A pelvic osteotomy for acetabular dysplasia is a surgical procedure to alter the shape and depth of the bony cup that houses the femoral joint. This aims to improve function and reduce hip inflammation and pain. An osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping of a bone. A pelvic osteotomy is a...
What’s the difference between metformin vs. Janumet? Metformin and Janumet (metformin and sitagliptin) are used to treat type 2 diabetes. Metformin is also used to treat polycystic ovaries and weight gain due to medications used for treating psychoses. Brand names of metformin include Glumetza, Glucophage, and Fortamet. Side effects of metformin and Janumet that are...
Generic drug: brimonidine tartrate Brand Qoliana: Qoliana What is Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) ophthalmic solution, and how does it work? Qoliana (brimonidine tartrate) ophthalmic solution is a selective alpha-2-adrenergic agonist used for the lowering of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Qoliana is available in generic form. What are the side effects of...
What is intravenous immunoglobulin therapy? Because intravenous immunoglobulin therapy increases a patient's immune response, doctors prescribe it in many circumstances in the hope it can help the patient heal when other treatments fail. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is a treatment for people whose immune system is compromised due to a genetic disorder or an acquired...
What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid. Acid is necessary for the formation of most ulcers in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and the reduction of...
Nitrofurantoin vs. Cephalexin: What’s the difference? Nitrofurantoin and cephalexin are antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cephalexin is also used to treat middle ear infections (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections, and bone infections. Brand names of nitrofurantoin include Macrobid, Macrodantin, and Furadantin. Brand names of cephalexin include Keflex...
What is propylthiouracil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an oral medication that is used to manage hyperthyroidism which is due to an overactive thyroid gland. It is an anti-thyroid drug that has a mechanism of action that is similar to methimazole (Tapazole). Graves’ disease is the most common cause...
What is Savella (milnacipran)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Milnacipran is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for treating pain associated with fibromyalgia. It is similar to duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Milnacipran affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain make and release in order to...
Metoprolol vs. labetalol: What’s the difference? Metoprolol and labetalol are beta-blockers (beta-adrenergic blocking agents) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Metoprolol is also used to treat heart pain (angina), congestive heart failure, hyperthyroidism, abnormal heart rhythms, and some neurologic conditions, and to prevent migraine headaches. Brand names for metoprolol include Lopressor and Toprol XL....
What Is the difference between metformin vs. Victoza? Metformin and Victoza (liraglutide) are used for treating type 2 diabetes. Metformin is also used to treat polycystic ovaries and weight gain due to medications used for treating psychoses. Metformin is an oral medication and Victoza is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneously). Brand names of...