Protopic ointment vs. triamcinolone: What’s the difference? Protopic ointment (acrolimus) and triamcinolone are used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). Triamcinolone is also used to relieve skin inflammation, itching, dryness, and redness caused by a number of conditions such as allergic reactions and psoriasis. Protopic ointment is an immunosuppressive and triamcinolone is a corticosteroid. Side effects …
Read More »
What is bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ziac is a combination product containing bisoprolol (Zebeta) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Bisoprolol is a beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent used for treating high blood pressure and heart pain (angina). Bisoprolol prevents the neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with other nerves), norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline), from binding …
Read More »
What is hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine, phenobarbital, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Belladonna/phenobarbital is an oral medication which combines naturally occurring belladonna alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine [Transderm-Scop], and hyoscyamine) with phenobarbital. It is used for treating abdominal discomfort that is thought to be due to muscular spasm of the intestinal muscles. Belladonna alkaloids block the action of acetylcholine, a …
Read More »
Nitrates vs. phosphates: What’s the difference? Nitrates are vasodilators used to treat or prevent heart pain (angina, chest pain) caused by heart disease, usually of the arteries in the heart. Phosphates are laxatives used to clean out the intestines before a colonoscopy. Examples of nitrates include nitroglycerin sublingual tablet (Nitrostat), nitroglycerin lingual aerosol (Nitromist), nitroglycerin pumpspray (Nitrolingual Pumpspray), nitroglycerin transdermal …
Read More »
What is sodium iodide I 131, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Sodium iodide I 131 is an oral medication used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) and some cases of thyroid cancer. It falls under the category of an anti-thyroid drug but differs from the other anti-thyroid drugs, propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (Tapazole), because it is radioactive. …
Read More »
Protopic ointment vs. hydrocortisone: What’s the difference? Protopic ointment (acrolimus) and hydrocortisone are topical drugs (for the skin) used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). Hydrocortisone is also used for the relief of itching and inflammation caused by a wide variety of skin conditions (for example, insect bites and allergic reactions). Protopic Ointment and hydrocortisone belong to different drug classes. Protopic …
Read More »
What is alosetron, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alosetron is used to treat diarrhea and abdominal discomfort that occurs in some women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It works in a similar fashion as granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran) and dolasetron (Anzemet) that are used for preventing nausea and vomiting. The discomfort and diarrhea of IBS is believed …
Read More »
Herpangina facts Fever is a symptom of herpangina, which most often affects young children. Herpangina is a self-limited viral infection primarily caused by a member of the Coxsackievirus family. Herpangina most often affects young children. Herpangina is associated with fever, sore throat, and blisters in the back of the mouth. Generally, doctors diagnose herpangina based on clinical symptoms and characteristic …
Read More »
What is chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide (Librax) combines the anti-anxiety action of chlordiazepoxide and the antispasmodic effects of clidinium. It also blocks the acid secretion of the gastrointestinal tract and inhibits the action of nerves that are very active in certain diseases. The FDA classifies the …
Read More »
What is etidronate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Etidronate is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates that is used for treating osteoporosis (reduced density of bone that leads to fractures) and bone pain from diseases such as metastatic breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and Paget's disease. The bisphosphonate class includes alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate …
Read More »
