What is loratadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Loratadine is a long-acting, non-sedating antihistamine that is used for the treatment of allergies. Histamine is a chemical that causes many of the signs and symptoms of an allergy. Histamine is released from histamine-storing cells (mast cells) and attaches to other cells that have …
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Nicorette Gum (nicotine polacrilex, Habitrol) Side Effects, Addiction & Dosage
What brand names are available for nicotine gum? Nicorette Gum, Nicorelief, Nicorette, Thrive Is nicotine gum available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for nicotine gum? No What are the uses for nicotine gum? Nicotine gum is used to control nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with smoking cessation. What are the side effects …
Read More »Chlorthalidone Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What brand names are available for chlorthalidone? Hygroton, Thalitone (both discontinued in U.S.A.) Is chlorthalidone available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for chlorthalidone? Yes What are the uses for chlorthalidone? Chlorthalidone is used in the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and edema (fluid retention). What are the side effects of …
Read More »Amaryl (glimepiride) Medication Side Effects & Dosage
What brand names are available for glimepiride? Amaryl Is glimepiride available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for glimepiride? Yes What are the uses for glimepiride? Glimepiride is used for controlling blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes in addition to diet and exercise. Management of blood sugar with glimepiride can help decrease …
Read More »famotidine (Pepcid AC) Side Effects, Dosage & Pregnancy Use
What is famotidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Famotidine is an oral drug that blocks the production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 (histamine-2) blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac). Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that stimulates cells in the stomach …
Read More »Melatonin for Sleep: Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage
What is melatonin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland in the body. Commercially available melatonin that is sold as medicine is produced in the laboratory. Melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycle. Check with your healthcare professional before using herbs or other supplements. What brand names are available for melatonin? N/A …
Read More »Actonel (risedronate): Osteoporosis Medication Side Effects & Dosage
What is risedronate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Risedronate is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates used for the treatment of Paget's disease of bone (in which the formation of bone is abnormal) and in persons with osteoporosis (in which the density and strength of bones are reduced). Other biphosphonates include the drugs alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate …
Read More »Ocean Saline Nasal Spray Side Effects, Pregnancy Safety & Uses
What is sodium chloride-nasal spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Intranasal sodium chloride or saline solution is a purified salt solution used for wetting the nasal passages. It moisturizes the nose and helps dissolve and loosen thick mucus most often associated with the common cold. It is especially useful for clearing stuffy nasal passages in children who …
Read More »Actos (pioglitazone): Diabetes Drug Side Effects & Dosage
Why is Actos (pioglitazone) prescribed to patients? Actos is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It is used along with a healthy diabetic diet, regular exercise, weight control, smoking reduction, and careful monitoring of blood glucose. Actos may be used alone or in combination with metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet), a drug in a …
Read More »fluvoxamine (Luvox): OCD Medication Side Effects & Dosage
What is fluvoxamine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fluvoxamine is a drug that is used for treating several psychiatric disorders. It is a member of the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class that also includes fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors affect neurotransmitters, chemicals that nerves in …
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