What is budesonide (Entocort EC, Uceris)? Budesonide is a synthetic (man-made) steroid of the glucocorticoid family that is used for treating Crohn’s disease. What brand names are available for budesonide? Entocort EC and Uceris are brand names for budesonide in the US. Why is budesonide (Entocort EC, Uceris) prescribed to patients? Budesonide is used for …
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What is mannitol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mannitol is a naturally occurring substance that causes the body to lose water (diuresis) through osmosis. Mannitol promotes diuresis in kidneys by increasing the concentration of filtrates in the kidney and blocking reabsorption of water by kidney tubules. The FDA approved mannitol in June 1964. What brand names are …
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What is famotidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Famotidine is an oral drug that blocks the production of acid by acid-producing cells in the stomach. It belongs to a class of drugs called H2 (histamine-2) blockers that also includes cimetidine (Tagamet), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac). Histamine is a naturally-occurring chemical that stimulates cells in the stomach …
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What is nystatin? Nystatin is an oral anti-fungal medication. Why is nystatin used? Nystatin oral tablets and capsules are used for treating intestinal candidiasis. Is nystatin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for nystatin? Yes What brand names are available for nystatin? There are no brand names for nystatin available in the US. What are …
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What is lactulose, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lactulose is a man-made sugar that contains two naturally occurring sugars, galactose and fructose. It is not digested in the intestine like other sugars so that it reaches the colon where bacteria digest it and thereby alter the composition of the stool. Lactulose is used as a laxative to …
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What is esomeprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Esomeprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Chemically, esomeprazole is very similar to omeprazole. Proton pump inhibitors are used …
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What is diphenoxylate and atropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lomotil is a combination of two drugs, diphenoxylate and atropine. It is used to treat acute diarrhea (diarrhea of limited duration). Diphenoxylate is a man-made narcotic chemically related to meperidine (Demerol). Like other narcotics, diphenoxylate reduces diarrhea by interfering with the propulsion of intestinal contents through the …
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What is lansoprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lansoprazole is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPI) which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class include rabeprazole (Aciphex), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium). Proton pump inhibitors are used for the treatment of conditions such as …
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What is Carafate (sucralfate)? Carafate is a unique oral drug that is used for treating ulcers of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Is Carafate (sucralfate) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Carafate (sucralfate)? Yes What are the uses for Carafate (sucralfate)? Carafate is used for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and to prevent recurrent …
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What is diarrhea? Diarrhea is characterized as loose or runny stools that happen an abnormally high number of times throughout the day. Diarrhea can be linked to autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s or functional bowel disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, but is more often a sign of food intolerance (lactose is common), viral infection, food poisoning or other infectious diseases of …
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