What is olsalazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Olsalazine is an oral medication that works as an anti-inflammatory drug for treating inflammatory diseases of the colon. It is a derivative of salicylic acid. Inactive itself, it is converted by the bacteria in the colon to its active form, mesalamine. Following oral administration …
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mesalamine (Lialda) for UC, Side Effects, and Dosage
What is mesalamine (Lialda), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mesalamine is an oral drug used for treating ulcerative colitis. Lialda is mesalamine in a form that is slowly released in the intestine so that it can be given just once-a-day. Other oral drugs containing mesalamine that are similar to Lialda include Asacol, Pentasa, and Apriso. Asacol and Pentasa, …
Read More »Sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer): Uses, Ingredients & Formula
What is sodium bicarbonate? Sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer Heartburn Relief) is an alkalinizing agent (antacid) that reduces stomach acid. It is a commonly used antacid to treat heartburn, acid ingestion and upset stomach. Is sodium bicarbonate available as a generic drug? Yes. Do I need a prescription for sodium bicarbonate? No. Why is sodium bicarbonate prescribed to patients? Oral sodium bicarbonate …
Read More »Potassium Chloride Supplement Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What is potassium chloride, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Potassium preparations are used for supplementing potassium in order to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Potassium is a major mineral (electrolyte) that is important for the function of every cell in the body. For example, it is important in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, …
Read More »Levaquin (levofloxacin) Antibiotic Side Effects & Adverse Effects
What is levofloxacin (Levaquin)? Levaquin (levofloxacin) is an antibiotic for treating bacterial infections of the sinuses, skin, lungs, ears, bones, airways, and joints. Levaquin is often used to treat: Urinary tract infections Prostatitis Diarrhea caused by E. coli Campylobacter jejuni Shigella Mastitis Acute bacterial sinusitis Acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis Proctatitis Anthrax inhalation Plague Complicated skin and skin structure …
Read More »Bentyl (dicyclomine) vs. Linzess (linaclotide): IBS Drug Comparison
Dicyclomine vs. Linzess: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Linzess (linaclotide) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Linzess is specifically used to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation. It is also used to treat chronic constipation of unknown cause (idiopathic constipation). Dicyclomine and Linzess belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic and Linzess is …
Read More »Dicyclomine (Bentyl) vs. hyoscyamine (Levbid)
Dicyclomine vs. hyoscyamine: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are anticholinergics used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Hyoscyamine is also used to treat peptic ulcer disease, hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and gastrointestinal disorders. A brand name for dicyclomine is Bentyl. Brand names for hyoscyamine include Levbid, Levsin, Nulev, and Anaspaz. Side effects of dicyclomine and hyoscyamine that are similar include dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, changes in taste, headache, nervousness, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, impotence, flushing, nausea, and vomiting, Side effects of dicyclomine that are …
Read More »Bentyl (dicyclomine) vs. Librax (chlordiazepoxide HCL & clidinium bromide)
Dicyclomine vs. Librax: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Librax (chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride and clidinium bromide) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Librax is also used to treat peptic ulcer disease. It also may be useful in management of acute gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Dicyclomine and Librax belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic and Librax is a combination …
Read More »Dicyclomine vs. Donnatal: IBD Drug Side Effects & Dosage
Dicyclomine vs. Donnatal: What’s the difference? Dicyclomine and Donnatal (belladonna/phenobarbital) are used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine and Donnatal belong to different drug classes. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic and Donnatal is a combination of an anticholinergic/antispasmodic. A brand name for dicyclomine is Bentyl. Side effects of dicyclomine and Donnatal that are similar include dry mouth, blurred vision, increased …
Read More »Belladonna & Opium Suppositories: Uses & Side Effects
What is belladonna and opium? Belladonna/opium is a man-made narcotic analgesic and anti-spasmodic combination medication. Belladonna and opium suppositories are used for relief of moderate to severe pain associated with ureteral spasm not responsive to non-narcotic analgesics and to space intervals between injections of opiates. Is belladonna and opium available as a generic drug? Yes What are the side effects of belladonna and opium? Side …
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