Why do people need vaccines? What is immunization? What is immunity? Share Your Story Vaccines are medications that boost our ability to fight off certain diseases. Many of the vaccine-preventable diseases are highly contagious and even fatal in non-immunized individuals (Table 1). Prior to the development of vaccines, these diseases disabled or killed millions of …
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Tazorac vs. Accutane: Side Effects, Dosage & Interaction for Acne Drugs
What are the differences between Tazorac and isotretinoin? Tazorac (tazarotene) and isotretinoin are medications used to treat acne. Tazorac is also used to treat psoriasis. A difference is that Tazorac is a topical medication (applied to the skin) and isotretinoin is taken orally. Tazorac was withdrawn from the U.S. market, but it is available on a very limited basis for …
Read More »Metformin vs. Glucovance: Differences Between Diabetes Drugs
Metformin vs. Glucovance Metformin and Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) are antidiabetic medications used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children. Glucovance contains metoformin along with another medication, glyburide. Brand names for Metformin include Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, and Riomet. Side effects of Metformin and Glucovance that are similar include nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, decreased appetite, low blood glucose, and …
Read More »Skelaxin vs. Baclofen: Side Effects & Uses for Muscle Relaxers
Skelaxin vs. Baclofen Skelaxin (metaxalone) and baclofen are skeletal muscle relaxants. A main difference is that Skelaxin is used mostly for short-term painful muscle and skeletal conditions, while baclofen may be used long-term for spasms of skeletal muscles, muscle rigidity, muscle clonus, and pain caused by disorders like multiple sclerosis. Brand names for baclofen include Gablofen and Lioresal. Side effects …
Read More »Ketoconazole vs. Selenium Sulfide: Side Effects & Uses for Dandruff Shampoo
Ketoconazole vs. Selenium Sulfide Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are antifungal agents used to treat itching, flaking, scaling, and dry skin on the scalp due to dandruff. Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are also used for treating seborrhea (a red, itchy rash) and tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, …
Read More »Breo Ellipta vs. Albuterol: Facts on COPD & Asthma Inhalers
What is the difference between Breo and albuterol? Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder) and albuterol sulfate are both used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Breo Ellipta is a combination of fluticasone, a glucocorticoid, and vilanterol, a bronchodilator of the beta-2 agonist type. Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Brand names of albuterol include ProAir HFA, …
Read More »Doxycycline vs. Tetracycline: Side Effects & Dosage for Antibiotics
What is the difference between doxycycline and tetracycline? Doxycycline and tetracycline are antibiotics used for many different types of infections, including respiratory tract infections due to Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Brand names for doxycycline include Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox, Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Doryx, Doxteric, and Doxy. Tetracycline is only available in generic form. Sumycin is a discontinued …
Read More »Coreg vs. Metoprolol Tartrate: Side Effects & Dosage for Hypertension Drugs
What is the difference between Coreg and metoprolol tartrate? Carvedilol and metoprolol tartrate are beta-adrenergic blocking agents (beta-blockers) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and congestive heart failure. Brand names for carvedilol include Coreg and Coreg CR. Brand names for metoprolol tartrate include Lopressor and Toprol XL. Side effects of carvedilol and metoprolol tartrate that are similar include diarrhea, …
Read More »Cetirizine (Zyrtec) vs. loratadine (Claritin): Allergy Drug Uses & Side Effects
What is the difference between cetirizine and loratadine? Cetirizine and loratadine are non-sedating antihistamines used to treat symptoms of allergic reaction such as symptoms of seasonal hay fever (allergic rhinitis) such as sneezing, runny nose, red/watery/itchy eyes, hives, and allergic skin rash. Brand names for Cetirizine include Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, and Zyrtec Hives Relief. Brand names for loratadine include Claritin, …
Read More »Celexa (citalopram) vs. Lexapro (escitalopram): Depression & Anxiety SSRIs
What is the difference between Celexa and Lexapro? Celexa (citalopram) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) type antidepressants used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. These drugs are also sometimes used off-label (not FDA-approved use) for obsessive-compulsive disorders and panic disorders. Side effects of Celexa and Lexapro that are similar include nausea, dry mouth, increased sweating, headache, …
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