What is tadalafil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tadalafil is an oral drug that is used for treating impotence (the inability to attain or maintain a penile erection) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors that also includes sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra). …
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What is clindamycin? What is clindamycin used for? Clindamycin vaginal cream is indicated for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (formerly referred to as Haemophilus vaginitis, Gardnerella vaginitis, nonspecific vaginitis, Corynebacterium vaginitis, or anaerobic vaginosis) in non-pregnant women. Clindamycin in general is an antibiotic used for treating several other infections as well. It is effective against several types of bacteria such …
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What is phenylbutazone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Phenylbutazone is prescribed to treat inflammation and pain that results from ankylosing spondylitits, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis. Phenylbutazone has been removed from the United States market due to the availability of newer drugs with less adverse effects. Phenylbutazone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, …
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What is diltiazem, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Diltiazem is a drug that is used for treating heart pain (angina), high blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms. It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers (CCBs), which includes amlodipine (Norvasc), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia) as well as others. CCBs block the entry …
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What is topiramate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Topiramate is an oral drug that is used to prevent the seizures of epilepsy. It is an anti-epileptic or anti-seizure drug. It is used primarily among patients who are not controlled by other anti-epileptic drugs. About 1 in 4 Americans diagnosed with epilepsy has seizures that resist treatment with …
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Zoloft (sertraline) vs. Prozac (fluoxetine): What’s the difference? Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) type antidepressants used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Zoloft is also used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder. Prozac is also used to treat bulimia, and it is also …
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What is vortioxetine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Vortioxetine (Trintellix) is an antidepressant used for treating a certain type of depression known as major depressive disorder (MDD). Vortioxetine decreases the reuptake of serotonin just like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It also stimulates various serotonin receptors in the brain. The exact mechanism by which vortioxetine helps to …
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What is desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Desvenlafaxine is an oral drug that is used for treating depression. It is in a class of antidepressant drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI); a class that also contains venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta). (Desvenlafaxine is an active metabolite of venlafaxine, that is, it is …
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Dilaudid vs. morphine Dilaudid (hydromorphone hydrochloride) and morphine are both opioid narcotic pain relievers. Both Dilaudid and morphine are available as generic drugs. Dilaudid is a brand name for hydromorphone. Brand names of morphine include Astramorph, Duramorph, Infumorph, and Avinza. Side effects of both Dilaudid and morphine are similar and include nausea, vomiting, constipation, itching, drowsiness, and dizziness. Dialudid may …
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Plavix (clopidogrel) vs. Coumadin (warfarin): What’s the difference? Clopidogrel and warfarin are blood thinners used to prevent blood clots. A brand name for clopidogrel is Plavix. Brand names for warfarin include Coumadin and Jantoven. Side effects of clopidogrel and warfarin that are similar include increased bleeding, rash, and diarrhea. Side effects of clopidogrel that are different from warfarin include itching, …
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