What is zoledronic acid? What are the uses for zoledronic acid? Reclast is used for treatment of osteoporosis in men and postmenopausal women as well as Paget's disease. It also is used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and treatment of steroid-induced osteoporosis. Treatment of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women Reclast is indicated for treatment of...
What are birth control pills? How do they work (mechanism of action)? Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are medications that prevent pregnancy. They are one method of birth control. Oral contraceptives are hormonal preparations that may contain combinations of the hormones estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. Combinations of estrogen and progestin prevent pregnancy by...
Ondansetron (Zofran) vs. alosetron (Lotronex): What’s the difference? Ondansetron and alosetron are serotonin-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists used to treat different conditions. Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy and to prevent vomiting and nausea after surgery. Alosetron is used to treat diarrhea and abdominal discomfort that occurs in some women...
What are nitrates (nitrate medications)? Nitrates are medications used for treating or preventing heart pain (angina, chest pain) caused by heart disease, usually of the arteries in the heart. What are examples of nitrates available in the United States? Examples of generic and brand names of nitrates include: nitroglycerin sublingual tablet (Nitrostat) nitroglycerin lingual aerosol...
What is topical metronidazole? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Metronidazole is a synthetic (man-made) drug that is effective against certain bacteria and parasites (protozoa). The topical forms (gels, creams, and lotions) of metronidazole are used for treating vaginal infections with protozoa such as Trichomonas vaginalis, amoeba, and Giardia. Metronidazole topical also is effective...
What is Pravachol, and how does it work? Pravachol is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of high cholesterol, to lower blood levels of “bad” cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL) and to lower triglycerides. Pravachol may be used alone or with other medications....
Oxycodone vs. tramadol: What’s the difference? Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic narcotic (opiate) pain medication. It is synthesized from thebaine, a part of the poppy plant. Tramadol is a schedule IV, man-made (synthetic) pain reliever (analgesic). It is not a narcotic medication, and it is not a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs). Oxycodone is classified as a...
What is Orilissa (elagolix) and how is it used? Orilissa is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. It is not known if Orilissa is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. What are the side effects of Orilissa? Orilissa may cause serious side effects, including:...
Oxycodone vs. codeine Oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxecta, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, and Roxybond) and codeine are both narcotic pain relievers. Both are also used as cough suppressants similar to morphine and hydrocodone. Oxycodone and codeine also cause sedation and drowsiness, and depress breathing. Both drugs are available in generic form. Both oxycodone and codeine are often...
What is metronidazole cream, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Metronidazole cream is a topical preparation (applied to the skin) of the antibiotic metronidazole. It is used for reducing the swelling and redness caused by acne rosacea. The mechanism through which metronidazole cream reduces the symptoms of acne rosacea is not known. The...