacin? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Levofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used for treating bacterial infections. Many common infections in humans are caused by bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply, infecting different parts of the body. Drugs that control and eradicate these bacteria are called antibiotics. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic …
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What is nitrofurantoin (Macrobid, Macrodantin, Furadantin)? Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic that is used for treating urinary tract infections caused by several types of bacteria. It is effective against E. Coli, Enterobacter cystitis, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus aureus. Nitrofurantoin interferes with the production of bacterial proteins, DNA, and cell walls. Bacteria cannot survive without a cell wall or multiply without DNA. …
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What is topical metronidazole? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Metronidazole is a synthetic (man-made) drug that is effective against certain bacteria and parasites (protozoa). The topical forms (gels, creams, and lotions) of metronidazole are used for treating vaginal infections with protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis, amoeba, and Giardia. Metronidazole topical also is effective against anaerobic bacterial infections. (Anaerobic …
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What are the differences between Robaxin and Flexeril? Robaxin (methocarbamol) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are skeletal muscle relaxants. The brand name Flexeril has been discontinued in the U.S. Amrix and Fexmid are the brand names available for cyclobenzaprine in the U.S. Both Robaxin and Flexeril are available in generic form. Side effects of Robaxin and Flexeril that are similar include drowsiness, …
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What is mupirocin? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Mupirocin is an antibiotic that is used topically (on the skin) for the treatment of impetigo, a bacterial disease of the skin caused by Staphylococcus aureus, beta-hemolytic streptococcus and Streptococcus pyogenes. It also is used intranasally (inside the nose) by patients and some people who work in healthcare centers to …
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What are prenatal vitamins? If you are pregnant, as part of your prenatal care, your doctor, OB/GYN, or midwife may recommend taking prenatal vitamins to supplement nutrient requirements needed for fetal development. Prenatal vitamins (also termed Prenatal Multivitamins) are a combination of vitamins and minerals that a woman needs before, during, and after her pregnancy for her health the development …
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Beta blockers vs. Xanax Beta blockers and Xanax (alprazolam) are drugs prescribed for anxiety. A difference is beta-blockers are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart problems, and they are prescribed off-label for anxiety. Xanax is a different kind of drug, a benzodiazepine that is a type of tranquilizer, widely prescribed for anxiety. Beta-blockers work best for short-term …
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What’s the difference between gabapentin and Xanax? Gabapentin and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat anxiety. A difference is that gabapentin is primarily an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) drug used for preventing seizures and for treating post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles. Gabapentin is used off-label to treat anxiety. Xanax belongs to a different drug class called benzodiazepines, …
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What are anticoagulants? An anticoagulant is a drug (blood thinner) that treats, prevents, and reduces the risk of blood clots-breaking off and traveling to vital organs of the body, which can lead to life threatening situations. They work by preventing blood from coagulating to form a clot in the vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain. For example, …
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What is spironolactone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Aldactone (spironolactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic that removes excess fluid from the body in congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease. It also can be used in combination with other drugs to treat diuretic-induced low potassium (hypokalemia) and high blood pressure. Aldactone also is used to …
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