What are the differences between Prilosec and Zantac? Prilosec (omeprazole) and Zantac (ranitidine) are used for the treatment of conditions such as ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) caused by stomach acid. Both drugs work in different ways to reduce stomach acid. Prilosec and Zantac are both available over-the-counter (OTC). Prilosec is a proton pump...
What is MSM (methylsulfonylmethane ), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is also called dimethyl sulfone, DMSO2, methyl sulfone, and many other names. MSM is an organic sulfur found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and milk as well as the urine of animals. It is an oxidation product of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)...
What is ranitidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ranitidine 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 famotidine (Pepcid). Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical...
What’s the Difference between Proton Pump Inhibitors and Zantac? Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and Zantac (ranitidine) reduce the production of acid and are used to prevent and treat acid-related conditions including esophageal duodenal and stomach ulcers, NSAID-associated ulcers, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Some proton pump inhibitors are available over-the-counter (OTC) and...
What is abatacept? What is abatacept used for? Abatacept is an injectable, synthetic (man-made) protein produced by recombinant DNA technology that is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. It is an immunesuppressant, a drug that suppresses the immune system that is similar to alefacept (Amevive) and belatacept (Nulojix). The immune system is responsible for protecting the...
What is rabeprazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Rabeprazole is an oral drug that is used for the treatment of conditions caused by acid. It is in a class of drugs called proton pump inhibitors or PPIs which block the production of acid by the stomach. Other drugs in the same class...
What are the uses for orlistat? Orlistat is combined with a reduced-calorie diet to promote weight loss. Orlistat also may be used to prevent weight gain after weight has been lost. Candidates for treatment with orlistat are patients who are obese with a body mass index (a measure of obesity) of more than 30 kg/m2....
What is Advair Diskus, Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler)? Advair is a combination of inhaled drugs that is used to treat asthma and chronic bronchitis. What brand names are available for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol oral inhaler? Advair Diskus and Advair HFA are the brand names available for fluticasone propionate and salmeterol...
What is albuterol, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Albuterol sulphate dilates the airways of the lung and is used for treating asthma and other conditions of the lung. Asthma is a breathing problem due to narrowing of the airways (bronchial tubes) that allow air to move in and out of the lungs....
What is azathioprine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant, that is, a drug that is used to suppress the immune system. It is used to treat patients who have undergone kidney transplantation and for diseases in which modifying the activity of the immune system is important. Azathioprine is a...