What is tetracycline, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic, that is, it is active against many different types of bacteria. It is effective against Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and many others. Tetracycline prevents growth of bacteria by preventing the …
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Meropenem (Merrem) Use, Side Effects & Interactions
What is meropenem injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Meropenem is an injectable carbapenem antibiotic. It is similar to impenem and cilastin (Primaxin). Meropenem prevents bacteria from forming the walls that surround them. The walls are necessary to protect bacteria from their environment and to keep the contents of the bacterial cell together. Bacteria cannot survive without …
Read More »Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone) Uses Side Effects & Dosage
What is atovaquone-proguanil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atovaquone and proguanil is an anti-malarial medication. Atovaquone blocks mitochondrial electron transfer and thereby the production of energy for use by the parasites. Proguanil is metabolized into its active metabolite, cycloguanil, which blocks dihydrofolate reductase and enzymes required for making pyrimidine which is a chemical needed for production of …
Read More »phenazopyridine (Pyridium) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is phenazopyridine-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Phenazopyridine is an oral urinary analgesic (pain relieving medication). It is available over-the-counter (without a prescription or OTC) in lower strengths, and with a prescription for higher strengths. It is used commonly to treat symptoms of pain, burning, urgency, frequency, and other symptoms associated with lower urinary tract infections …
Read More »doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx) Side Effects, Dosage & Uses
Do I need a prescription for doxycycline? Yes What is doxycycline? Doxycycline is a synthetic (man-made) antibiotic derived from tetracycline. What brand names are available for doxycycline? Brand names for doxycycline hyclate include Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox, Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Doryx, Doxteric, Doxy, Monodox, and others. Is doxycycline available as a generic drug? Yes Why is doxycycline prescribed to patients? …
Read More »Typhus Treatment, Symptoms, Prevention & Causes
Typhus facts Typhus is a vector-borne bacterial disease; there are two types termed endemic and epidemic. Typhus has a long and deadly history, especially epidemic typhus. Bacteria causes typhus. Rickettsia prowazekii causes epidemic typhus. Rickettsia typhi and, occasionally, R. felis cause endemic typhus and are transmitted to humans by vectors such as lice (mainly epidemic) and fleas (mainly endemic). Risk …
Read More »Diflucan vs. ketoconazole: Antifungal Drug Side Effects & Uses
Diflucan vs. ketoconazole Diflucan (fluconazole) and ketoconazole are anti-fungal medications used to treat different types of fungal infections. Diflucan is used to treat vaginal, oral, and esophageal fungal infections caused by Candida; urinary tract infections, peritonitis, pneumonia and disseminated infections caused by Candida; cryptococcal meningitis; and to prevent Candida infections in patients treated with chemotherapy or radiation after bone marrow …
Read More »Leishmaniasis Treatment, Symptoms & Diagnosis
Leishmaniasis facts Leishmaniasis is on the World Health Organization's list of "neglected tropical diseases." A parasite that spreads to humans through the bite of infected Phlebotomus sand flies causes leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis occurs in several temperate and tropical countries of Central and South America (New World), the Middle East, East Africa, and East Asia (Old World). In other regions, such as …
Read More »Technivie (ombitasvir, paritaprevir & ritonavir) for Hepatitis C
What is Technivie (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir), and what is it used for? Technivie is a prescription medicine used with ribavirin to treat adults with genotype 4 chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with a certain type of cirrhosis (compensated). You should also read the Medication Guide for ribavirin. Technivie can be used …
Read More »Vibrio Infection (Vibriosis) Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Vibrio infection facts *Vibrio infection facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Vibrio bacteria live in coastal waters. Around 12 species of Vibrio can cause a gastrointestinal illness (gastroenteritis) in humans. The illness produced by Vibrio bacteria is known as vibriosis. In most cases, the illness results from eating contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked shellfish from water that …
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