Tag Archives: digestion

Rabeprazole (Aciphex) Proton Pump Inhibitor Uses & Side Effects

What is rabeprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rabeprazole is an oral drug that is used for the treatment of conditions caused by acid. It is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors or PPIs which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class …

Read More »

Azulfidine (sulfasalazine) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is Azulfidine? Sulfasalazine is a drug that is used primarily for treating ulcerative colitis. Why is Azulfidine prescribed to patients? Sulfasalazine is used for the treatment of mild to severe ulcerative colitis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been used “off label” (unapproved by the FDA) for Crohn’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis. Is Azulfidine available as a …

Read More »

Bismuth (Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate) Side Effects & Dosage

What is bismuth subsalicylate-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) is a commonly used over the counter medicine used to treat: diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, indigestion, and heartburn. Bismuth subsalicylate is also used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and to treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection as part of a quadruple-drug therapy that also includes two …

Read More »

polyethylene glycol (Miralax, Glycolax): Laxative Side Effects & Dosage

What is polyethylene glycol? What is polyethylene glycol used for? Polyethylene glycol is an osmotic laxative. Polyethylene glycol works by retaining water in the stool, resulting in softer stools and more frequent bowel movements. Polyethylene glycol does not affect glucose and electrolytes in the body. What brand names are available for polyethylene glycol (peg) 3350-oral? Miralax, Glycolax Is polyethylene glycol …

Read More »

Licorice Root: Supplement Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Licorice is a plant used for flavoring food, beverages, and tobacco. The root issued as a natural, herbal supplement for medicinal purposes. Chemicals in licorice may reduce inflammation, thin mucus secretions, decrease cough, and increase the body’s ability to heal ulcers. Check with your health care professional …

Read More »

Tacrolimus (Prograf): Immunosuppressant Side Effects & Dosage

What is tacrolimus? What are the uses for tacrolimus? Tacrolimus, previously known as FK506, is a macrolide immunosuppressant produced by the bacteria Streptomyces tsukubaensis. Tacrolimus is used for the prevention of rejection of transplanted kidneys, liver, or heart. It can be combined with steroids, azathioprine (Imuran Azasan) or mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept). What brand names are available for tacrolimus? Prograf, Astagraf …

Read More »

Citric Acid/Sodium Citrate Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

What is sodium citrate (alk) citric acid? What is it used for? Sodium citrate/citric acid is used to make urine less acidic and therefore prevent formation of kidney stones. Sodium citrate/citric acid also is useful as a buffer and neutralizing agent for gastric acid. Sodium citrate is broken down to sodium bicarbonate which decreases the acidity of urine, increasing the …

Read More »

bisacodyl suppository, Dulcolax, Correctol Side Effects

What is bisacodyl-rectal suppository, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. It stimulates the muscles in the wall of the small intestine and colon to generate a bowel movement. It also alters water and electrolyte levels in intestines, increasing the level of fluids which also produce a laxative-like effect. What brand names are available …

Read More »

dicyclomine, Bentyl: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage

What is dicyclomine? What are the uses for dicyclomine? Dicyclomine is a drug that is used for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine is in a class of drugs called anticholinergics. Anticholinergic drugs block the effects of acetylcholine, the chemical transmitter that nerves release in order to cause muscles to contract. They prevent contraction of muscles by blocking the acetylcholine …

Read More »

scopolamine, Transderm-Scop: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage

What is scopolamine? What are the uses for scopolamine? Scopolamine is an oral, intravenous, ophthalmic or topical drug with many uses including the prevention of motion sickness. Transderm Scop is scopolamine administered topically (through the skin or transdermally) via a special delivery system that gradually releases scopolamine onto the skin over a period of three days. Scopolamine is absorbed into …

Read More »