What is levothyroxine sodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Levothyroxine is a synthetic (man-made) version of the principle thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4) that is made and released by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone increases the metabolic rate of cells of all tissues in the body. In the fetus and newborn, thyroid hormone...
What is Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)? Oxycodone is a strong narcotic pain-reliever and cough suppressant similar to morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. Is Percocet available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Percocet? Yes Why is Percocet prescribed to patients? Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) is prescribed for the relief of moderate to moderately severe...
Facts on cefdinir vs. cefuroxime Cefdinir and cefuroxime (Zinacef, Ceftin) are cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat a range of infections. The brand name for cefdinir called Omnicef is discontinued in the U.S. Side effects of cefdinir and cefuroxime that are similar include diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, vaginitis, and skin rash....
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) facts A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief interruption of blood flow to part of the brain that causes temporary stroke-like symptoms. The risks for TIA are the same as for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease, and include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and family history....
Mesothelioma facts Mesothelioma is a cancer that arises from the cells lining the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma typically results from exposure to asbestos. When mesothelioma affects the chest, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. When mesothelioma affects the abdomen, the doctor may look inside the...
Bipolar disorder in children and teens facts *Bipolar disorder in children and teens facts written by Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD Bipolar disorder is a serious brain illness that results in individuals going through unusual mood changes; they can exhibit maniac or "up" or energetic moods to "down" or depressive moods. Although most anyone can...
Bipolar disorder in children and teens facts *Bipolar disorder in children and teens facts written by Charles P. Davis, MD, PhD Bipolar disorder is a serious brain illness that results in individuals going through unusual mood changes; they can exhibit maniac or "up" or energetic moods to "down" or depressive moods. Although most anyone can...
Ketoconazole vs. Selenium Sulfide Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are antifungal agents used to treat itching, flaking, scaling, and dry skin on the scalp due to dandruff. Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are also used for treating seborrhea (a red, itchy rash) and tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral,...
Metformin vs. Glucovance Metformin and Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) are antidiabetic medications used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children. Glucovance contains metoformin along with another medication, glyburide. Brand names for Metformin include Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, and Riomet. Side effects of Metformin and Glucovance that are similar include nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, decreased...
Skelaxin vs. Baclofen Skelaxin (metaxalone) and baclofen are skeletal muscle relaxants. A main difference is that Skelaxin is used mostly for short-term painful muscle and skeletal conditions, while baclofen may be used long-term for spasms of skeletal muscles, muscle rigidity, muscle clonus, and pain caused by disorders like multiple sclerosis. Brand names for baclofen include...