Tag Archives: breast cancer

Levaquin (levofloxacin) vs. Zosyn (piperacillin and tazobactam)

Levaquin vs. Zosyn: What’s the difference? Levaquin (levofloxacin) and Zosyn (piperacillin and tazobactam) are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. Levaquin is used to treat bacterial infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, airways, bones, and joints; urinary infections; prostatitis; infectious diarrhea caused by E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Shigella; obstetric infections, including mastitis (infection …

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Hydroxyzine vs. Xanax

Hydroxyzine vs. Xanax: What’s the difference? Hydroxyzine and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat anxiety. Hydroxyzine is also used to treat itching caused by various allergic reactions, for inducing sedation prior to or after anesthesia and to treat nausea, vomiting, and alcohol withdrawal. Xanax is also used to treat panic attacks. Hydroxyzine and Xanax belong to different drug classes. Hydroxyzine …

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Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is attapulgite, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Attapulgite is an oral, nonabsorbed medication that is used in the management of diarrhea. It works by adsorbing (binding) large numbers of bacteria and toxins and reducing the loss of water. Attapulgite reduces the number of bowel movements, improves the consistency of loose or watery stools, and relieves the …

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amlodipine & valsartan (Exforge) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is amlodipine and valsartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Exforge is a combination of two drugs used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension), amlodipine and valsartan. The FDA approved Exforge in June 2007. Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers. These medications block the transport of calcium into the smooth muscle cells …

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Diclofenac/Misoprostol (Arthrotec) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is diclofenac and misoprostol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Arthrotec is a combination of diclofenac and misoprostol. Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) similar to ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and others that is used to treat inflammation, pain, and fever. Diclofenac, like other NSAIDs works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are …

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benazepril (Lotensin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is benazepril, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benazepril is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor used for treating high blood pressure. Other ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), quinapril (Accupril), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), ramipril (Altace), moexipril (Univasc) and trandolapril (Mavik). ACE is an enzyme in the body that causes the formation of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II …

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Prednisolone (Orapred, Pediapred) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is prednisolone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Prednisolone is a synthetic adrenal corticosteroid (cortisone). Corticosteroids are natural substances produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and are used in a wide variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, certain skin rashes, and allergic or inflammatory …

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mebendazole (Vermox) Side Effects, Dosage & Warnings

What is mebendazole chewable, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mebendazole is a member of the benzimidazole class of antiparasitic agents, which also includes thiabendazole, albendazole, and triclabendazole. Mebendazole, like other benzimidazoles, causes death of parasites by interfering with the function of tubulin, an important protein in parasites, and preventing glucose uptake. Mebendazole is active against tapeworms, roundworms, …

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rifaximin (Xifaxan) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is rifaximin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rifaximin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic used for treating traveler’s diarrhea and hepatic encephalopathy. It is derived from rifamycin, a naturally occurring chemical produced by a bacterium called Streptomyces mediterranei. Rifaximin is active against Escherichia coli bacterial strains that cause traveler’s diarrhea, preventing growth of the bacteria by preventing them …

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Calcium Acetate (Phoslo): Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

What is calcium acetate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Calcium acetate helps reduce phosphate levels in people with advanced kidney disease. People with advanced kidney failure retain phosphate leading to too much phosphate in their bodies (hyperphosphatemia). High phosphate levels cause hyperparathyroidism, which leads to abnormal bone formation and calcium deposits in tissues. Calcium acetate is a …

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