What is lovastatin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lovastatin belongs to a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or, more commonly "statins." Other statins include simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Statins reduce cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver (HMG-CoA reductase) that is necessary for …
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What is glucagon? Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that, along with insulin, controls the level of glucose in the blood. Glucagon has the opposite effect of insulin. It increases the glucose levels in blood. Glucagon, the drug, is a synthetic (man-made) version of human glucagon and is manufactured by genetic engineering using the bacteria Escherichia coli. Is …
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Haldol (haloperidol) vs. Risperdal (risperidone): What’s the difference? Haloperidol and Risperdal (risperidone) are different types of antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia. Haloperidol is also used to treat acute psychosis and for tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's syndrome. Risperidone is also used to treat bipolar mania and autism. A brand name for haloperidol is Haldol. Side effects of haloperidol …
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What are the uses for orlistat? Orlistat is combined with a reduced-calorie diet to promote weight loss. Orlistat also may be used to prevent weight gain after weight has been lost. Candidates for treatment with orlistat are patients who are obese with a body mass index (a measure of obesity) of more than 30 kg/m2. Candidates also include patients with …
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What is Azulfidine? Sulfasalazine is a drug that is used primarily for treating ulcerative colitis. Why is Azulfidine prescribed to patients? Sulfasalazine is used for the treatment of mild to severe ulcerative colitis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been used “off label” (unapproved by the FDA) for Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis. Is Azulfidine available as a …
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Digoxin vs. dobutamine: What’s the difference? Digoxin and dobutamine are used to treat different heart conditions. Digoxin is used for treating adults with mild to moderate congestive heart failure and for treating abnormally rapid atrial rhythms (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia). It also is used for increasing myocardial contractility in pediatric patients with heart failure. Dobutamine is used to …
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What is Tofacitinib citrate (Xeljanz)? What is Xeljanz used for? Tofacitinib is an oral drug used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. It belongs to a class of drugs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAKs are enzymes (proteins) that regulate chemical signaling pathways that control biologic processes such as blood formation and the immune response that causes the pain, tenderness and swelling …
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What is rabeprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rabeprazole is an oral drug that is used for the treatment of conditions caused by acid. It is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors or PPIs which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include: lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), …
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What are the uses for atomoxetine? Strattera is used for the treatment of ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. What brand names are available for atomoxetine? Strattera Is atomoxetine available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for atomoxetine? Yes What are the side effects of atomoxetine? The most common side effects of Strattera in children and …
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What is terbutaline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Terbutaline is a member of a class of drugs called beta adrenergic receptor agonists (stimulators) that is used for treating asthma and other diseases of the airways. Other drugs in the same class of drugs include albuterol (Proventil), metaproterenol (Alupent), pirbuterol (Maxair), and salmeterol (Serevent). Asthma is a breathing …
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