Oxycodone vs. Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) for pain review Oxycodone is a strong opioid narcotic pain reliever (analgesic), and Vicodin is a combination of two drugs, hydrocodone (a strong narcotic pain reliever) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Oxycodone and hydrocodone are similar to other drugs that are opioid narcotics, for example, methadone, fentanyl, and morphine. Both oxycodone and Vicodin …
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Dicyclomine vs. Linzess: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Linzess (linaclotide) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Linzess is specifically used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation. It is also used to treat chronic constipation of unknown cause (idiopathic constipation). Dicyclomine and Linzess belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic and Linzess is …
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What is acarbose, and how does it work? Acarbose is a prescription oral drug that is used to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in people type 2 diabetes in conjunction with diet, exercise, and other diabetes drugs, for example, metformin (Glucophage) or insulin. It belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which also includes miglitol (Glyset). Carbohydrates that …
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What is potassium chloride, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Potassium preparations are used for supplementing potassium in order to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Potassium is a major mineral (electrolyte) that is important for the function of every cell in the body. For example, it is important in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, …
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Remicade vs. Humira comparison Remicade (infliximab) and Humira (adalimumab) are both laboratory-synthesized proteins. They are different chemicals on a molecular level, but they are designed to do the same thing: block a specific immune antibody that causes inflammation in a half-dozen different autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis. The side effects common to both Remicade and Humira include: headache, rash, nausea, …
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What is tetracaine ophthalmic drops, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tetracaine is a topical local anesthetic for the eyes. Tetracaine works by interfering with entry of sodium ions into nerve cells. This reduces the ability of nerves to generate an impulse and send pain sensations. What brand names are available for tetracaine ophthalmic drops? none Is tetracaine …
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What is the difference between tramadol and hydrocodone? Tramadol (Ultram) and hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) are both prescription opiates and narcotics for pain, though tramadol is less potent. Hydrocodone is used for people with severe pain that don’t experience pain relief from weaker opiates like tramadol or codeine. Hydrocodone is derived from the poppy plant like other narcotics, including morphine, oxycodone, …
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What is sibutramine? What is sibutramine used for? Sibutramine is no longer available in the U.S. because of the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in some people who take it. Sibutramine is indicated for the management of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, and should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet. Sibutramine is recommended for …
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What is levofloxacin (Levaquin)? Levaquin (levofloxacin) is an antibiotic for treating bacterial infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, bones, airways, and joints. Levaquin is often used to treat: Urinary tract infections Prostatitis Diarrhea caused by E. coli Campylobacter jejuni Shigella Mastitis Acute bacterial sinusitis Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis Proctatitis Anthrax inhalation Plague Complicated skin and skin structure …
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Dicyclomine vs. hyoscyamine: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are anticholinergics used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Hyoscyamine is also used to treat peptic ulcer disease, hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and gastrointestinal disorders. A brand name for dicyclomine is Bentyl. Brand names for hyoscyamine include Levbid, Levsin, Nulev, and Anaspaz. Side effects of dicyclomine and hyoscyamine that are similar include dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, changes in taste, headache, nervousness, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, impotence, flushing, nausea, and vomiting, Side effects of dicyclomine that are …
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