Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) facts Sudden infant death syndrome is the sudden, unexpected death of an infant younger than 1 year of age. It typically occurs associated with a period of sleep. SIDS is rare during the first month of life. Risk peaks in infants 2-4 months of age and then declines. Medical professionals …
Read More »
Ativan vs. nortriptyline Ativan (lorazepam) is used to treat anxiety associated with depression, while nortriptyline is used to treat depression. Ativan is also used for the management of anxiety disorders, insomnia, and panic attacks, and it is used in combination with other medications to prevent nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy. Ativan also is administered before anesthesia for sedation and …
Read More »
What brand names are available for rivastigmine? Exelon, Exelon Patch Is rivastigmine available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for rivastigmine? Yes What are the uses for rivastigmine? Exelon and Exelon Patch is used for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type or mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s …
Read More »
What is hydrocortisone, oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hydrocortisone is a naturally-occurring corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands. 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 conditions of the nose and eyes. There are numerous preparations …
Read More »
Vyvanse vs. Strattera comparison Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Strattera (atomoxetine) are both used in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the both work by affecting levels of certain neurotransmitters. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerves and nerve cells to communicate with one another). Lisdexamfetamine is in the same drug class of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants as drugs like Adderall (amphetamine …
Read More »
What is methotrexate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methotrexate is classified as an antimetabolite drug which means it is capable of blocking the metabolism of cells. (Metabolism consists of the production and destruction of important components of the cell as well as the production of energy for use by the cell.) As a result of this effect, …
Read More »
What is estrogens conjugated, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Estrogens are one of the two major classes of female hormones. (Progestins comprise the second major class). Estrogens are used primarily to treat the symptoms of menopause and states in which there is a deficiency of estrogen, for example, in women who have had their ovaries removed. Conjugated …
Read More »
What is eszopiclone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Eszopiclone is a non-benzodiazepine, oral, sedative drug ("sleeping pill") that is used for treating insomnia. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 50 million Americans suffer from insomnia. Symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, awakening frequently during the night, waking up too early, an inability to …
Read More »
What brand names are available for enoxaparin? Lovenox Is enoxaparin available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for enoxaparin? Yes What are the uses for enoxaparin? Lovenox is used for preventing deep vein thrombosis after abdominal surgery, or hip or knee replacement surgeries, and in patients with reduced mobility due to illness. It is …
Read More »
What should I know about myasthenia gravis?* *This myasthenia gravis section written by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD What is the medical definition of myasthenia gravis? Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the skeletal (voluntary) muscles of the body. The thymus may give incorrect instructions to developing immune cells, ultimately resulting …
Read More »