What is glipizide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glipizide is an oral drug that is used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the sulfonylurea class of drugs which also includes glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase), tolbutamide and tolazamide. Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas...
Cyclobenzaprine vs. Norco: What’s the Difference? Cyclobenzaprine and Norco (hydrocodone acetaminophen) are used to treat pain. Cyclobenzaprine is mainly used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Norco is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain of various causes. Brand names for cyclobenzaprine...
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. amitriptyline (Elavil): What’s the difference? Cyclobenzaprine and amitriptyline are used to treat different types of pain from different causes. Cyclobenzaprine is used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Amitriptyline may be used to treat nerve pain, but it is...
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. naproxen (Aleve): What’s the difference? Cyclobenzaprine and naproxen are used to treat different types of pain in different ways. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Naproxen is used to relieve mild to moderate...
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) vs. carisoprodol (Soma): What’s the difference? Cyclobenzaprine and carisoprodol are muscle relaxants used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Brand names for cyclobenzaprine include Flexeril, Amrix, and Fexmid. A brand name for carisoprodol is Soma. Side effects of cyclobenzaprine and...
Cyclobenzaprine vs. Norco: What’s the Difference? Cyclobenzaprine and Norco (hydrocodone acetaminophen) are used to treat pain. Cyclobenzaprine is mainly used with rest and physical therapy for short-term relief of muscle spasms associated with acute painful muscle and skeletal conditions. Norco is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain of various causes. Brand names for cyclobenzaprine...
What is phentermine? Phentermine is a drug that suppresses appetite. Why is phentermine prescribed to patients? Phentermine is combined with diet and exercise for the short-term treatment of obesity in individuals with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with risk factors for...
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...
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...
What is amlodipine besylate (Norvasc)? Amlodipine belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Why is amlodipine besylate (Norvasc) prescribed to patients? Chest pain or heart pain (angina) occurs because of insufficient oxygen delivered to the heart muscles. Insufficient oxygen may be a result of coronary artery blockage or spasm, or because...