What are the common types of high blood pressure (hypertension) medications? There are a number of types and classes of drugs available for the management and treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). Your doctor or other health care professional will prescribe a drug that fits your specific needs based on your medical condition, and any …
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What is a biologic drug (biologics)? A biologic drug (biologics) is a product that is produced from living organisms or contain components of living organisms. Biologic drugs include a wide variety of products derived from human, animal, or microorganisms by using biotechnology. Types of biologic drugs include vaccines, blood, blood components, cells, allergens, genes, tissues, and recombinant proteins. Biologic products …
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What are bronchodilators, and how do they work? Bronchodilators are medications that open (dilate) the airways (bronchial tubes) of the lung by relaxing bronchial muscles and allow people who have difficulty breathing to breath better. Bronchodilators are used for treating: Asthma Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD Allergic reactions Related conditions that cause breathing problems Asthma is a breathing problem resulting …
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Claritin vs. Zyrtec comparison Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) are part of a family of second-generation antihistamines used for treatment of hay fever allergies and hives. This group of drugs also includes fexofenadine (Allegra) and azelastine (Astelin) The advantage of Claritin and Zyrtec is they cause less drowsiness than older anti-allergy drugs like Benadryl or hydroxyzine. Cetirizine and loratadine are …
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What are protease inhibitors (PIs), and how do they work? Protease inhibitors (PIs) are antiviral drugs used for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. During infection with HIV or hepatitis C, the HIV or HCV multiply within the body’s cells. Viruses are released from the cells and spread throughout the body where they infect …
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Stroke vs. mini-stroke (TIA) comparison of differences Readers Comments 12 Share Your Story A stroke and mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) have similarities and differences. Mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack, TIA) and stroke usually are caused by blockage of an artery in the brain, and less often by bleeding into the brain tissue. Strokes usually are classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic. …
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What is tardive dyskinesia? Share Your Story Tardive dyskinesia symptoms include involuntary movements of the face and extremities. Dyskinesias are involuntary movements of the face (including lips, tongue, eyes), trunk, and extremities, which are identified in patients who have been treated with certain (dopamine-antagonist) medications. Dyskinesias are difficult to control. Many different conditions can lead to dyskinetic movements, including rheumatic …
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Ibuprofen vs. meloxicam (Mobic) for pain Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others) and meloxicam (Mobic) are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Common side effects of meloxicam and ibuprofen that are similar include: Rash Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Headaches Dizziness Drowsiness Abdominal pain Nausea Diarrhea Constipation Heartburn Serious side effects …
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Thyroid nodules facts Picture of Thyroid Thyroid nodules are among the most common endocrine complaints in the United States. The majority of thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms or signs; however, when they do they include: Too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). A few people with thyroid nodules complain of pain at the site of the nodule that can travel to …
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Ofloxacin vs. ciprofloxacin: What’s the difference? Ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin are fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, staph infections, STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and prostate infections caused by E. coli. A brand name for ofloxacin is Ocuflox. The Floxin brand of ofloxacin has been discontinued. A brand name for ciprofloxacin is Cipro. Side …
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