Oxycodone vs. Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) for pain review Oxycodone is a strong opioid narcotic pain reliever (analgesic), and Vicodin is a combination of two drugs, hydrocodone (a strong narcotic pain reliever) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Oxycodone and hydrocodone are similar to other drugs that are opioid narcotics, for example, methadone, fentanyl, and morphine. Both oxycodone and Vicodin...
What is oxybutynin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Oxybutynin is an oral drug that is used for treating urinary bladder spasm. Oxybutynin has a dual mechanism of action. Contraction of the smooth muscle of the bladder is stimulated by the release of acetylcholine by the nerves within the bladder and the attachment...
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...
Remicade vs. Humira comparison Remicade (infliximab) and Humira (adalimumab) are both laboratory-synthesized proteins. They are different chemicals on a molecular level, but they are designed to do the same thing: block a specific immune antibody that causes inflammation in a half-dozen different autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis. The side effects common to both Remicade and...
What is sibutramine? What is sibutramine used for? Sibutramine is no longer available in the U.S. because of the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in some people who take it. Sibutramine is indicated for the management of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, and should be used in conjunction with a reduced...
Simvastatin vs. Crestor comparison Zocor (simvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are both members of the family of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins, which revolutionized the management of cardiovascular diseases, many of which are caused by cholesterol plaque deposits in the arteries. Crestor is the more potent cholesterol-lowering drug, and it’s also newer than Zocor. Both simvastatin and...
What is the difference between tramadol and hydrocodone? Tramadol (Ultram) and hydrocodone (Zohydro ER) are both prescription opiates and narcotics for pain, though tramadol is less potent. Hydrocodone is used for people with severe pain that don’t experience pain relief from weaker opiates like tramadol or codeine. Hydrocodone is derived from the poppy plant like...
What is sibutramine? What is sibutramine used for? Sibutramine is no longer available in the U.S. because of the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in some people who take it. Sibutramine is indicated for the management of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, and should be used in conjunction with a reduced...
What Are MCH Levels? MCH levels reveal the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. Hemoglobin is a protein that makes your blood red. It takes oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. It’s also what helps your body get rid of carbon dioxide. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin, or MCH, is...
What Is RDW? The RDW test identifies the variation in size of your red blood cells. A red cell distribution width (RDW) test is one part of a complete blood count (CBC). That’s a standard test doctors use to check your health by looking at the parts that make up your blood. RDW measures how...