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 …
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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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What are barbiturates? Barbiturates are central nervous depressants. They reduce the activity of nerves causing muscle relaxation. They can reduce heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. All barbiturates affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter (chemical) that nerves use to communicate with one another. For what conditions are barbiturates prescribed? Barbiturates are medications used for treating headaches, insomnia, and seizures. Barbiturates …
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What are statins, and how do they work? “Statins” is a class of drugs that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver. (The other source of cholesterol in the blood is dietary cholesterol.) Statins block the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol. This enzyme is called …
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What’s the difference between Lexapro and Xanax? Lexapro (escitalopram) and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat anxiety disorders. Lexapro is also used to treat depression. Xanax is also used to treat panic attacks. Lexapro and Xanax belong to different drug classes. Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and Xanax is a benzodiazepine. Side effects of Lexapro and Xanax …
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What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. Acid is necessary for the formation of most ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and the reduction of acid with PPIs prevents ulcers …
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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 that stops multiplication of bacteria …
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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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