What facts should I know about drug interactions? Whenever two or more drugs are being taken, there is a chance that there will be an interaction among the drugs. The interaction may increase or decrease the effectiveness of the drugs or their side effects. The likelihood of drug interactions increases as the number of drugs …
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What is lidocaine patch-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine is an amide-type, local anesthetic medication available in a patch form. Lidocaine, like other local anesthetics causes a loss of sensation by reducing the flow of sodium in and out nerves to decrease the initiation and transfer of nerve signals. The FDA approved lidocaine patch in March …
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What is Valtrex (valacyclovir)? What are its uses? Valtrex (valacyclovir) is an oral antiviral drug which is active against the herpes viruses. It is used to treat infections with: Shingles (herpes zoster) Genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis) Cold sores (herpes labialis) What are the side effects of Valtrex (valacyclovir)? The side effect profile of Valtrex is similar to that of …
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What is candesartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Candesartan cilexetil (candesartan) is a drug used for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). It is in a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which includes losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), and irbesartan (Avapro). Angiotensin, formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a …
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What is Haldol (haloperidol)? Haldol (haloperidol) is an antipsychotic medication. It also is used to control tics and vocal utterances that are part of Tourette’s syndrome. Is Haldol (haloperidol) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Haldol (haloperidol)? Yes Why is Haldol (haloperidol) prescribed to patients? Haldol is used for treating schizophrenia, acute psychosis, and …
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What is temazepam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Temazepam is a drug that is used for treating anxiety. It is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), and others. Temazepam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) …
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What is tramadol and acetaminophen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ultracet is a combination of two drugs, tramadol (Ultram) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) that is used to relieve moderate, acute pain such as pain following dental or surgical procedures. Tramadol and acetaminophen each relieve pain, but they do so by different mechanisms. Tramadol achieves pain relief in two …
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Do I need a prescription for doxycycline? Yes What is doxycycline? Doxycycline is a synthetic (man-made) antibiotic derived from tetracycline. What brand names are available for doxycycline? Brand names for doxycycline hyclate include Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox, Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Doryx, Doxteric, Doxy, Monodox, and others. Is doxycycline available as a generic drug? Yes Why is doxycycline prescribed to patients? …
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What is ipratropium bromide inhaler, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ipratropium bromide is a bronchodilator that dilates (enlarges) airways (bronchi) in the lungs. It is used in treating, symptoms of asthma, colds, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Ipratropium blocks the effect of acetylcholine on airways (bronchi) and nasal passages. …
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What are nitrates (nitrate medications)? Nitrates are medications used for treating or preventing heart pain (angina, chest pain) caused by heart disease, usually of the arteries in the heart. What are examples of nitrates available in the United States? Examples of generic and brand names of nitrates include: nitroglycerin sublingual tablet (Nitrostat) nitroglycerin lingual aerosol (Nitromist) nitrolinglycerin pumpspray (Nitrolingual Pumpsprapy) …
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