Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Zovirax (acyclovir): What’s the difference? Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Zovirax (acyclovir) are antiviral drugs used to treat infections with shingles (herpes zoster), genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis), and cold sores (herpes labialis). Zovirax is also used to treat Epstein-Barr virus (mononucleosis). Side effects of Valtrex and Zovirax that are similar include headache, nausea,...
Generic drug: ibalizumab-uiyk Brand name: Trogarzo What is Trogarzo (ibalizumab-uiyk), and how does it work? Trogarzo (ibalizumab-uiyk) is a prescription medicine that is used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults who: have received several anti-HIV-1 regimens in the past, and have HIV-1 virus that is resistant to many...
Tramadol vs. codeine comparison Tramadol (Ultram) and codeine are both opiates and narcotics prescribed for moderate pain. Codeine is also a cough suppressant. Codeine is derived from the poppy plant like other narcotics, including morphine, heroin, and opium. Tramadol, on the other hand, is synthetic, though it is similar to codeine. Both these drugs are...
Suprax (cefixime) vs. cefuroxime: What’s the difference? Suprax (cefixime) and cefuroxime are cephalosporin antibiotics used to treat infections of the middle ear (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections (pharyngitis), laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), gonorrhea, and acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cefuroxime is also used to treat early...
What is botulinum toxin? The bacterial botulinum toxin refined into a drug called Botox, among other formulations. It can smooth fine lines and wrinkles by paralyzing underlying facial muscles, it can reduce nerve pain and relax spasming muscles. Botulinum toxin is one of nature’s most poisonous biological substances. It is a neurotoxin produced by bacteria...
Is there a substitute for human blood? While there is no synthetic substitute for human blood, current research largely focuses on developing substitute blood components, like platelets for clotting or red cells for oxygen/CO2 exchange. Though some clinical trials of blood substitutes have shut down because of safety concerns, the field has come a long...
What is chemical restraint? A chemical restraint is a drug, usually a sedative or antipsychotic, administered to control a patient's violent behavior that could harm medical staff or themselves. Chemical restraint refers to the administration of certain medications to restrain agitated patients from behavior that is harmful to themselves or others, including the medical staff...
What is Sogroya, and how does it work? Sogroya is indicated for the replacement of endogenous growth hormone (GH) in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Sogroya is a prescription medicine that contains human growth hormone, the same growth hormone made by the human body. Sogroya is given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous) and...
What is conscious sedation? Sedatives and pain relievers as well as local anesthetic are used to induce conscious sedation. Conscious sedation, medically known as procedural sedation and/or moderate sedation, is a procedure to relieve anxiety and depress the level of consciousness in patients, before minor procedures. Conscious sedation is usually performed by physicians in their...
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a method of contraception that requires the placement of a small, T-shaped device inside the uterus. Contraception refers to precautionary measures to prevent vaginal intercourse from resulting in pregnancy. Intrauterine devices are one of the most effective methods of contraception. IUDs are useful for long term contraception because they last...