What are the differences between prednisone vs. dexamethasone? Prednisone and dexamethasone are synthetic corticosteroids used for suppressing the immune system and inflammation. Both drugs are used to treat many conditions including arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, skin problems, and allergies. Corticosteroids including prednisone and dexamethasone are commonly used to suppress the immune system and prevent the …
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Prednisone vs. Hydrocortisone Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What are the differences between prednisone vs. hydrocortisone? Prednisone and hydrocortisone are synthetic corticosteroids used for suppressing the immune system and inflammation. Both drugs are used to treat many conditions including arthritis, colitis, asthma, bronchitis, skin problems, and allergies. Corticosteroids including prednisone and hydrocortisone are commonly used to suppress the immune system and prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs. …
Read More »Flonase vs. Nasacort Side Effects, Dosage & Pregnancy Safety
What are the differences between Flonase vs. Nasacort? Flonase (fluticasone) and Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) are synthetic steroids of the glucocorticoid class prescribed for the control of symptoms of sneezing, itching, and runny nose caused by seasonal allergies or hay fever. Both Flonase and Nasacort are available over-the-counter (OTC). Side effects of Flonase and Nasacort that are similar include headache, sore …
Read More »Klonopin vs. Ativan Side Effects, Dosage & Pregnancy Safety Information
Klonopin vs. Ativan Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) are medications used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. Both drugs are also sometimes used for treating seizures. Both Klonopin and Ativan are in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and flurazepam (Dalmane). Side effects of Klonopin and Ativan that are similar include drowsiness, …
Read More »PPIs vs. NSAIDs: Facts on Pain Relievers & Antacids
PPIs vs. NSAIDs facts PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are gastric acid reducers used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) are non-narcotic pain relievers used to treat pain and reduce inflammation. They are also used as fever reducers. Examples of PPIs include omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Zegerid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex), esomeprazole (Nexium), and …
Read More »Codeine vs. Vicodin: The Differences Between Opioid Pain Killers
What is the difference between codeine and Vicodin? Both codeine and Vicodin (acetaminophen and hydrocodone) are narcotic analgesics. Vicodin contains an additional ingredient, acetaminophen, which is a non-narcotic pain reliever. These narcotics are indicated for moderate to severe pain. One difference is that codeine is also prescribed as a cough suppressant. Codeine is a generic brand while Vicodin is a …
Read More »guarana (Paullinia cupana, Zoom, Brazilian Cocoa)
What is guarana (Paullinia cupana)-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Guarana is a natural herbal supplement. The exact mechanism of how guarana works is not known. Guarana contains more than 2.5% to 5% caffeine by weight. Caffeine is a stimulant and is most likely responsible for most of guarana's effects. There is no scientific evidence that guarana …
Read More »astemizole (Hismanal): Drug Side Effects and Dosing
What brand names are available for astemizole? Hismanal
Read More »bromfenac (Duract): Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What brand names are available for bromfenac? Duract
Read More »cosyntropin (Cortrosyn): Facts About Drug Side Effects
What is cosyntropin-injectable, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cosyntropin is a manufactured version of the body's natural adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It stimulates the adrenal gland to release steroids including hydrocortisone and cortisone, androgens, as well as aldosterone. Cosyntropin has the same activity as ACTH. The FDA approved …
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