What is valproic acid, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Valproic acid and its derivative, divalproex, are oral drugs that are used for the treatment of convulsions, migraines and bipolar disorder. The active ingredient in both products is valproic acid. Divalproex is converted to valproic acid in the stomach. Scientists do not know …
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Ativan vs. Xanax review Ativan (lorazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) are both members of the benzodiazepine family of drugs used mainly to treat anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. Researchers believe both Ativan and Xanax – like other benzodiazepines – work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter that helps inhibit excess brain activity. Excessive activity of nerves in the brain may …
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Metronidazole (Flagyl) vs. azelaic acid (Finacea) similarities and differences Metronidazole and azelaic acid are antibiotics used to treat acne. Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER and brand names for azelaic acid include Finacea and Azelex. A difference is metronidazole is taken orally and azelaic acid is used topically (on the skin). Side effects of metronidazole that are …
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Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Xanax (alprazolam) similarities and differences Lyrica (pregabalin) and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat seizures and anxiety disorder. Lyrica is also used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also used in combination with other drugs to treat partial onset seizures in adults. Xanax is primarily used to …
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Metronidazole (Flagyl) vs. clindamycin (Cleocin) Metronidazole and clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream are antibiotics used to treat vaginal infections. Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER and brand names for clindamycin include Cleocin and Clindesse. A difference is metronidazole is taken orally and clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream is used topically (on the skin). Side effects of metronidazole that are …
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Spherocytosis facts Readers Comments 7 Share Your Story Spherocytosis is the production of abnormal red blood cells that are in the shape of a sphere instead of the concave disk shape of normal red blood cells, resulting in fragile and abnormal red blood cells. Other symptoms and signs of spherocytosis include anemia, paleness (pallor), jaundice, enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), and gallbladder …
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What is mirtazapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant similar to maprotiline (Ludiomil) and tricyclic antidepressants, for example, desipramine (Norpramin). Depression is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with each other) may be …
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What is alendronate (Fosamax), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alendronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. The bisphosphonate class includes etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), and tiludronate (Skelid). Bisphosphonates are used for treating osteoporosis (reduced density of bone that leads to fractures) and bone pain from diseases such as metastatic breast cancer, …
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What is Antabuse, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Disulfiram is an oral drug used for treating alcoholism. Alcohol is converted in the body into acetaldehyde by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase. Another enzyme called acetaldehyde dehydrogenase then converts acetaldehyde into acetic acid. Disulfiram prevents acetaldehyde dehydrogenase from converting acetaldehyde into acetic acid, leading to a buildup of …
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What is hydrocodone (Zohydro ER)? Hydrocodone is an opioid narcotic pain-reliever similar to oxycodone, morphine, methadone, fentanyl, and other opioids. Do I need a prescription for hydrocodone (Zohydro ER)? Yes Why is hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) prescribed to patients? name=”prescribed”> Why is hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) prescribed to patients? ydrocodone is prescribed for the long-term treatment of severe pain for which other …
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